Lynda and Charity,

I'm thrilled to hear things are going better. Here's something that was posted to me in a post talking about the natrual suppliments you can use.

Mood-Stabilizing Compounds

Other than lithium, substances that may have mood-stabilizing effects include the following:

Phosphatidyl Choline (Lecithin)
A fairly convincing number of studies suggest that this substance has significant effects on the manic-depressive, with some claiming that it stabilizes moods while others suggesting that it serves as a mood depressant. It is probable that it actually has both actions (as does the prescription drug Depakote). For that reason, although lecithin may be useful in helping to stabilize moods, it should probably be used cautiously, with the patient starting at a fairly low dosage (perhaps 2 capsules of a 35% concentration of the substance per day) and then increasing gradually until moods are stabilized or mild depression is encountered. The recommended amount of this substance for this use seems to vary widely---some people suggest that relatively small amounts (perhaps 3-12 capsules per day) can be quite effective, while others suggest that only much greater amounts tend to be fully effective. (More concentrated forms of this substance are available but not usually stocked in health food stores.) Even if lecithin is only partially successful in reducing mood swings, however, this may still be helpful for those who want to reduce their dosages of prescription medications (for instance, because of side effects at higher amounts) or for those who suffer less severe mood swings. Most writers seem to recommend splitting up the dosages of lecithin over the course of the day (2-3 times per day), or taking the full dosage at night, although there do not seem to be any studies addressing this issue.

L-Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that has been shown to have anti-convulsant qualities, and appears to be potentially helpful for both epileptics and those suffering from manic-depression (especially the r****-cycling form). The usual recommended dosage seems to be 500-1000 mg, 1-3 times per day, although there seems to be no experimental or anecdotal evidence that larger dosages can cause any unwanted side effects. As with all amino acids, pharmaceutical quality product in capsules is preferable, despite the higher cost----capsules tend to be absorbed more easily, and lesser-quality forms may have the potential of being subject to contamination (such as that which occurred with tryptophan several years ago). Divided dosages are probably preferable.

GABA
GABA is usually classified as amino acid, although it actually serves as a neurotransmitter (there are more GABA sites in the brain than for any of the other neurotransmitters such as dopamine or serotonin). GABA basically serves as an inhibitory transmitter, keeping the brain and body from going into "overdrive." Currently, for instance, pharmaceutical companies are working on a GABA Reuptake Inhibitor that would artificially keep more GABA in the synapses of the brain (similar to what Prozac and related drugs do for serotonin) as a treatment for anxiety). Supplementation of GABA seems to be quite effective for anxiety disorders as well as insomnia (especially the type of insomnia where racing thoughts keep the individual from falling asleep). In addition, although there has been little if any research reported on this, there is also reason to believe that GABA may be effective in the treatment of manic-depression, since many of the substances that are currently used for this purpose (including Depakote and, obviously, gaba-pentin) affect GABA usage. Those who want to experiment with the usage of GABA for anxiety or manic-depression should start at a low dosage (perhaps 250 mg at bedtime or when anxiety occurs) and observe their reactions before taking a larger amount. This may be especially important for those people taking mood stabilizers that may affect GABA usage, since the interaction between the two may cause an undesirable overreaction to occur (just as those who are taking serotonin-based drugs such as Prozac should be careful about taking serotonin's precursor, tryptophan). Undesirable effects of too much GABA may include tingling or numbness in extremities or trunk of the body and shortness of breath; if this occurs, take a smaller amount in the future.

B Complex
The B vitamins are important factors in determining mood; deficiencies of any or all of these vitamins can produce significant symptoms relating to depression, anxiety, irritability, lethargy and fatigue. Many bipolars state that supplementation of B vitamins is extremely important to helping them to feel better. In general, B vitamins tend to work best together as a group; taking too much of any of them may result in deficiencies of others and, therefore, unwanted symptoms. B complex tends to be sold in B50 (50 mg of most of these vitamins, 50 mcg of a few, and 400 or 800 mcg of folic acid) or B100 (100 mg/mcg) dosages; bipolars may find relief with as little as 1 B50 or as many as 6 B100s per day. As with many other supplements, capsule form may be preferable although it is more expensive (some people say manic-depressives do not absorb this vitamin complex easily), and divided dosages also may be preferred. Although other factors (such as some medications) may interfere, a dark yellow-orange urine color may suggest that the individual is taking a sufficient quantity of this vitamin complex.


L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which have been shown to be deficient in many manic-depressives during their depressed cycles. The supplementation of this amino acid may help the body to form more of these substances during these difficult times; in addition, it may be helpful in cases when clinical or subclinical thyroid disease is present. General recommendations are usually 500-5,000 mg per day, on an empty stomach in the morning or early afternoon (start at a low level and then work up gradually). As with all amino acids, try to get pharmaceutical grade product in capsules.

L-Phenylalynine and DL-Phenylalynine
Phenylalynine is a precursor to tyrosine, and so exhibits many of the same effects. In addition, the supplementation of phenylalynine can help the body to produce a substance called "phenylethylamine," which has been shown to be deficient in many manic-depressives. (Phenylethylamine is also present in chocolate and marijuana, and is created by the body in greater amounts when the individual is "in love"; conversely, a deficiency such as that suffered by many manic-depressives may lead to an unhappy feeling similar to that which "normal" people feel when they are heartbroken.) Phenylethylamine is supposedly present to a greater degree in the DL form of phenylalynine than the L form; however, the DL form may be more likely to increase blood pressure. (The issue of blood pressure increases is often cited as a problem for both the DL and L forms. This increase should be no more than 10 points for an hour or two after the substance is consumed; however, those people who are inclined toward high blood pressure should monitor theirs carefully and decrease or discontinue their use of this substance if a problem is observed.) The usual recommendation for the COMBINATION of tyrosine and phenylalynine (DL or L) is 500 to 5,000 mg per day, on an empty stomach in the morning or early afternoon. It is generally recommended that users start with a low dose and work up gradually.

I am Just reading now a book called "The natural medicine guide to Bipolar Disorder" by Stephanie Marohn. It seems pretty good and pretty complete so far.

I'm glad the acupuncture and herbs are helping. Please keep us posted on how it's going.

Love,

Jamie