Posted by Lao Tzu on November 9, 2008, at 16:22:47
I can't say enough how important certain antioxidants are for people with bipolar and schizophrenia. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and selenium are very helpful for me, and many sources recommend Vitamin C and E, especially for schizophrenia, but I would guess, also for bipolar disorder. What I do with vitamin E is this: I'll take 100IU morning and evening (twice a day) and 300IU at bedtime. Not only does vitamin E help with mood/anxiety, but it also helps with sleep for me. Now, the recommended daily allowance for vitamin E is 400IU per day. I take 500IU because that works for me. During the day, I like to take vitamin E in 100IU doses spread throughout the day. 100IU vitamin E is a little harder to find than say, 200IU vitamin E. Solgar vitamins makes a 100IU vitamin E, and you can get it at Vitamin Shoppe. In my experience, I think that taking at most 200IU of vitamin E at a time is sufficient. 400IU vitamin E is way too much for me at any one time. I prefer 100IU dosages because you can just "feel it" and it doesn't seem too heavy like a 400IU dosage would. At bedtime, I take a 100IU gelcap and a 200IU gelcap because 300IU seems to work a bit better than 200IU to help with sleep.
Vitamin C: I always take 500mg at bedtime with other supplements. During the day, I only need 250mg to help with mood. I've found that, at least in my case, megadoses of vitamin C work against me. A recommended dosage for schizophrenia is anywhere from 2,000mg--6,000mg per day. I definitely don't need this much, but some people may.
Selenium: I take 200IU at bedtime because I also smoke a lot, and this is an excellent antioxidant for bipolars and schizophrenics.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:861842
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20081006/msgs/861842.html