Complementary & Alternative Medicine for Mental Health

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Belmaker and Levine found inositol ineffective in treating:

 schizophrenia,

 dementia,

 electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)-induced memory impairment,

 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and

 autism.

DRUG INTERACTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS

There have been no documented cases of drug interactions in studies where inositol was co-
administered with FDA-approved medications. Gastrointestinal side effects may be a problem
for some people, but inositol is generally well tolerated and appears to have a favorable safety
profile. There is no special concern in pregnancy, lactation or child use. However, there have
been case reports of inositol-induced mania in people with bipolar disorder. It is uncertain how
significant this effect would be if inositol were in wider use as a supplement. People with
bipolar disorder should exercise appropriate caution, including consideration of using a mood
stabilizer while using inositol.

CONCLUSION

Inositol is a very promising treatment for depression and panic disorder. It is promising for
bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsession, compulsion, eating disorders, hostility, sadness, tension
and fatigue. It is quite safe. Adjunctive use may not benefit but will not hurt. People with
bipolar disorder should exercise greater caution.