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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 26, 2009, at 15:05:34
I'm new to this board and it's incredible how many alternative treatments there are. I have no idea where to start. I was hoping people would be willing to list their Top 3 treatments to try so I could at least have a starting place to begin researching the archives. I would be hugely appreciative. My diagnosis is Bipolar I, Mixed Type but I mainly struggle with the depression. Thanks!
Posted by SLS on December 26, 2009, at 16:57:37
In reply to Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please help, posted by inanimate peanut on December 26, 2009, at 15:05:34
> I'm new to this board and it's incredible how many alternative treatments there are. I have no idea where to start. I was hoping people would be willing to list their Top 3 treatments to try so I could at least have a starting place to begin researching the archives. I would be hugely appreciative. My diagnosis is Bipolar I, Mixed Type but I mainly struggle with the depression. Thanks!
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
- Fish oil: omega 3 fatty acids
- coenzyme Q10Bipolar disorder seems to be an illness that grows progressively worse with the passage of time and the number of recurrent episodes. There is very likely an increase in oxidative stress and a loss of brain tissue. For these reasons, I am looking at using NAC to arrest this degenerative process and prevent further treatment resistance. NAC promotes the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful and ubiquitous antioxidant. A few clinical trials indicate that NAC treatment can improve bipolar depression.
Omega 3 fatty acids are used by the brain to manufacture and maintain neuronal cell membranes and myelin sheathing. However, I suspect that there may be something pharmacological happening when megadoses of fish oil are taken. In any case, it is the maintenance of healthy membranes and Schwann cells (myelination) that is necessary to promote stable communication throughout the brain.
Coenzyme Q10 might promote healthy function of mitochondria, the power-plants of all (eukaryotic) cells. I have not researched this substance very much. However, reduced amounts of this substance are seen in various neurological disorders. There are currently investigations of the use of CoQ10 in bipolar disorder. Some researchers theorize that defects in mitochondrial function contribute to its etiology.
- Scott
Posted by inanimate peanut on December 26, 2009, at 20:50:03
In reply to Re: Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please help » inanimate peanut, posted by SLS on December 26, 2009, at 16:57:37
Thanks for the info.
As for the NAC, I think I'll take 1 gram in the AM and PM like they did the in the study you posted that I found in the archives. I just hate buying supplements because there's no way to know how pure different brands are.
How much fish oil do you take? One thread talked about taking 2 pills in the am and 2 in the pm. I'm currently taking 1 in the am and 1 in the pm so I could just double that. I'm not sure I could handle much more than that (like the 29 pills someone referenced). But, if you have seen research saying that alot more is necessary, I'll consider it.
How much Coenzyme Q-10 do you take? I couldn't find much on that in the archives.
Thanks again for the suggestions. I think all of them sound like a good idea.
Have you ever taken St. John's Wort or Sam-E? Do these have interactions with Parnate?
Posted by nolvas on December 27, 2009, at 3:49:52
In reply to Re: Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please » SLS, posted by inanimate peanut on December 26, 2009, at 20:50:03
I have NAC currently, I bought it in case there was a problem with a flu pandemic. I can recommend a good place to buy it in bulk which is >
http://www.jomarlabs.com/n-acetyl-l-cysteine-10.html
I've used them on and off for the past 10 years for various amino acids, they've been in business since 1979.
If you're a UK citizen then http://www.myprotein.co.uk/ is a reputable place for bulk supplements.
One last thing try and find out about the shelf life of bulk powders. The NAC I have is almost out of date. I'm guessing it has a shelf life of 3 - 6 months judging by when I bought it.
Posted by desolationrower on February 2, 2010, at 3:20:07
In reply to Re: Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please help » inanimate peanut, posted by SLS on December 26, 2009, at 16:57:37
NAC/Fish oil, though one is more of a drug, and one is more of a 'thing to make up for industrial food'
magnesium/zinc, at least if your diet is not getting enough
folate
hm, i guess melatonin if you are not getting to sleep, plus bright full spectrum light in the morning (along with exercise)
mindfullness meditation
-d/r
Posted by Lao Tzu on February 5, 2010, at 10:40:52
In reply to Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please help, posted by inanimate peanut on December 26, 2009, at 15:05:34
I am bipolar/schizophrenic, and I, too, suffer from mainly depression even though I am on meds for that purpose. I also need a variety of vitamins to stay healthy. Right off the bat, Fish oil is very helpful for bipolar. I only take 1,500mg per day, but it does help. Vitamins and minerals that have helped me and may help you include: Vitamins E and C, Vitamins B1, B6, B3, and B12; low dose borage oil. Some minerals that may or may not help include zinc picolinate, manganese gluconate, and magnesium (oxide or citrate). Some sources say that N-acetyl-cysteine is the supplement of choice for bipolars. There is growing evidence that it does help bipolars. That's all I have for now. Good luck!
Posted by Lao Tzu on February 5, 2010, at 10:49:37
In reply to Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please help, posted by inanimate peanut on December 26, 2009, at 15:05:34
Oh, I also wanted to add that the drug Lamictal has helped me with the depressive phases of bipolar. My psychiatrist thinks it's a better drug than Depakote. It has helped me with few side effects in my case. However, I still take the vitamins, which I believe help me further. Are you opposed to taking meds? I am not, as long as they are the right ones and I can deal with the side effects. Abilify is currently being used for bipolar. Have you tried that? Have you talked to a psychiatrist? I am not promoting medication, but I do think that if your bipolar is severe enough, medication might be a good option. That said, fish oil is very helpful in many cases, and like I said, N-acetyl-cysteine is also being used for bipolar. Other vitamins are indeed helpful, especially if your diet is poor, which in many cases it is for people with a mental illness.
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 6, 2010, at 14:38:16
In reply to Re: Top 3 remedies for bipolar depression--please help » inanimate peanut, posted by SLS on December 26, 2009, at 16:57:37
Scott
Will this work for unipolar depression as well?
Any specific brands you recommend?
Will Rhodiola interact with the supplements you mentioned?Thank you for your wisdom
ihatedrugs
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