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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by yellowhat on December 19, 2004, at 18:42:44
Has anyone out there tried fish oil or flaxseed oil to treat or supplement treatment for bipolar disorder? Does it work?
Posted by linkadge on December 19, 2004, at 18:42:44
In reply to bipolar disorder and omega-3 fatty acids, posted by yellowhat on December 18, 2004, at 18:30:20
The most conclusive evidence is for using omega-3 not flax oil. Anyhow, I have definately noticed mood stabalizing effects of omega-3. It works to inhibit signal transduction pathways in a similar manner to lithium and valproate.
I found that it doesn't mix well with lithium for some reason, but it mixes very will with valproate, (depakote)
Linkadge
Posted by banga on December 19, 2004, at 18:42:45
In reply to Re: bipolar disorder and omega-3 fatty acids, posted by linkadge on December 18, 2004, at 18:52:58
There is quite an impressive amount of literature accumulating that supports the use of using omega 3 fatty acids (from high quality fish oil, flaxseed oil does not easily break down to the types you need) for people with bipolar or depression. My understanding is that at least for now they recommend it as ADJUNCT therapy--it alone may not be enough for many people. But there are very respected, robust studies that do show it can help a lot (perhaps let people at least take less of their med?) I am sure they are being extremely cautious not to say it can replace meds, then have a whole bunch of people stop their meds and have bad consequences.
I myself intend to do this...2 to 3 grams a day, to supplement Lamictal regimen.
Posted by Ritch on December 19, 2004, at 18:42:45
In reply to bipolar disorder and omega-3 fatty acids, posted by yellowhat on December 18, 2004, at 18:30:20
> Has anyone out there tried fish oil or flaxseed oil to treat or supplement treatment for bipolar disorder? Does it work?
I've been consistently taking 2-3g of fishoil every day for over a year and find that my depressions don't seem to be as bleak and as lengthy (I rapid cycle). Also, when I am depressed my cognitive functioning isn't as impaired as it used to seem to be. Other than that I can't say for sure whether it has contributed much antimanic effect, and I don't think it has reduced my cycling frequency either or had much effect on anxiety levels.
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on December 22, 2004, at 3:50:37
In reply to Re: bipolar disorder and omega-3 fatty acids, posted by Ritch on December 19, 2004, at 10:49:03
I believe omega-3 is a useful adjunct to the standard treatment for bipolar.I would not be happy to tell a patient to come off medication though and use omega-3 only.It is possible to have your omega-3 (and other essential fatty acids) measured by a blood test sent to certain labs.If somebody has bipolar I think they should consider visiting the Pfeiffer Center in Chicago (www.hriptc.org). They get a good response there in more than half the cases by doing blood,urine and hair tests followed by the addition of natural nutrients to their medication.Later the pdoc may be in a position to reduce the medication.I have some more details on omega-3 in www.omega3.20megsfree.com
Posted by linkadge on December 22, 2004, at 10:34:56
In reply to Re: bipolar disorder and omega-3 fatty acids, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on December 22, 2004, at 3:50:37
Is this test indicitive of the amount of omega 3 that gets into the brain ??
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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