Lavender has long been used to treat anxiety, and well-designed studies have shown that Silexan, a compound found in the lavender plant, can help with mild anxiety. It may have a similar efficacy to other prescription medications for anxiety without some of the side effects. 

Lavender oil contains hundreds of compounds, including certain compounds that may have calming effects. Silexan is a proprietary blend of some of these compounds. 

Two compounds from lavender oil, called linalool and linalyl acetate, are the primary ingredients of the blend, and it also contains over 100 other compounds from the lavender plant. Linalool and linalyl acetate may give the lavender plant the calming and sedative effects that have been associated with it in different cultures for centuries.

In several high-quality studies, Silexan has been shown to be effective. No clear studies show that other lavender oil products would have the same effects as the specific extract Silexan. 

Silexan is an effective natural anti-anxiety medication that has not been found to have some of the severe side effects that can occur with prescription anti-anxiety medication. 

Insomnia can be a side-effect and symptom of both anxiety disorders and depression. Not getting adequate sleep can make you feel more anxious and depressed, which is just one of the many reasons why getting proper sleep is so important. 

Silexan has been demonstrated through studies to improve sleep. Sleep improvement is generally believed to be due to an indirect effect on sleep by lowering anxiety.

Silexan has been shown to be effective for individuals who are experiencing mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, where the patient is exhibiting both anxiety and depression, with neither being predominant. 

In one study, patients taking Silexan have also shown improvements in their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities related to self-care.

So far,  there is no evidence that Silexan effectively treats Major Depressive Disorder or Treatment Resistant Depression.

One of the most significant advantages of Silexan is that it doesn’t carry addictive properties or the potential to be abused, like benzodiazepines that are often used to treat anxiety. Silexan may also carry a lower risk of other side effects compared to antidepressants like SSRIs.

However, there are still some side effects that you should be aware of. 

One of the most common side effects is what is called “lavender burps;” if you burp shortly after taking Silexan, it may taste like lavender. Other side effects include a mild upset stomach or nausea. 

So far, there have been no reports of serious or severe side effects from using Silexan. 

Silexan and other supplements for depression are not a substitute for psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. Although supplements may not require a prescription, certain supplements are more safely used under the guidance of a physician.

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA like medications, so you should only purchase supplements from brands that have been evaluated for quality. Supplements are not FDA-approved to treat depression. 

Finding the proper treatment when you have treatment-resistant depression can be challenging. Silexan, a lavender extract or essential oil, can be used alongside other depression treatment options. 

At Options MD, our psychiatrists can discuss the potential risks and benefits of using supplements when putting together a custom plan for your treatment-resistant depression. 

Options MD  is here to help. Text us to start treatment now. Join our Facebook community to connect with other individuals with treatment-resistant depression.