Complementary therapies I take in addition to my
medication:
GNC Triple
Strength Fish Oil
$19.99
Serving Size: 1 Softgel Servings Per Container: 60
Calories: 15 Total Fat: 1.5g
EPA: 647mg DHA: 253mg
GNC Mega Men Sport Multi-Vitamins
(Bonus Size)
$34.99
Other Cool Stuff:
Tablet/Pill Splitter
$5.99
GoFit Yoga Mat
$24.99
Homedics LCD Digital Scale $39.99
Attention:
This
website is probably more suitable for people whom are 18
years of age or older. I use vulgarity from time to time,
and I sometimes talk about things that are generally
inappropriate. Sorry you 1st graders. Beat it.
Before reading this, I personally recommend psychiatric
medications before any alternative treatments when it comes to
treating a serious mental illness.
There is a great deal of interest in herbal remedies, vitamins, dietary
supplements, and "natural" medicines for a wide variety of
psychiatric and medical problems. In recent years, the possible side
benefits of St. John's wort, vitamin E, zinc supplements, and other
alternative remedies have captured the attention of the media and the public
and become the focus of intense interest.
Alternative remedies are advertised and marketed differently from standard
prescription drugs because of regulations put out by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). The FDA allows a company to advertise and sell a
drug only if the company's claims are backed up with research. A
rigorous series of trials must prove that a drug has some beneficial effect
before the FDA will permit a company to advertise a drug and make claims for
its effectiveness.
It is very expensive for a company to perform these trials and bring a drug
to market. As a result, a company will perform this work only if it can
get a patent on a drug, allowing the company to be the only supplier to the
public. This permits it to set a price that no one can undercut and
thereby make a large profit. They spend a great deal of time and money
developing new compounds on which they can hold the patent.
The vast majority of alternative remedies are naturally occurring compounds
for which the FDA does not issue patents. Any company can package and
sell these drugs, so no individual company bothers to fund rigorous (and
expensive) clinical trials to determine the effectiveness and side effects of
a particular remedy. As a result, most of these remedies have not been
formally studied.
S-adenosylmethionine
(SAMe) General: SAMe is produced in most cells of the body combining adenosine
triphosphate and methionine, an amino acid. It serves as a methyl donor
in transmthylation reactions, a process essential to many cellular processes,
including the regulation of genes and neurotransmitters. Used in:
Depression. Mechanism of action: Although the role of SAMe in
chemical reactions in the body is well understood, it is not known how it may
improve mood. Evidence for effectiveness: A number of studies,
some placebo-controlled, have demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating
depression in some people. No long-term studies have been
performed. Precautions: It may cause a manic episode in people
with bipolar disorder. Dosing: The manufacturer suggests a
starting dose of 200 mg twice a day, but recommends 200 mg/day for the first
week if you are sensitive to medications. It should be taken on an
empty stomach, such as before meals. Doses of up to 1600 mg/day may be
needed. Side effects: Stomach upset.
Chamomile General: Chamomile (Matricaria recuitita) is
derived from the flower of the herb. The active ingredient is believed
to be apigenin. Used in: Anxiety, nervous stomach. Mechanism
of action: It may interact with the benzodiazepine receptor and the
histamine system. Evidence for effectiveness: It is approved by
the German Commission E. Precautions: None. Dosing:
3 g of dried flower heads three to four times daily as tea. Side
effects: Allergic reactions.
Ginkgo General:Ginkgo biloba is a tree. Once
native to China, it is now common in many areas of the world. It has
been used in China for several thousand years. The active ingredients
are believed to be flavonone glycosides, or heterosides, and terpene molecules
found in the leaves. Organic acids, which are also present in ginkgo
extract, permit the active ingredients to be water-soluble, improving
absorbtion. Used in: Vascular insufficiency (poor blood flow) in
the brain. It has also been used in depression and sexual
dysfunction. Mechanism of action: It is believed that ginkgo
acts by stabalizing the outer coating of nerve cells, called the
membrane. Additionally it appears to improve circulation. Evidence
for effectiveness: There are many studies that demonstrate that ginkgo
improves the symptoms associated with poor circulation, including poor
memory. There are some reports of improvement in mood and improved
sexual functioning. Commission E approves only the dry extract of the
leaf. Precautions: Use with extra caution with anticoagulants
such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin). Dosing: The dose is
120-240 mg dry extract in two or three doses a day. It generally takes
some weeks to work, although the full effect may take 12 weeks. Side
effects: Indigestion, headaches, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
Hops General: Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a vine that grows
in Europe and North and South America. The active ingredient may be an
oil found in the plant, 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol. The oil itself is quite
volatile, which means that any preparation may lose its effectiveness if it
is stored for any length of time. Used in: Anxiety and
insomnia. Mechanism of action: Unknown. Evidence for
effectiveness: There are some studies documenting its effectiveness as a
mild sedative, and Germany's E commission has approved its use. Precautions:
Use with extra caution in combining it with other sedatives such as
alcohol. Dosing: 0.5 g as a single dose. Side effects:
None reported.
Kava General: Kava (Piper methysticum) is a member of the
pepper family. The kava extract was originally used by natives of the
South Pacific islands. The active ingredients of the kava extract are
believed to be kavalactones, which are found primarily in the
root. Used in: Anxiety. Mechanism of action: The
mechanism of action is unknown. Kavalactones do not bind to GABA
receptors as do benzodiazpines. Evidence for effectiveness:
There are many studies that demonstrate that kava is more effective that
placebo in the treatment of different forms of anxiety. It has been
approved in the treatment of anxiety in England and Switzerland and by
Germany's Commission E. Precautions: It can worsen the symptoms
of Parkinson's disease. It must be used with extra caution with alcohol
or other drugs that cause sedation as they may combine to cause pronounced
sedation. Commission E recommends against its use if you are
depressed. Dosing: The usual starting dose is 60-120 mg of
kavalactones one to three times a day. It generally takes some weeks to
work. It should not be used for more than three months without medical
advice. Side effects: Large doses over an extended period of
time can lead to yellow skin, muscle spasms, biochemical abnormalities,
vision disturbances, and shortness of breath.
Lemon Balm General: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a
member of the mint family. Used in: Anxiety, nervous
stomach. Mechanism of action: Unknown. Evidence for
effectiveness: There are no studies demonstrating its effects in
humans. Precautions: Use with caution in combination with other
sedative drugs such as alcohol. Dosing: 1.5-4.5 grams
daily. Side Effects: None reported.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids General: Omega 3 fatty acids (O3FA) are
compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen essential to healthy functioning in
all cells of the body. They are found in high proportion in salmon and
some other fish. Examples of O3FA include eicosapentanoic acid and
docosahexanoic acid. Used in: Bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia Mechanism of action: Unknown. Evidence
for effectiveness: One report of thirty patients with bipolar disorder
demonstrated some effectiveness. Precautions: It may affect
blood clotting and should be used only with your doctor's knowledge and
consent, especially if you have had heart problems, a stroke, or clotting
or bleeding disorder. Dosing: 6.2 grams of eiocsapentanoic acid
and 3.4 grams of docosahexanoic acid daily. Side effects: O3FA
may impair blood clotting, which may cause nose bleeds. You should
contact you physician immediately if you notice a nosebleed or any unusual
bleeding while take O3FA.
Passion Flower General: Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
is a vine native to North and South America. The active ingredient is
believed to be isovitexin. Used in: Anxiety, insomnia. Mechanism
of action: Unknown. Evidence for effectiveness: There are
reports that document its sedative qualities. It is approved by
Commission E. Precautions: Use with extra caution with other
sedatives such as alcohol. Dosing: 3-6 grams of the leaf; 5-15
grams of the tincture before bedtime. Side effects: Allergic
reactions.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum) General: St. John's wort (Hypericum
perforatum) is a plant found in Europe and the United States. The
active ingredient is believed to be hypericin, which is derived from the
leaves and flowers. Used in: Primarily used in depression, it
has also been tried for anxiety. Mechanism of action: Hypericum
affects many different neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin,
norepinephrine, dopamine, and GABA, and lowers the level of the hormone
cortisol. Evidence for effectiveness: There are a wealth of
studies published in relieving mild to moderate depression. It is
approved by Germany's Commission E. There is minimal date to support
its use for depression severe enough to cause functional impairment. A
large-scale study is underway in the United States to evaluate its
effectiveness in moderate to severe depression and the frequency of side
effects. There are some reports that it can aid anxiety. Precautions:
Don't use if you take other antidepressants, as the combination can lead to
the serotonin syndrome and other potentially negative reactions. Be
careful in the sun, as St. John's wort can cause you to sunburn easily.
Dosing: The usual dose is 300 mg of 0.3 percent hypericin three times
a day, although some people take a higher dose. It generally takes some
weeks to work. Side effects: Known side effects include
photosenitivity (excessive sensitivity to the sun), indigestion, dizziness,
dry mouth, sedation, restlessness, and constipation.
Valerian General: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a
plant found in Europe and the United States. The active ingredients are
believed to be valepotriates and valeric acid, found in the root. Used
in: Insomnia. Mechanism of action: Valerian binds with GABA,
the same receptor upon which benzodiazepines exert their effects. Evidence
for effectiveness: Many studies document the effectiveness of valerian in
the treatment of insomnia. It is approved for anxiety and insomnia by
Commission E. Precautions: None. Dosing: 2-3 grams
one to four times per day. Side effects: There is no documented
evidence that valerian is habit-forming, in spite of its similarity to
benzodiazepines. Daytime sedation, depression, and impairment of memory
and motor performance are not common, as they are with benzodiazepines.
There have been reports of headaches and paradoxical stimulant-like effects.
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) General: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble
vitamin found in vegetable oils. Used in: Alzheimer's disease,
tardive dyskinesia. Mechanism of action: Vitamin E prevents the
breakdown of nerve cell membranes. Evidence for effectiveness:
Studies document that vitamin E slows the rate of deterioration in
Alzheimer's disease and lessens the severity of tardive dyskinesia in some
people. Precautions: It can alter the effectiveness of
anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin). Dosing: The usual dose
is 400 international units three times daily. Side effects:
Diarrhea and headaches have been reported.
All of this is from the book The Complete Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
by Edward Drummond, M.D.
Exercise Exercise improves blood circulation to the
brain, increases availability of glucose, oxygen, and nutrients, and
enhances the brain's ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate
toxins. Mental affects can include relief of depression,
anxiety and hyperactivity, increased alertness, and moderation of
schizophrenic symptoms. Exercise also reduces resting
adrenalin levels, lowers blood fats, and transfers sugar from the
liver and blood into the cells without using insulin.
Ancient humans were active, like other animals. Danger
provoked fear and anger, which released adrenalin and
glucocorticoids from the adrenals and glycogen from the liver,
increasing the sugar in the blood, which our ancestors used to fight
or flee. Today, when faced with stress, we often do neither,
and so our thwarted biochemicals induce feelings of panic.
Exercise allows these biochemicals to proceed to their proper
destinations.
Oxygen
The rest of the body weights fifty times more than the brain, but
the brain uses 20% of the body's oxygen. Decreased cerebral
circulation is associated with some schizophrenias, and is
especially common in chronic schizophrenia, particularly if negative
symptoms predominate. The reduced circulation compromises the
brain's supply of glucose and oxygen, as well as the ability to
eliminate cellular waste. Oxygen deficiency may concentrate in
areas concerned with emotion, abstract thought, and integration of
experience. Nerve cells can deteriorate due to lack of
nourishment and buildup of wastes. Cerebral access to oxygen
is supported by regular exercise; deep breathing; circulatory system
vitality; and nutrients and herbs which support cellular oxygenation
(ginkgo or germanium), along with antioxidants and other protective
supplements.
The oxygen level of the brain is relatively stable, even in
hyperthyroidism, when body metabolism is raised as much ass 3-88%,
but is decreased in senile dementia and in some cased of
schizophrenia and depression. Also, during diabetic coma, or
under sodium pentothal, available oxygen decreased 35-40%.
Light
Sunlight not only provides us with vitamin D, but seems to supply
essential additional nourishment. Lack of full spectrum
(outdoor type) light has been associated with nutrient malabsorption,
craving for sweets, anxiety, irritability, susceptibility to stress,
emotional instability, hyperactivity, fatigue, apathy, increased
sleep, social withdrawal, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or other
depressions, glandular deficiencies, and suppressed immunity.
Current treatment possibilities include increased exposure to
daylight, melatonin supplements, omega 3 supplementation, and use of
full spectrum lights or other devices which increase access to
appropriate light.
All of this is from the book Natural Healing
for Schizophrenia and Other Common Mental Disorders
by Eva Edelman.
ZacharyOdette.com
Name:Zachary Adam Odette Birthdate:06-06-1985 Location:Swartz Creek, Michigan USA Diagnosis: schizoaffective Medications Taken Daily: 40mg of
Abilify at night, 300mg of Wellbutrin in the morning, 600mg of Trileptal at
night, 50mg of Revia at night Complementary Therapies: talk-therapy
once every two weeks, 4g of omega-3 EPA fish oils taken daily, 1000 I.U. vitamin E taken daily,
1000mg of VItamin C taken daily, Mega Men Sport multi-vitamins taken daily,
Magma Plus Green Foods supplement taken daily, animal-assisted therapy (dogs), go running and
exercise daily,
taking two classes at local college, no street drugs taken since year 2005, and
I'm tryin' to give up cheap booze...
