![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pat on September 1, 1998, at 17:21:47
Can anyone help solve the following mystery:
(or refer to psychopharm who can)??--
I have isolated Vitamin B-12 (in multi-vitamin
or single dose diet supplement) as a definate factor
causing Severe worsening of depressive symptoms
(ie. morbid hopelessness). Any research, literature,or
insight into this response? Could eliminating all B-12
from diet cure my depression?
Have been treated for chronic depression for 7 years.
(All TCA's and SSRI's ineffective). Wellbutrin worked
nicely for about 1 yr, then faded to partial response. Dopamine deficit seems to be root cause.
I now combine 45mg Buspirone with 450 Wellbutrin SR
to "get by" with daily function, but wish to overcome
anhedonia, low energy, and depressed outlook.
Would adding 5mg Deprenyl help ???
Any suggestions re the Vitamin B-12 ??
(All other B vitamins are well tolerated,
with some flushing from B-3).
Any professional info greatly appreciated!!
Please write to iic@flash.net.
Thanks!! Pat
Posted by MJ00 on March 9, 2000, at 0:55:53
In reply to Help! Vitamin B-12 induces severe depression , posted by Pat on September 1, 1998, at 17:21:47
> Can anyone help solve the following mystery:
> (or refer to psychopharm who can)??--
> I have isolated Vitamin B-12 (in multi-vitamin
> or single dose diet supplement) as a definate factor
> causing Severe worsening of depressive symptoms
> (ie. morbid hopelessness). Any research, literature,or
> insight into this response? Could eliminating all B-12
> from diet cure my depression?
> Have been treated for chronic depression for 7 years.
> (All TCA's and SSRI's ineffective). Wellbutrin worked
> nicely for about 1 yr, then faded to partial response. Dopamine deficit seems to be root cause.
> I now combine 45mg Buspirone with 450 Wellbutrin SR
> to "get by" with daily function, but wish to overcome
> anhedonia, low energy, and depressed outlook.
> Would adding 5mg Deprenyl help ???
> Any suggestions re the Vitamin B-12 ??
> (All other B vitamins are well tolerated,
> with some flushing from B-3).
> Any professional info greatly appreciated!!
> Please write to iic@flash.net.
> Thanks!! PatLook for the new drug REBOXETINE being approved by the FDA soon (but can be ordered now from pharmacies in other countries. You can find these pharmacies on the web - just do some searches!)
It is the first SNRI - Selective Norepinephrine ReUptake Inhibitor. With additional norephrine in your brain you should perk right up! Noreph. goes along with Dopamine and is stimulating. Not the happy-coma you get with SSRI's. If you take Wellbutrin SR (also affecting Dopamine) along with Reboxetine, I think you may be VERY happy with your results! If you have ADD, your doctor may prescribe you either Ritlin or Dexedrine (I take Dexedrine). These are CNS Stimulants and Dopamine stimulants and they give my Wellbutrin a great kick! I take 10mg in the morning and 10 mg in the afternoon. I personally can't wait to stack Wellbutrin, Reboxetine. and Dexedrine. And without this medecation-cocktail affecting Seratonin, you will get all your good mood and energy without desreasing your sex drive or any of the other number of problems and side effects of the SSRI's. The stimulating efffects should give you some good (sometimes too good!) sex drive and libido. If this cocktail works great but sleep is a problem, try 5-10mg of Ambien. It is very natural and when you get up in the morning you feel great, take your meds and on with the day!!
Posted by JohnL on March 10, 2000, at 3:30:12
In reply to Re: Help! Vitamin B-12 induces severe depression , posted by MJ00 on March 9, 2000, at 0:55:53
That's an interesting and puzzling observation. I've always heard that B12 and folate are often deficient in depression. I know one lady who's depression only responded to three injections per week of super megadose B12. (Not just supplements, but actual injections!)
But our chemistries are all so different. Anything's possible. I wish there was an easy answer for you. And me, for that matter!
This is just a gut instinct, but with a dopamine connection either an antipsychotic (Zyprexa, Stelazine, or Risperdal) and/or a stimulant (Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Tenuate, Ionamin) might be considered. The combination often works very well when antidepressants don't. Tenuate by the way closely resembles Wellbutrin in molecular structure, but sometimes works much better. It is a prescrip diet med. Of this class of meds, I've heard the most anecdotal success with Adderall in depression/anhedonia. But one of the others could just as well be the molecule your chemistry likes the best.
I think a stimulant would be the first place to look, since they work so fast when they work. Anywhere from the first day to four. If one doesn't cut the mustard in a couple days, move quickly to the next. One of them might get to the heart of the problem that's causing your symptoms. A tiny dose of an antipsychotic can smooth it out nicely. Zyprexa 2.5mg would be excellent for that as well as sleep. Just some ideas that I think have a high probability of working with you.
Posted by Karen B on March 10, 2000, at 10:54:03
In reply to Re: Help! Vitamin B-12 induces severe depression , posted by MJ00 on March 9, 2000, at 0:55:53
You had asked for professional advice which I cannot give, however, I also have a problem with B-12 tolerance when taken orally. For me, it triggers migraines, makes me irritable and doesn't help much with fatigue, either.
There is a patented delivery system B-12 that I can tolerate very well, made by Gourmet Nutition. (gourmetnutrition.com or call 1-800 directory assistance) You just place it under your tongue to dissolve. For me, it creates no problems whatever and is very reasonably priced.
Good luck!
Karen B
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.