Posted by Lao Tzu on May 25, 2008, at 11:32:01
In reply to Oils and Vitamins, posted by llurpsienoodle on May 23, 2008, at 17:30:22
Hi. just read your post and I sympathize. I, too, am taking lamictal and zoloft, but I also take a high dose of risperdal for psychotic symptoms. Vitamins and fish oils I have found have been helpful for me, but you have to take the right ones together at specific dosages that work for you. Also, drinking alcohol will just make your situation much worse, I have found. These two regimens seem to work for me from a lot of experimenting, pain, and hard work.
In summer I have low energy, so I take B1 200mg, B5 50-100mg, Vitamin C 625mg-whatever works for you, Acetyl-l-carnitine 250mg in morning and afternoon, and fish oils taken at bedtime for mood control the next day. Vitamin C I have found is very helpful for energy, but must be taken with these other supplements for optimal energy. Remember, you can cut tablets and dump out some of the vitamins from veggie caps. Just because the bottle says this is what you should take, doesn't mean that dosage is exactly right for you. You might need more or less of a particular supplement. I have found fish oils are good for mood, but I cannot take them during the day or my depression gets worse and I have less energy. I would suggest taking the fish oils before bedtime because their effect seems to last into the next day and because they can be sedating for some people. Also, exercise is good for depression, but in some cases might leave you tired and worn out especially during the hot summer months, so I would recommend exercise in moderation and keep your body cool after you're done exercising. Also, diet is very important too. Fresh fruits and veggies during the day, some protein, and complex carbs and whole grains, but some people are allergic to wheat so watch out for this.This regimen is good for those whose depression is accompanied by a lot of anxiety. In winter, I'm more anxious than summertime, so I take B12 500-750mg, B6 100mg, zinc 15mg, Magnesium 200mg, and B3 (Niacin) if needed, anywhere from 500mg to 1,000mg. I just want to say that everyone is different and may require more or less of any particular supplement and some combinations of vitamins work better for some people and don't really help others. Calcium and vitamin D can also be added and seem to help certain people, vitamin D being especially important for depression in the winter season. One note about vitamin B12. It does help with depression and low energy, but I found that if you've never taken B12 before, popping a 1,000mcg pill might be too energizing and irritating and you might think B12 will never work for you. The truth is you probably have to start at a very low dose. Cut the tablet into 250mcg pieces and start off with 250mcg, increasing the dose slowly over several weeks. Finally, the effect of B12 will plateau and you will find the right dosage that works for you. Some people say that 800mcg is the target dose, others say it is 1,000mcg. Again, everyone is different and has different nutrient demands.
I must admit that this regimen will not rid you of all your anxieties, which is why you might turn to drinking. I understand this very well, but the vitamins certainly help with the anxiety and drinking in the long run is no good for your anxiety or your depression. I hope this is helpful to you and others.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:830760
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20080326/msgs/831048.html