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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by socalspence on May 4, 2008, at 15:56:41
I've read a couple books by Dr. Daniel Amen, where he claims you can be healed from mental disorders by the usage of certain supplements, and I am very intrigued, because I've suffered from alternating states of mild depression, anxiety, and brain fogginess for the last 14 years. I've been to psychiatrists, allergists, endocrinologists, and general practitioners to see who could help me. I've also increased my exercise and improved my diet dramatically, but haven't really been able to get to a point where I feel well on a consistent basis. I think most people would consider me normal but just a bit shy at times or just a bit grumpy at times, but inside I feel really bad, and just always (at least slightly) unstable.
Anyway, I've tried low doses of 5HTP, which help for a day or two, but then I start feeling strange and notice that my pupils are really big and that I don't blink much. I've tried tyrosine, which helps dramatically with the brain fog, but then after a few days it gives me the worst migraine. I've tried SAMe, which seems to treat me the same as 5HTP. I've also tried a regimen of grape seed extract which seems to have similar effects to Tyrosine (rids the brain fog, but then gives me a fierce headache after a few days). I've tried Gingko, but I think it causes me to feel a bit strange too. I've tried theanine and GABA for anxiety, but after a couple days of use, it leaves me feeling very empty with no personality at all. I'm now currently trying a formula by Jarrow called Neuro-Optimizer, which has, among other things, Citicoline, which it claims can heal the brain tissue of stroke patients and alzheimer's patients.
I've left out many details for the sake of not boring you, but I should mention that I think my troubles were caused by the usage of LSD (only 4 or 5 times ever) when I was in high school of which twice I had a bad trip (absolutely horrifying experiences). When I was 18 I quit drinking, smoking, using any drugs at all, and even quit coffee. I'm now 31 and feel better than I used to (the anxiety is milder now) but I feel a long enough way from normal that it significantly disrupts my life. I need some support, and I really think I need somebody qualified to help me (I'd prefer a neurologist over a psychiatrist, as the latter have not been helpful). Does anybody have any suggestions for me?
Posted by bleauberry on May 4, 2008, at 18:40:29
In reply to healing your brain with supplements, posted by socalspence on May 4, 2008, at 15:56:41
You remind me of me. Similar stories. Similar backgrounds, histories, and symptoms.
I guess since nobody knows all this stuff, the best we can do is what we are doing...research stuff and try stuff. And keep trying. I now look for uncommon or unpopular things, as all the common popular ones didn't do it (same with you).
Popular or off trodden, no matter what I try I start with extremely low doses and keep them there for a while. For example with your tyrosine headaches, maybe 1/4 of your dose would have been better, with an accumulating benefit over weeks and months. That kind of mindset is where I am at. Healing doesn't happen quickly. So whatever it is, I have to tolerate it and give it lots of time. Your choices have been good ones. One you should try is Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Don't follow the label. As with anything, my experience says go super low, every other day, or whatever. Real conservative. If our brains are damaged as we suspect, they will likely respond with trauma at normal or even low doses of anything.Every now and then, maybe once a month, I actually experience complete normalcy for a few hours or a day. So I do know for a fact that my brain still has the ability to do it. Exactly how to get it there and keep it there is a mystery. I know it's there though. I know I am not shooting for an unrealistic goal. Neither are you.
Wish I had more suggestions. Basically...lots of pure water, low caffeine, low sugars, low carbs, high proteins, high raw veggies and fruits, generous flax and safflower oils, omega3 foods (avocados, eggs, nuts), zero saturated or hydrogenatad fats, removal of any silver fillings in the mouth (mercury), and try whatever supplements we research that seem good...done in extreme moderation.
My instincts and intuition tell me things will require multiple angles including serotonin enhancement, dopamine enhancement, and glutamate antagonism, all at the same time. I don't think any one supplement will do the trick. Purely my own feelings with zero proof or explanation. Just my gut instinct.
Posted by socalspence on May 4, 2008, at 18:56:12
In reply to Re: healing your brain with supplements, posted by bleauberry on May 4, 2008, at 18:40:29
Thanks very much for your support. I'm glad there's someone else who's been down a similar road who can give some advice. I have definitely realized that, if anything, a smaller dose than manufactured is what I need. I bought some empty capsules and have divided up the 5htp into smaller doses (20 mg) and the tyrosine into 100mg doses, which was working until the side effects I mentioned. I think it's because it built up over a few days, so maybe I'll alternate days or even skip a couple days on the weekend, just to give my body time to get rid of the excess. What do you mean by glutamate antagonism?
This is the end of the thread.
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