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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 18, 2013, at 11:20:47
I have had schizophrenia for about 10 years now. What really helped me was getting the antipsychotic medicine via long-acting injections every two weeks. Unlike the pills, the injections work slowly and gently, so compliance is not really an issue. Once you are stabilized on the injections, you can switch over to the pills later with your doctor's permission. After having been stable for eight years, I looked into some supplements that would help further. In addition to my antipsychotic medication, I take higher doses of B1, B2, B6, and B12, and vitamins E and C, and also fish oil. These supplements stabilize the brain further once the medication has had time to work, which is about 3 months or so. For me, I was stabilized on the medication at about 1 year. It took me longer than other people. Don't be afraid of the injections. They really help. My doctor insisted on Risperdal Consta injections every two weeks. It's no big deal, and it helps stabilize the brain. After being on the injections for about 6 years, I switched to the pills, which I am very compliant about taking everyday. I wish you all well who have this illness.
Lao
Posted by vbs on August 18, 2013, at 12:26:50
In reply to Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by Lao Tzu on August 18, 2013, at 11:20:47
I have schizo-affective disorder and get the once-monthly Invega Sustenna injection.
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 18, 2013, at 13:32:03
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by vbs on August 18, 2013, at 12:26:50
Im not really educated on the fish oil business anymore.
It helps you against negative symptoms?
I always find it hard to find a difference between negative symptoms and depression. As im considered schizo-affective i may have both?
Input?
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 22, 2013, at 14:51:00
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by vbs on August 18, 2013, at 12:26:50
For the longest time, I was getting the Risperdal Consta injections every two weeks, administered by my psychiatrist. In my estimation, I think they saved me, and within a year of being on the injections, my voices calmed down quite a bit, to the point that I began functioning more normally. Only later, down the road, did I consider taking vitamins to help further stabilize my mind. I think they do help me, but the greatest things that helped were the medication and the support from my family and doctor.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 22, 2013, at 14:58:49
In reply to Lao: which EPA dose are you taking?EPA vs DHAratio, posted by Lamdage22 on August 18, 2013, at 13:32:03
No, the fish oil doesn't help with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. At higher doses, it's more like a mood stabilizer if I could describe it as something. I take Eskimo-3 fish oil with one capsule of borage oil everyday. It's not a real high dose, just 1,500mg of fish oil (3 capsules), and 1,300mg of borage oil. At that dose, it just helps the mood a little bit, but nothing significant. I rely on Lamictal more to help with mood and Zoloft for depression.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on September 4, 2013, at 15:27:18
In reply to Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by Lao Tzu on August 18, 2013, at 11:20:47
I did not want it to sound like fish oil did absolutely nothing for schizophrenia. In fact, it may even help. Studies have used 1.5g all the way up to 4 g. Even though 1.5grams is a small amount, it is within range for being beneficial to schizophrenics. I have been using 1.5grams (Eskimo-3 brand) for years now. It does something, but I haven't seen where scientists explain exactly how it benefits schizophrenia. There may be a deficit of fatty acids in schizophrenia. I previously said that fish oil doesn't help with negative symptoms, but maybe it helps with the psychosis part. There have been some studies suggesting that fish oil, if given to younger patients (before psychosis manifests itself), may prevent full-blown psychosis in the majority of people. This may be revolutionary for preventing psychotic symptoms. I think for myself, it has helped with mood more than anything else. And I've even heard that fish oil can be used as a mood stabilizer (for bipolar), which would probably be safer than certain drugs.
Any comments from your own experiences?Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 4, 2013, at 15:45:19
In reply to Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by Lao Tzu on August 18, 2013, at 11:20:47
I have changed some things from my nutrient regimen. I am no longer using high dose B12 and have lowered my magnesium dosage to just 100mg per day, taken at bedtime only. Now I am using GABA supplement, 500mg twice a day, which is a great supplement. It actually makes you feel relaxed, yet content after using it for a while. The riboflavin and thiamine have been extremely helpful for maintaining a steady energy level. I use 200mg per day of each: 100mg in the morning and 100mg at bedtime. So far, things have been a lot better as far as mood and depression. I also recommend using a little fish oil and borage oil for mood. I'm still using vitamins E and C, selenium, about 50-100mg B6, and a little melatonin at bedtime, and a Centrum multivitamin too. I can definitely say that the nutrients along with medication have been successful at helping me to live a more normal life.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on October 4, 2013, at 15:50:17
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by Lao Tzu on October 4, 2013, at 15:45:19
One thing I have noticed with certain vitamins. I try to use capsules instead of tablets because I get a better response in most cases. That seems to be the case with my B vitamins, like riboflavin and thiamine. It depends on how well you absorb the vitamins from your stomach. I take Prilosec for my GERD, so this lowers the acid in your stomach. People with sufficient acid might actually do quite well with tablets. I just prefer capsules.
Lao
Posted by Lamdage22 on November 3, 2013, at 3:56:10
In reply to Re: Schizophrenia--medication and supplements, posted by Lao Tzu on October 4, 2013, at 15:50:17
Lao,
we are talking about EPA right? I found a product that supposedly has the right EPA DHA ratio.
That is 400mg EPA and 50mg DHA.
So what is a good dosage. You say 1,5 gram of EPA is low.
Then i suppose i should aim at 3 grams?
Its just supposed to be mood support. See, i am looking for "antidepressants" that are unlikely to trigger a psychotic episode.
I have protection anyway, but not that much as i want to get onto a dosage of Seroquel of 300mg.
Julian
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