Inositol

Inositol is a vitamin-like substance. It is found in many plants and animals. It can also be made in a laboratory.

Inositol is used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, promoting hair growth, a skin disorder called psoriasis, and treating side effects of medical treatment with lithium.

Inositol is also used by mouth for treating conditions associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, including failure to ovulate; high blood pressure; high triglycerides; and high levels of testosterone.

How does it work?

Inositol might balance certain chemicals in the body to possibly help with conditions such as panic disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Panic disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
An ovary disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Problems breathing in premature infants known as “acute respiratory distress syndrome,” when given intravenously (by IV).
Hair growth.
Problems metabolizing fat.
High cholesterol.
Trouble sleeping (insomnia).

By Mouth:

For panic disorder: 12 to 18 grams per day.

For obsessive-compulsive disorder: inositol 18 grams per day.

For treating symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: D-chiro-inositol 1200 mg per day.

For treating lithium-related psoriasis: 6 grams daily.

Inositol is SAFE for most adults. It can cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness.

Inositol is SAFE when used in the hospital for premature infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of inositol during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bipolar disorder: There is some concern that taking too much inositol might make bipolar disorder worse. There is a report of a man with controlled bipolar disorder being hospitalized with extreme agitation and impulsiveness (mania) after drinking several cans of an energy drink containing inositol, caffeine, taurine, and other ingredients (Red Bull Energy Drink) over a period of 4 days. It is not known if this is related to inositol, caffeine, taurine, a different ingredient, or a combination of the ingredients.