By Nurse Mark

We often get questions asking whether this or that or another supplement is “safe.”

These are really tough questions: Safe for who? And in what dose? And whose brand? And what other health conditions, drugs, or supplements are involved?

Even natural supplements can cause problems if overused or misused…

Kavinace is one of our more popular supplements, for very good reason – it is an excellent sleep aid. We have written often about Kavinace – here is one of our recent articles: Kavinace or the Lunesta Moth – You Decide.

Kavinace is a proprietary blend of taurine and phenibut.

Phenibut (β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid) is a derivative of the naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. It tends to function as a CNS (Central Nervous System) depressant – which is part of the reason it is so effective as a sleep aid. It has also been shown to increase dopamine levels – and dopamine is considered to be one of the “feel-good” neurotransmitters.

We have never encountered legitimate reports of  persons becoming physically addicted to phenibut or to Kavinace – though it is possible to become psychologically addicted to anything, especially if that thing is misused or overused. There are anecdotal reports of people using very large doses of phenibut on a regular basis (it is often used by people who feel socially awkward or anxious) who have found that very large repeated doses of pure phenibut have caused addictive effects – that stopping the very high doses led to feelings of anxiety returning.

How to avoid any danger of tolerance or addiction? Easy – never use more than the recommended amount!

Here is a recent question, and Dr. Myatt’s reply:

Subject: Is kavinace safe?
Message: Hello, I had a neurotransmitter urine test and it was suggested I use Kavinace. I am apprehension of the Phenibut causing addiction. I am sixty four and having horrible panic and do not want to use pharmaceuticals. Is Kavinace safe?
Thank you so much, Peggi

 

Hi Peggi:

Sorry for your travails. Panic attacks are no fun, although on a positive note, I’ve never lost a patient to a panic attack. Remind yourself of this when you are in the throes.

Use of a neurotransmitter test before starting neurotransmitter treatment has largely been discredited by actual research, although several companies including Neuro Science (makers of Kavinace) still promote this. One could just have easily suggested Kavinace to you based on your complaint of panic attacks.

Phenibut is effective and as far as I can see, safe when used moderately. I have not seen dependence in anyone although I know this is a concern.

Please keep in mind that panic attacks are not caused by a phenibut deficiency! Which means, even if it helps, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem.

The most common causes of panic attacks include hormone imbalances or deficiencies, neurotransmitter imbalances and — the big one — unstable blood sugar levels. Do you wake up in the middle of the night, say between midnight and 3 a.m., filled with anxiety?

I would like to review the "rule out" list with you and we can do this on a brief phone consult. Here’s the link on how to schedule: https://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/BriefConsults.htm

Panic attacks are correctable but drugs and even natural substances, though they may provide relief, don’t really cure the problem.

Whatever you do, I’m wishing you a complete resolution from this most annoying problem.

In Health,
Dr. Myatt

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