Vitamins and medication - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

weasel · 08-12-2008, 08:09 PM

I am slowly weaning off Lamictal, the only medication I have been on for a long time. Many reasons for going off it, but I am trying to go the natural route. I have been doing TONS of research, and I have come across some alarming information that makes me glad I made the decision I have. I never really thought bipolar was a correct diagnosis anyway. It was more of an environmental issue and I think the drugs have been keeping me down. ANYWAY.

I came across this list of vitamins that Lamictal depletes or interferes with while in your system. (i found a few different sites, and these are the ones that over lapped on them) I find this interesting since I can tell by how I feel if I have remembered to take my vitamins (I take a high-potency multivitamin) I thought I'd share this with you so that maybe by supplementing to make up for what you are losing might help you stay healthier, mentally and physically---of course check with your doctor before taking ANYTHING

Biotin
Calcium
Folic acid
L-Carnitine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin D
Vitamin K

Obviously do your own research and talk to your doctor about all these things. Here's to your health! I hope someone else finds this as interesting as I do.

PS I feel great and alive. (and not overly so

)

klyn07 · 08-13-2008, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the info. I meet with my pdoc tomorrow and am going to ask him about needing a b-12 supplement. I am always tired and fall asleep everytime I am not moving.

adinahwithkaden · 08-19-2008, 01:16 PM

Wow, that's very interesting that it interferes with biotin, since when I was on Lamictal, I lost my hair (and biotin helps promote hair growth). Interesting.

Have you heard of ******** EMPower Plus? I take that along with a bunch of fish oils, and biotin to grow my hair back...

weasel · 08-21-2008, 03:48 PM

my hair was thinning too. I'm starting to get wispies back already, just after I started cutting my dose. Now I have been completely off it for about 5 days. I am having withdrawal, but I am confident it will go away. The fish oil has definitly helped me. I am so happy I made the decisions I have made and I have read SO MUCH about pharmaceuticals. I know that most people on them feel they are necessary, but I never thought I had an option until I started doing research. HAPPY HAIR!! I hope it grows back for you, nothing worked for me (Shampoos, supplements) except going off it.

Good luck!

katlin09 · 08-21-2008, 08:34 PM

Just an FYI for anyone with a bleeding disorder, such as a low clotting factor, which is what I have, check with your doctor before taking fish oil, it can make your bleeding disorder worse.