"A deficiency of pregnenolone turns on an anxiety-producing substance (endozepine), which triggers an anxiety and panic attacks. Taking pregnenolone prevents the secretion of endozepine and is a safe substitute for toxic drugs such as Xanax and Valium. A doctor reported to me that after taking three doses of pregnenolone for one day, he was able to eliminate his Xanax, which he used for his panic attacks! The usual dose of pregnenolone is about 100-150 mg daily (about the size of a small pea, or a pinch on the end of a butter knife). However, severely anxious people may need 1/4-teaspoon the first day."