Supplement Support for Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be terrifying. They come on suddenly, often without warning, and produce intense physical symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and overwhelming fear. For many, they feel like a heart attack or a complete loss of control. Over time, the fear of having a panic attack can lead to avoidance behaviors, isolation, and anxiety about anxiety itself.

While therapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy and somatic work) is essential for long-term healing, many people benefit from targeted supplementation to calm the nervous system, support neurotransmitter balance, and reduce physiological reactivity.

Understanding Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. It’s driven by a hyperactivated sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) and elevated levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Many people with panic attacks also have imbalances in brain chemicals like GABA (calming), serotonin (mood), and norepinephrine (alertness).

The body essentially interprets a non-dangerous situation as life-threatening, triggering a full-body alarm response. Over time, chronic stress, poor sleep, blood sugar instability, and trauma can lower your brain’s threshold for triggering this false alarm.

Top Supplements for Panic Relief
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most effective tools for panic management:

GABA – As your body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA acts like the brake pedal in your brain. Supplemental GABA helps blunt the surge of adrenaline and calms physical symptoms like tightness, shakiness, and rapid heartbeat.

L-Theanine – A fast-acting amino acid that promotes calm alertness and balances neurotransmitters. It can be taken daily or at the onset of panic symptoms for rapid relief.

Inositol – This B-vitamin-like compound supports serotonin signaling and has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. It’s particularly useful for panic linked to obsessive thought loops.

Magnesium Taurate or Glycinate – Magnesium helps regulate nerve signaling, blood pressure, and muscle relaxation. Taurate targets heart rhythm and anxiety; glycinate promotes deep calm and sleep.

Rhodiola Rosea – This adaptogen moderates the body’s stress response, especially in people who feel wired or reactive. It supports both the adrenal system and mood stability.

Practical Strategies for Supplement Use

Keep fast-acting support like L-theanine or GABA on hand for emergency use.

Use calming supplements preventatively if you know your triggers (e.g., flying, public speaking).

Combine supplements with deep breathing or vagus nerve activation for greater impact.

Maintain stable blood sugar with protein-rich meals to avoid panic-inducing crashes.

When to Seek Additional Help
If panic attacks occur more than once per week, disrupt your daily function, or come with depression or insomnia, consider working with a licensed functional provider or mental health professional. Labs like organic acid tests (OAT), cortisol panels, or neurotransmitter profiles may reveal underlying imbalances that need to be addressed.

Stop Guessing, Get Testing
If overwhelm persists despite nutritional and lifestyle interventions, consider functional lab testing. Organic acid tests (OAT), salivary cortisol, or neurotransmitter panels can reveal underlying biochemical imbalances that guide more targeted support.

Email us to get the lab testing bundle discount coupon.

Lifestyle Matters
Supplements are one piece of the puzzle. Incorporate other calming rituals like:

Vagus nerve exercises (humming, cold plunges)

Somatic tracking or grounding

Nature immersion

Yoga or tai chi

Limiting caffeine and stimulants

You Are Not Broken
Panic attacks can make you feel broken, helpless, or out of control—but they are a symptom, not an identity. With the right support, your brain and body can unlearn the panic pattern. Supplements are valuable allies that can help calm the nervous system and build confidence that you can handle overwhelming feelings.

Explore our list of quality, professional vetted supplements to support panic attacks, stress, and overwhelm.

Let this be the beginning of a gentler, steadier path toward peace.

This blog provides general information about supplements and related topics. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your medical doctor before making any decisions related to your health or taking any supplements. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. The author(s) of this blog are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided here.

Tags: anxiety, functional medicine test, mental health, Nancy Guberti, overwhelm, panic attack, stress, support for panic attacks, test for mental health, Total Wellness Empowerment Institute