5 replies to this topic

[penisbreath]

I've realized the scope of my problems (severe OCD, inattentive ADD, major depression) fall way beyond the realm of supplements, but I'd like some advice on a non-costly regime, if possible. My aims are improving sleep quality and warding off oxidative damage; I'd like to improve cognition too, though haven't really found anything supplement-wise that helps significantly in that area.

I'm currently on 45mg of Parnate with 5-10mg of Valium at night for sleep. The sleep quality provided by Valium is poor, so I'm going to investigate alternatives with my psychiatrist.

Here's what I've noted so far:

I seem to be *incredibly* sensitive to Zinc, Vitamin D, and Methyl-folate, even prior to beginning Parnate. I can't tolerate 2000IU of Vit D, I have to halve the amount contained in my Zinc capsules (15mg) to ward off agitation, and I take like 1/8 of an 800mg Methyl-Folate pill at night, which I think might even be causing agitation in combination with Parnate.

Pure DHA made me feel 'flat' and foggy; pure EHA enhanced cognition but caused insomnia. I haven't bothered with fish oil since due to its supposed negative effects on the HPA-axis.

So right now, I'm taking:

1x Garlic capsule on an empty stomach (it's winter here, and I'm worried about getting sick, particularly because Parnate is interfering with sleep)
1x Jarrow's B-right in the morning
1x Epsom salt bath at night (for magnesium requirements)
1x ~7.5mg of Zinc Picolanate at night
1x ~100mg of Methyl-folate at night

What else should I add?

I was thinking maybe a Vitamin E supp., trying a lower dose of Vit D (e.g. 400iu caps), an alternative source of fatty acids (Perilla Oil?), and as far as sleep is concerned, maybe Glycine, Mag. Taurate, and I just read that chrono receives benefits from low-dose Lithium Orotate at night (which shouldn't be contraindicated with Parnate) ... ?

[penisbreath]

Oh yeah, and NAC causes respiratory issues (trialed it 4 times now), so that's unfortunately out of the question. Inositol just makes me foggy.

[Cephalon]

Hi Lucky Pierre,

First off it's good to see you are using a moderate dose of Zinc. Many people overdo it with Zinc, which can lead to a secondary copper deficieny.
What is always best to optimize your regime is to track your diet with a software such as Cron-O-Meter (Free)

Jarrow is a great brand and one of my favourite, though after tracking your diet for a few days, you will notice you do not need the full dose of Jarrows B Complete.

Why are you taking the folate? It should be apparent in Jarrow B Complete already isn't it? I would advice against over RDA foltate intakes.

You should look into Vitamin D. Best is to do some bloodwork done. Without bloodwork you should be fine supplementing 1200-2400IU D3 a day.

Low dose (1mg - 5mg) Lithium is a good idea, though I'm not familiar with Parnate - so you'll need to do some more research there.

NAC is not really neccesary.

Both you mentione, MG and Glycine help me with sleep. L-Theanine is also a supplement worth checking out.

[Cephalon]

Oh I see Parnate is a monoamin oxidase inhibitor. I do not see any contraindications with Lithium, though I'm just a layman.
Just found online, that Lithium is sometimes used in combination with Parnate to fight bipolar disorders ...

Watch out for supps interfering with MAOI's.

[penisbreath]

Hi Lucky Pierre,

First off it's good to see you are using a moderate dose of Zinc. Many people overdo it with Zinc, which can lead to a secondary copper deficieny.
What is always best to optimize your regime is to track your diet with a software such as Cron-O-Meter (Free)

Jarrow is a great brand and one of my favourite, though after tracking your diet for a few days, you will notice you do not need the full dose of Jarrows B Complete.

Why are you taking the folate? It should be apparent in Jarrow B Complete already isn't it? I would advice against over RDA foltate intakes.

You should look into Vitamin D. Best is to do some bloodwork done. Without bloodwork you should be fine supplementing 1200-2400IU D3 a day.

Low dose (1mg - 5mg) Lithium is a good idea, though I'm not familiar with Parnate - so you'll need to do some more research there.

NAC is not really neccesary.

Both you mentione, MG and Glycine help me with sleep. L-Theanine is also a supplement worth checking out.

The Jarrow's B-complex contains folate, not methyfolate (I'm supposedly an undermethylator). Anyway, I did an experiment and cut out the B-complex for a few days ... when I added it back it, I noticed it *heavily* potentiated the stimulating aspect of Parnate and caused some agitation in the process. I suppose I am just really sensitive to everything (including medication).

[Cephalon]

Yes the B Complex should have some interaction with your medication since B vitamins are cofactors in the production of neurotransmitters. You should be carefull adding new supplements - always do your homework to see if there are any potential contraindications with MAOI's - most supplement brands would write such a note on the label.