SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: BIPOLAR DISORDER
SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USERS: EATING DISORDERS
DISPROVEN USES
DRUG INTERACTIONS
SIDE EFFECTS
DOSAGE
RESEARCH
Inositol is a sugar alcohol and a structural isomer of glucose. It is often sold as a dietary
supplement in combination with other nutraceuticals. Inositol is present in a variety of
foods, particularly beans, grains, nuts, and many fruits. The average adult human consumes
about 1 g per day of inositol. Inositol is classified as a member of the vitamin B family,
specifically vitamin B8.
EFFICACY: DEPRESSION AND PANIC DISORDER: Inositol monotherapy has been shown in
very small studies to be helpful for depression and panic disorder:
Brown et al. report 1995 and 1996 studies in which inositol was found to function better
than placebo in alleviating symptoms of depression, panic disorder.^1
Brown et al. consider inositol to be a “third-line augmentation” because of the
gastrointestinal side effects.
Brown et al. II (through Akhondzadeh, Gerbard, P.L. and Brown, R.P.) confirm evidence
for the use of inositol as an adjunctive treatment for depression and panic disorder.^2
