Posted by Ron Hill on August 18, 2010, at 8:13:52
In reply to Re: Why is it suggested to take Vitamin B6 W/ Nardil? » angels78, posted by Tomatheus on August 18, 2010, at 1:29:48
> > So does this mean Nardil can be more effective if taken with B6?
>
> I don't think it's known whether adding vitamin B6 to Nardil would boost the medication's effectiveness. B6 is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, so it can be hypothesized that taking the vitamin in addition to Nardil might boost the medication's antidepressant benefits, but as far as I know there is no direct evidence to support this hypothesis.
>
> Tomatheus
-------------Hi Tomatheus,
B6 supplementation is needed because Nardil destroys B6. However, high doses of B6 destroy Nardil. So, there is a therapeutic window of B6 supplementation. Here is a link to a document that discusses this issue and several other issues regarding phenelzine.
I will provide the link to the article followed by the applicable excerpt from the document:
http://wapedia.mobi/en/Phenelzine
<begin excerpt>
Phenelzine has also been linked to vitamin B6 deficiency. It reacts with vitamin B6 via an unknown enzyme to form a biologically inert metabolite. Both phenelzine and vitamin B6 are rendered inactive upon this reaction occurring.
For this reason, it is recommended to supplement with vitamin B6 while taking phenelzine. High doses of vitamin B6 may significantly lower phenelzine levels and subsequently inhibit its therapeutic benefits, however, and thus, excess quantities of vitamin B6 should be avoided.
It may be advisable to dose them separately during opposite intervals of the day (e.g., take one, then take the other 12 hours later) to avoid interaction as much as possible.
<end excerpt>
Here is an article from JAMA. I will provide the link to the full text document, and I will provide an excerpt that addresses the fact that B6 is active in neurotransmitter formation and a plethora of enzymatic reactions:http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/287/23/3116
<begin excerpt>
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 refers to a group of nitrogen-containing compounds with 3 primary forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. They are water soluble and are found in a variety of plant and animal products.The current RDI for vitamin B6 is 2 mg. The best dietary sources include poultry, fish, meat, legumes, nuts, potatoes, and whole grains.
Vitamin B6 participates in more than 100 enzymatic reactions and is needed for protein metabolism, conversion of tryptophan to niacin, and neurotransmitter formation, among other functions. Deficiency is uncommon, although marginal B6 status may be related to CHD.
True deficiency results in cheilosis, stomatitis, effects on the central nervous system (including depression), and neuropathy. Toxicity is unusual and has been associated with neurotoxicity and photosensitivity with doses higher than 500 mg/d.
<end excerpt>
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:959012
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100811/msgs/959042.html