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Silexan (Lavender Oil) for Anxiety: Dosage, Onset & Safety

Short version: Silexan is an oral lavender oil extract studied at 80–160 mg/day for anxiety. RCTs and a 2023 meta-analysis suggest small-to-moderate reductions in anxiety symptoms with good tolerability; most people notice changes in 1–2 weeks, with clearer benefits by 4–8 weeks. Not sedating. Mild GI effects (e.g., burping) are the most common side effects. SpringerLinkOxford AcademicEurope PMC

What is Silexan?

Silexan® is a standardized Lavandula angustifolia oil preparation taken as a softgel (not an aromatherapy oil). Trials have tested 80 mg and 160 mg once daily for generalized or subthreshold anxiety. Europe PMCSpringerLink

Does it work?

Multiple randomized, double-blind trials report that Silexan reduces anxiety symptoms vs placebo, including a 539-participant GAD study comparing 80 mg or 160 mg to placebo and to 20 mg paroxetine over 10 weeks. A 2023 meta-analysis of five RCTs found overall efficacy with good tolerability. Europe PMCOxford AcademicSpringerLink

How long until you feel it?

Most users notice early changes by week 1–2, with clearer effects by week 4–8 in trials. Stay consistent for at least 8–10 weeks before judging. SpringerLink

Dosage & how to take it

• Standard dose: 80 mg once daily with water.

• Higher severity: some trials used 160 mg once daily.

• Timing: morning or early evening; consistency matters more than clock time.

• With/without food: either is fine; food may reduce burping. Europe PMCSpringerLink

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Side effects & who should avoid it

Generally well-tolerated; the most common issues are mild GI symptoms (e.g., eructation/burping, nausea) and lavender breath/aftertaste. Avoid if you’re pregnant/breastfeeding (insufficient data) and check with your clinician if you use CNS sedatives or have complex medication regimens. ScienceDirectSpringerLink

How Silexan compares

Unlike sedatives, Silexan has no known dependence and is non-sedating. It’s often considered when people want a gentler, evidence-backed option before or alongside therapy and lifestyle changes. In the head-to-head GAD trial, symptom reduction with 160 mg was comparable to paroxetine 20 mg on primary outcomes, with favorable tolerability. Europe PMC

Exactly how to use Silexan (step-by-step)

1. Pick a starting dose: 80 mg once daily.

2. Take it daily at the same time for 2 weeks.

3. Assess at week 4: If symptoms remain high, discuss 160 mg with your clinician.

4. Track a simple score (e.g., 0–10 anxiety, sleep) 3–4 times/week.

5. Re-evaluate at week 8–10 before deciding to continue or switch. SpringerLink

Evidence & citations (key sources)

• 2014 RCT (539 participants): Silexan 80/160 mg vs placebo & paroxetine in GAD (10 weeks). Europe PMCResearchGate

• 2010 RCT: Silexan effective in subsyndromal anxiety vs placebo. Internet Archive

• 2023 meta-analysis (5 RCTs): Overall anxiolytic efficacy and good tolerability. SpringerLink

Conclusion (CTA)

If you’re seeking a non-sedating, evidence-backed option, consider Silexan 80 mg daily for 8–10 weeks, adjusting to 160 mg if needed (with clinician input). Track your progress, and build fundamentals (sleep, movement, therapy) around it.
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