Posted by JohnL on June 17, 2000, at 18:24:00
In reply to Re: Fish Oil - has anyone tried this? » JohnL , posted by Cam W. on June 17, 2000, at 11:25:33
> John - While I agree that SJW and , to a lesser extent, SAM-e do work for depression, I think that the present hypothesis for the mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) is more in line with current therapies for bipolar disorder.
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> Our standard bipolar disdorder therapies (eg lithium, carbamazepine, and valproate) and possibly the newer agents seem to work on the intracellular phosphoinositol pathway. This energy dependent (ATP?) pathway regulates the flow of calcium ions into the cell and also calcium ion release from the endoplasmic reticulum. A net result of which is the propagating of a more stable action potential (electrical signal) down the axon (of the nerve cell). Stated another way, the mood stabilizers seem to "even out" the electical flow (signals) along a nerve cell and presumably from one nerve cell to the next. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to work on this same pathway.
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> So, while SJW and SAM-e may help with the depressive symptoms, theoretically omega-3 fatty acids (in a concentrated enough form) should decrease mania, as well as stemming depressive symptoms. The have been one or two isolated case reports that state that SJW has caused manic switch &/or hypomanic states in some people.
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> Just a thought - Cam
As far as I know, you are right on the money Cam. As I've heard it, fish oil seems more implicated in bipolar rather than depression. And I've seen reports of SJW and SAMe sparking off manic reactions. I think that's just more evidence that these substances are indeed powerful ones, and that they aren't appropriate for everyone. But I guess, nothing is for that matter. These manic reactions are pretty rare though as I understand it.But for someone drowning in a deep dark hole at this very moment, no money, nowhere to go, SJW and/or SAMe become real attractive. And unless a possible manic reaction turns out to be the agitated type, it would be a most welcome change to someone suffering so badly. At least for a while. Long enough to regain some footing.
My first pdoc refused to treat me with anything except lithium. He was fearful of sparking a hypomanic episode. Any hypomanic history I've ever had was characterized by activity, energy, projects. Not the wild spendy spree or fly off the handle kind of mania. I would have welcomed some mild mania. My current pdoc on the other hand said he would be most happy if he could find a drug that would put me in a hypomanic stage. The manic advantage I think they call it. Nothing wrong with that. Lots of successful people are hypomanic and don't even know it. Some of the best songs and best books were written by artists in a state of hypomania. Certainly an attractive risk to me when compared to that deep dark hole of depression.
JohnL
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