Depression, Panic Attacks

Dear Dr. Dean,I just purchased two bottles of Lithium Orotate. I have been taking another brand of lithium but after reading some of the letters I thought perhaps yours was a better quality. I have been taking four Lithium Orotate capsules per day for about ten days now and feel no different. I have been struggling with depression and panic attacks. It seems the depression sets off the attacks so that is what I am working on.I have tried just about every drug out there and Prozac® seems to work the best for depression but not the panic (in fact it makes the panic worse). So I am trying this route.My main problem with panic attacks is that they come while driving. When needed I take a Xanax®. I was thinking about adding 5-HTP (200 mg at night) with the Lithium Orotate and raising the Lithium dose to 6 per day. Can I take the Xanax and the 5-HTP? I’d rather not take the Xanax and hope once (and if) any of these products kick in I won’t have to. I am pretty desperate right now and am just looking for some advice.Mr. G.

Dear Mr. G.,I agree with your plan to increase your dosage of Lithium Orotate. You may require a higher dosage. Six to 8 caps per day may help. Your plan to try adding 5-HTP may also help. Of course, there is no contraindication, per se, of combining 5-HTP with Xanax, but taking Xanax to prevent panic attacks when driving is not recommended.L-Theanine, Allay™, or Valerian Extract may all help with your panic attacks, as they are all helpful in alleviating anxiety.Hope these suggestions help.Ward Dean, M.D.