Updated from Dec 2022. Today I wanted to share a few thoughts about supplements and PANS/PANDAS because of what I have learned through our own families’ experiences and from consultations I’ve done with moms caring for children with these conditions.

Years ago, when I began researching PANS/PANDAS and Autoimmune Encephalitis, I ran across a few articles that mentioned the use of Lemon Balm, and CBD to calm the brain. I also read information from fellow clinical herbalists discussing using California Poppy Seed, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower tincture to aid sleep disturbances. I learned the hard way that although these herbs are wonderful, they can be problematic for PANS kiddos. The articles and posts I read contained great information, however the advice given was lacking.

Under different circumstances, herbs and supplements that increase dopamine can be helpful for many people. Still, caution should be used when administering to children with PANS and PANDAS as they can worsen symptoms during a flare. The same caution should be observed with adults with Autoimmune Encephalitis and other autoimmune conditions that cause brain inflammation. For example, giving California Poppy Seed during a flare to help a teen with PANS/PANDAS sleep may worsen their symptoms and make it more difficult for them to fall asleep. Is this something you have experienced? Drop a comment below this post and let me know.

What is a Dopaminergic Supplement?

A dopaminergic supplement is a type of medication or natural substance that is believed to increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is essential in several brain functions, including mood, motivation, motor control, and reward-seeking behavior, but increasing levels can be problematic for some children and teens with PANS.

Some Dopaminergic Herbs & Supplements include but are not limited to:

CBD
Barberry
Ginkgo Biloba
Lemon Balm
Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric
Mucuna Pruriens
Ginseng
Kava Kava
California Poppy
Passionflower
Hops

As with all things, just because an herb or supplement is helpful for someone else doesn’t mean it will be beneficial for your child or vice versa. That said, many of the herbs listed above and supplements like CBD can be quite supportive and helpful in between PANS/PANDAS flares instead of during a flare. CBD can also help stabilize mast cells during MCAS flares.

If your medical practitioner asks you to try out a prescription drug or a supplement that is dopaminergic for your PANS/PANDAS kiddo, please pay attention and note in a journal if it worsens a flare, causes one, or brings relief.

Often, parents of kids with these conditions have to be researchers, detectives, and guardians of their kids. There is still so much we don’t understand about these conditions, so keeping a notebook with observations regarding medications, supplements, interactions, reactions, etc., can be a valuable resource when trying to find a protocol that works for your child.

Articles/Podcasts of Interest

PANS/PANDAS Blog Posts

PANS/PANDAS Instagram Posts

Increased dopamine and glutamate in the basal ganglia may be responsible for the overstimulation and the many psychiatric symptoms associated with PANDAS. Source

Both Sydenham chorea and PANDAS are considered dopamine receptor and /or basal ganglia autoimmune encephalitis, which occurs after streptococcal infection. Source

PANDAS and PANS with Dr. Jill Crista, ND. Podcast 

Functional Medicine Pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song on PANS/PANDAS DX and Treatment. Podcast

Disclosure: The content on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Any views or opinions written in this blog should not be taken as fact or professional advice.