What does D-Cycloserine do?
Research conducted in Australia and overseas shows that D-Cycloserine helps patients to learn that what they fear is safe. That is, it consolidates what patients learn in therapy. It improves how patients respond to therapy so that patients 1) experience greater symptom reduction, 2) are more likely to complete treatment, and 3) are less likely to experience anxiety symptoms in the future. Dr Adam Guastella has established the use of D-Cycloserine in humans in Australia. After completing the worlds largest clinical trial of D-Cycloserine to treat an anxiety disorder, it is the goal of the Anxiety Clinic to integrate and evaluate the use of D-Cycloserine for community treatment settings.
What is D-Cycloserine exactly?
D-Cycloserine is a
common antibiotic that has been used to treat tuberculosis. It has been
used in Australia for over 50 years. Recently, research conducted in
Australia and overseas has shown that D-Cycloserine increases the effectiveness of treatment. Research
shows that this antibiotic has an effect on learning to overcome fear. It
specifically enhances the transmission of GABA, which is a chemical that
helps individuals to learn that what they fear is safe.
Are there any negative side-effects from D-Cycloserine?
The dose we use is one tenth of the
standard dosed that has been used to treat Tuberculosis. Dr Adam Guastella, the founder of this clinic, has provided D-Cycloserine to over 800 individuals Australia wide. Trials demonstrate that participants cannot detect whether they have taken D-Cycloserine and the dose employed has not been associated with any negative side effects.
How can I get treatment?
We have listed treatment locations on the main treatment web-page. Check these pages regularly as we will update new services across Australia frequently.
When do I take D-Cycloserine?
You only take D-Cycloserine before you
learn to overcome fear. So, you only take it before a therapy session.
There is no need to take it any other time.
How much does D-Cycloserine cost?
We offer D-Cycloserine or a Placebo for
free if you agree to participate in a trial. You will receive either
D-Cycloserine or a Placebo and you will not know which one you receive. If
you receive Placebo, however, and we find that D-Cycloserine does improve
community treatments, then we will provide you with D-Cycloserine at the
end of the trial free of charge.
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