Posted by Lao Tzu on June 4, 2008, at 10:28:32
In reply to Bipolar Depression, posted by Lao Tzu on June 3, 2008, at 8:10:30
Yes, individual b vitamins help me whereas a B-complex does not. For one, I can't take any supplements with folic acid in them and all B-complexes have folic acid. Folic acid makes me have mood swings and worsens my depression overall. I find that in winter when my anxiety is much worse, a combination of B12, B6, and B3 are helpful. In summer, when my energy levels are low, B1 and B5 are helpful. And before bedtime, I take B3, B6, and vitamin E because I seem to sleep better.
You have to be careful with fish oil. Dosage is critical to making you feel better or worse, at least in my case. If I take fish oil in the morning, I can only tolerate 1 fish oil capsule that supplies 180mg EPA/120mg DHA. If I take 2 capsules in the morning, I feel numb and lethargic. The time of day you take them might be critical too. I have had some success taking fish oils before bedtime, with less of a numb/lethargic feeling the next day. You also have to be careful taking fish oils if you are already taking a prescription mood stabilizer that affects Calcium channels. But everyone responds differently to fish oils. Some require more, some less. It's a matter of experimentation.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:832654
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20080326/msgs/832858.html