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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 Sulpicia on June 1, 2001, at 17:57:15
Cam--
my friend's son [11 y/o who has Tourettes]takes luvox and clonidine.
She found some dingbat *nutritionist* who "prescribed" a ton of supplements
and vitamins on top of the meds. Tho I've convinced her to stop the L-tryptophan
and 5 HTP, and only because I could explain the potential dangers of excess serotonin,
the kid is also getting various amino acids.
I can't find a site that will give any info about med interactions with specific amino acids.
Suggestions?
And, do the amino acids pass thru the intestinal walls intact, and do they pass the blood-brain
barrier? Or is this another high-priced urine scam??Appreciatively,
Liz
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 1, 2001, at 20:44:03
In reply to Cam W. question, posted by Sulpicia on June 1, 2001, at 17:57:15
Use the Drug Checker www.drkoop.com for interactions
or
CVS Drug Checker http://www.cvs.com/healthLib/health_rxinteract_agree.asp
Posted by Cam W. on June 1, 2001, at 22:42:49
In reply to Cam W. question, posted by Sulpicia on June 1, 2001, at 17:57:15
Sulpicia - I am not up on my amino acids. I do know that some of them do have active transport mechanisms into the body, but most are broken down in the stomach and reassembled into what is needed in the body. I do know that the passage of amino acids into the brain usually does require an active transport mechanism for certain molecules, including amino acids. The blood brain barrier is very selective about what it lets in. The BBB will allow serotonin's precursor, tryptophan to cross, but not serotonin itself. The tryptophan is then converted to serotonin in the brain.
The body can only use what it needs. Yes, nutritional supplements and vitamins may help in cases where there is a deficiency of these molecules, which is not that often in developed countries. Taking extra does not make the systems they work in any more functional, just as putting two refills in a pen would not make you write better.
Some nutritionalists would disagree, especially those selling these products. I believe that the FDA (or is it NIH) has a position paper on megavitamin therapy and the gist is that megavitamins may do more harm than good, over the long term. I know of no scientific evidence of high doses of vitamins or amino acids that really help in any mental illness, without having deficiencies of said molecules. There have been many claims over the years, but no hard proof.
My opinion - Cam
Posted by Sulpicia on June 4, 2001, at 20:34:36
In reply to Re: Cam W. question » Sulpicia, posted by Cam W. on June 1, 2001, at 22:42:49
>
This is the end of the thread.
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