Hi everyone, My partner has found some literature and evidence on the internet that supports the use of a high dosage of Omega 3 Oil as a mood swing prevention treatment. Anyone else heard about this or use it?? He said you would need it prescribed formally in high doses as if you bought them as regular in a shop you would need thousands to get the right quantity needed to make a difference. Just wondered. I am taking one a day alongside my mood stabilising meds at present. I may ask my Psychiatrist if he has heard about it. But I do not have a problem with the chemical meds I am prescribed so don't reallyt mind what he says either way. Claire
I have been taking fish oil capsules for about a month now with Seroquel and Lexapro for ultra rapid cycling BP2. I have not noticed any difference yet by taking the fish oil tabs, but I am not sure what difference there is supposed to be. I am not sure what the effective fish oil dosage is supposed to be, either.
Does anybody else know? Or tried anything else? Or know where I can find a list of the right dosages and combination of supplements?
I am actively looking for some alternative medicine.
Long story, I lost my pdoc, now I am running out of meds. I am on a waiting list 100 miles long to get in to see a new pdoc from MHMR. It could take forever.
I called another doctor and he wouldn't see me unless I pay $120 and I can't. I hate doctors anyway. And I don't think the magic pills work at all for me anyway.
It's ok if you are normal. We can still be friends.
I take omega-3 aquastell, I gather it's the EPA component that's most likely to give benefit and 1g/day of EPA is what I aim for. Most supermarket brands don't fit the bill unless you want to take about 15-20 capsules/day (!).
I certainly know of Psychiatrists that prescribe this, OmegaBrite is the brand I've heard of people taking the most for N.America, I take something different in the UK.
I've heard of folks managing their BP2/cyclothymia by lifestyle methods alone (i.e. healthy diet/omega-3, exercise, attention to sleep, talk therapy, support groups, mood/sleep diaries, avoiding stress as much as possible etc). I've only ever heard of one person who's succesfully managed BP1 by doing all that though. She was a trained Neurosurgeon, maybe that kind of knowledge helps too, dunno. Not sure I could do it anyway, might also be related to whatever other problems are going on, particularly stressors/anxiety for me I think.
I haven't noticed any big difference taking omega-3 myself, though I think my depression dips have been worse when I've stopped taking (mainly through lack of motivation). I suppose at least taking these has other benefits too I tend to remind myself e.g. for heart disease, memory. There's not much in the way of side-effects either, it is basically a food.
These are some good links to the benefits/evidence I think:
I too take omega 3 on top of the meds my pdocs has me on.
Several years ago, I went off my meds and began what's called the "orthomolecular" approach to psychiatry. I think that approach can work for those whose symptoms are not as strong as mine.
It requires close attention to diet and supplements etc. When I was hypomanic, I was on top of everything and it was fine. Then I crashed, lost track of taking the vitamins etc. properly, and to make a long story short, ended up back on meds.
I don't think I'll forego them again, though I still argue with my pdoc about the right combo (PolarOne, t'was side-FX'r that made me try the orthomolecular approach) And I still try to pay close attention to my diet, as the "good mood foods" vs "bad mood foods" really impact us, my kids included.
If you google "orthomolecular psychiatry" you'll find a good bit of info online.
Good luck, Claire 56!
Peace out, m22g
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
I gave up on the pills for a bit following my effexor experiences too m22g, still can't quite believe I went back for more with that one.
I read the Wiki entry for the orthomecular stuff, seems well referenced enough and a lot of it makes sense. Doesn't do any harm to have a healthy diet that's certain, I tend to do the 'Pizza Diet' when low, I'm guessing that doesn't help much then!
I suppose the interesting thing would be to know what BP rates/severity are for malnourished (through diet/disease) vs. those with good diet. The former group might have higher rates of depression through a variety of factors though I'd imagine.
The 'good mood foods' I know of are bananas, dairy, sunflower/sesame/pumpkin seeds (serotonin boost) and chocolate (endorphins release, well thats my excuse anyway ). Interested in any more.
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Omega 3 Oil capsules
Posted - 01/25/2007 : 07:47:08
(PolarOne, t'was side-FX'r that made me try the orthomolecular approach) And I still try to pay close attention to my diet, as the "good mood foods" vs "bad mood foods" really impact us, my kids included.
). Interested in any more.
