27 replies to this topic

[Anewlife]

I recently developed a psychotic episode and depression due to drugs.
I have been on 200mg sertraline and 2mg Risperidone(minimum effective dose for me) for 4 months, I tried coming off Risperidone but my dellusions came back. There is a chance this is only temporary so I think what I do now would be very important in determining whether this is a permanent illness (Schizophrenia) or just a brief psychotic episode like the doctors 1st thought.

I am currently taking:
Vitamin D3 2000IU
2grams fish oil twice a day
200mg Magnesium + 25mg B6
4mg Manganese
Multi
Slow release Iron with Vit C
500mg Inositol

I plan on adding:
200mg Theanine
125mg Choline
Anti Oxidant complex
EGCG

I meditate daily and also smoke cigarettes and drink a lot of redbull and coffee I intake about 500mg caffeine per day to counteract the sertraline drowsiness.
My sertraline dosage is now being tapered slowly down to 150mg.

Since reading a thread here I also plan on adding:
Sarcosine
L-Lysine

Edited by Anewlife, 12 June 2013 - 05:35 AM.

[Luminosity]

SORRY TO HEAR YOU ARE DEALING WITH THAT. I COPIED YOUR POST. MY RESPONSES ARE IN CAPS.

I am currently taking:
Vitamin D3 2000IU
2grams fish oil twice a day
200mg Magnesium + 25mg B6

WHAT FORM OF MAGNESIUM? DEPENDING ON WHAT IT IS, SOME PEOPLE MIGHT BENEFIT FROM MORE. JUST DEPENDS. IS THIS A GOOD DOSAGE OF B6? WOULD MORE BE BETTER? MAYBE SOMEONE COULD COMMENT. A MULTI-B MIGHT BE GOOD FOR YOUR NERVES. NATURES WAY ISN'T BAD. THE DOSAGE IS TOO HIGH FOR ME SO I OPEN THE CAPSULES AND SPRINKLE A LITTLE OF IT IN SOME WATER.

4mg Manganese
Multi
Slow release Iron with Vit C
500mg Inositol

I plan on adding:
200mg Theanine
125mg Choline
Anti Oxidant complex
EGCGC

I LIKE ESTER C CAPSULES WITH NO BIOFLAVINOIDS. I GET THE FROM SWANSONS. I OPEN THE CAPSULES AND TAKE HALF A ONE AT A TIME DISSOLVED IN SOME WATER. SO I GET 250 MILLIGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE DAY


I meditate daily and also smoke cigarettes

A LOT OF MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE SMOKE. YOU HAVE TO QUIT.

and drink a lot of redbull and coffee

DITTO. CAFFEINE IS BAD FOR YOUR NERVES.

EATING A STEAMED GREEN VEGETABLE EVERY DAY WOULD HELP AS WOULD LIVING MODERATELY. GET OUTSIDE WHEN YOU CAN, BREATHE FRESH AIR. EXERCISE MODERATELY WHEN YOU CAN. GO TO SLEEP AT A DECENT HOUR. NO RECREATIONAL DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL. AVOID TOO MUCH VIOLENT MEDIA/COMPUTER GAMES. DON'T STAY UP ALL NIGHT.

I intake about 500mg caffeine per day to counteract the sertraline drowsiness.
My sertraline dosage is now being tapered slowly down to 150mg.

Since reading a thread here I also plan on adding:
Sarcosine
L-Lysine

CHINESE MEDICINE CAN BE USED TO TREAT MENTAL ILLNESS. I HAVE LINKED TO MY THREAD ON IT HERE.

http://www.longecity...ne/page__st__30

A GOOD TALK THERAPIST MAY HELP. IN THE US PHD'S TEND TO BE BETTER, ALTHOUGH ONLY HALF OF THEM ARE SANE. PSYCHOLOGYTODAY.ORG HAS A WEBSITE WITH A DETAILED LIST OF THERAPISTS IN DIFFERENT CITIES IN THE US. NOT SURE ABOUT AUSTRALIA.

Edited by Luminosity, 12 June 2013 - 06:12 AM.

[Psionic]

Agree with the above post.

Do not eat excess sugar, ketogenic (low carb-high fat) diet seems to be helpful for some psychotic illnesses. Do not eat any grains, try to go on gluten-free (no pizza, no pasta, no bread).

[lammas2]

4mg Manganese
Slow release Iron

I would definately leave these out, as they increase dopamine levels trough various ways. I believe excess dopamine is linked to schizophrenia.

[xks201]

Test all hormones. Hair mineral anaylsis test and nutri-eval ONE are good tests for you. Schizo symptoms can be caused by deficiencies picked up in these tests. Taking some b vitamins from walmart I highly doubt are going to help.

[Anewlife]

I have read manganese can benefit schizophrenia along with zinc. But I will cut out the iron, these are helping my anhedonia.
I will also cut out sugar and gluten.
Also gonna get a mineral analysis.
Thanks.

[penisbreath]

look into minocycline - potent neuroprotective (modulates glutamate) showing benefit in positive and negative sx. of schizo

[Anewlife]

Cool just did and I will show it to my doctor.

[xks201]

Don't neglect hormones. Especially sex hormones and igf-1(growth hormone) the reference ranges they use lie so research a healthy level...usually top quartile of their ref range

[Reformed-Redan]

Check this article. I think it would not be hard to get Pregnenolone Sulfate.

The Neuroactive Steroid Pregnenolone Sulfate Stimulates Trafficking of Functional NMDA Receptors to the Cell Surface via a Non-Canonical G-Protein and Ca⁺⁺ Dependent Mechanism

• Emmanuel Kostakis,
  
• Conor Smith,
  
• Ming-Kuei Jang,
  
• Stella C Martin,
  
• Kyle G Richards,
  
• Shelley J Russek,
  
• Terrell T Gibbs, and
  
• David H Farb*

+Author Affiliations

• ↵* Corresponding author; email: dfarb@bu.edu

[font='Lucida Sans Unicode', ', Arial, ', 'Lucida Grande', ', Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif} '] Abstract

[font=inherit]NMDA receptors (NMDARs) mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission and play a critical role in synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. NMDAR hypoactivity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and clinical studies reveal reduced negative symptoms of schizophrenia with a dose of pregnenolone that elevates serum levels of the neuroactive steroid pregnenolone sulfate (PregS). This report describes a novel process of delayed onset potentiation whereby PregS approximately doubles the cell's response to NMDA via a mechanism that is pharmacologically and kinetically distinct from rapid positive allosteric modulation by PregS. The number of functional cell surface NMDARs in cortical neurons increases 60 -100% within 10 min of exposure to PregS as shown by surface biotinylation and affinity purification. Delayed onset potentiation is reversible and selective for expressed receptors containing the NR2A or NR2B, but not NR2C or NR2D, subunits. Moreover, substitution of NR2B J-K helices and M4 domain with the corresponding region of NR2D ablates rapid allosteric potentiation of the NMDA response by PregS but not delayed onset potentiation. This demonstrates that the initial phase of rapid positive allosteric modulation is not a first step in NMDAR upregulation. Delayed onset potentiation by PregS occurs via a non- canonical, pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein coupled and Ca²⁺ dependent mechanism that is independent of NMDAR ion channel activation. Further investigation into the sequelae for PregS stimulated trafficking of NMDARs to the neuronal cell surface may uncover a new target for the pharmacological treatment of disorders in which NMDAR hypofunction has been implicated.

[/font]
[font=inherit]You can also try participating in the IDRA-21 group buy that works by activating AMPA receptors, which in turn leads to activation of NMDA receptors. [/font]
[font=inherit]Positive modulators of the alpha-7-nicotinic receptors are also a novel target for drugs affecting dopamine and NMDA hypo and hyper functions. Nefiracetam is worth a try and is readily available. I think it's worth a try. Please post back here with your experiences with nefiracetam on positive symptoms of schizophrenia, thanks. [/font][/font]

Edited by yadayada, 12 June 2013 - 03:44 PM.

[KoolK3n]

The people I know who have schizophrenia/psychosis were given explicit orders to eliminate any stimulant usage including caffeine even green tea by their doctor. Look into other options to combat the sleepiness.

[Anewlife]

Thats weird, I had quit caffeine when I had my break and my psychiatrist said to start drinking coffee, I guess for the cognitive benefit, and my new psychiatrist doesnt seem to mind.
I think this has to do with the schools of thought on excess dopamine connection.

[peakplasma]

Last I heard is that the glutamate-dopamine hypothesis is en vogue and medicine is working on a grand theory to reconcile the two.

Caffeine has downstream effects on dopamine and glutamate but it is a non-selective PDE inhibitor as a xanthine; specfically, PDE4 inhibition is beleived to have a potent anti-psychotic effect. So it's not necessarily true that doctors discourage coffee.

Often, I've heard that coffee and cigarettes is a tongue-in-cheek prescription.

Edited by peakplasma, 12 June 2013 - 05:40 PM.

[KoolK3n]

I think this has to do with the schools of thought on excess dopamine connection.

True enough. This is directed to Peakplasma as well, but why exclusively caffeine? Why not look into other PDE4 inhibitors?

Anewlife, have you checked out N Acetylcysteine? It's said to reduce the negative symptoms.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC3044191/

Edited by KoolK3n, 12 June 2013 - 06:08 PM.

[peakplasma]

True enough. This is directed to Peakplasma as well, but why exclusively caffeine? Why not look into other PDE4 inhibitors?

That's what I'm hoping OP will look into (i.e. PDE4 inhibitors) but the research is still emerging.

[Heh]

You can try adding..

3g Niacin
3g Vitamin C
1g Vitamin B-5

1g TMG
30mg OptiZinc
500mg Resveratrol

etc..

http://www.psychforu...39.html#p178959

[Galaxyshock]

Ginseng:

Efficacy Study of Panax Ginseng to Boost Antipsychotics Effects in Schizophrenia

Short-term improvement in visual memory by a proprietary North American ginseng extract in stable schizophrenia

Effect of Ginsenosides on Memory Retention of Rats in Animal Models of Schizophrenia

Several pharmacological properties have been reported for ginsenosides or ginseng, including
effects on the central nervous system, tranquilizing and antipsychotic actions

Bacopa monnieri (also called Brahmi):

Add-on effect of Brahmi in the management of schizophrenia

Effects of bacopa monnieri on VGLUT1 density in frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus of schizophrenic rat model

Neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement effects of bacopa monnieri on novel object recognition in schizophrenic rat model

Pregnenolone:

Pregnenolone as a novel therapeutic candidate in schizophrenia: emerging preclinical and clinical evidence.

Proof-of-Concept Trial with the Neurosteroid Pregnenolone Targeting Cognitive and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

[Anewlife]

I will get pregnenolone and I just started taking NAC, I cant take bacopa because it interferes with sertraline.

[Galaxyshock]

I will get pregnenolone and I just started taking NAC, I cant take bacopa because it interferes with sertraline.

Alright. Ginseng can help you further cut down the antipsychotic (as it augments/has some antipsychotic actions of its own) and help when eventually coming off. Seems that Theanine can indeed be helpful too: http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/21208586

[Reformed-Redan]

I will get pregnenolone and I just started taking NAC, I cant take bacopa because it interferes with sertraline.

See if you can find nefiracetam. I really think it's worth a try.

[alexburke]

Talk to your doctor about modafinil. It can be perscribed to people with schizophrenia.
Its seriously a miracle drug for schizophrenia. It takes away all drowsieness from my medications.

If your doctor cant get you a perscription (unlikely) get a prolog of it online like adrafinil. The prolog might be cheaper if moneys an issue.

Look into doing positive thinking affirmations with your meditation.

Being diagnosed 4 years ago ive been doing constant research to find relief and to find answers.

Cognitive boosting drugs like modafinil help me to solve problems I'm facing with ease..
I found noopept to be of great benefit with the modafinil. Flax seed oil contains trace amounts of CBD and helps the noopept + it contains omega
fats.

What Ive noticed over these 4 years that the most relief I can get from the symptoms is by taking cognitive boosting drugs.
This might be only me but I'm convinced with my case its 20% a problem in my minds programming (thats why I do meditation with positive affirmations)
and 80% percent a cognitive problem.

My symptoms completely go away after about 300mg of modafinil + 50-60mg of noopept + 2 capsoles of flax seed oil + caffeine + anti psycotic.

That being said when I'm wired and in the zone I dont have schizophrenia anymore.
I am looking into tdcs (just bought it) as a substitute for the stimulants + cognitive drugs.
If it lives up to its expectations I can atleast lower the stimulants/cognitive drugs.

Edited by alexburke, 14 June 2013 - 06:12 PM.

[8bitmore]

I would like too add here that it would not at all be smart to stop nicotine intake (it might well be very smart to stop smoking for other reasons though, but seeing as nicotine comes in many forms these days this shouldn't pose to much of a problem):

• The potential of nicotinic enhancement of cognitive remediation training in schizophrenia
• Allosteric alpha-7 nicotinic receptor modulation and P50 sensory gating in schizophrenia: A proof-of-mechanism study

[alexburke]

Just wanted to post this because in my last post I thought you were diagnosed with schizophrenia not psycotic episodes.
I guess the same rules still apply to some extent of his illness.

I found that having a philosophy on life a +plus . I follow most general spiritual prinicipals.
Theres a quote "shamans swim in the waters schizophrenics drown in"

[manic_racetam]

Do not eat excess sugar, ketogenic (low carb-high fat) diet seems to be helpful for some psychotic illnesses. Do not eat any grains, try to go on gluten-free (no pizza, no pasta, no bread).

I'd have to totally agree with this, at least in my case. Since switching to a cyclic ketogenic diet about a month ago (150g of carbs every three days) and getting rid of all gluten and artificial sweeteners I feel really good.

Mood hasn't been this stable in years. I was previously drinking 2 cans of energy drinks a day for almost 3 years, that alone could have been causing the majority of my psychological complaints.

The iron intake from all the meat I eat is not necessarily compatible with my blood condition and I'll be checking all my cholesterol levels soon, but as far as the mental/psychological benefits it's through the roof.

Still need to order more health screenings to make sure all my levels are staying in the healthy range but so far I'm very impressed with the mental clarity and reduction in negative obsessive thought patterns that have been plaguing me for over a year.

[Spherical Cow]

The omega-3 and Vitamin D supplements are good options. Important to maintain a good omega-3:omega-6 ratio.

Might be a good idea to stop taking Sertraline. For depression/negative symptoms you might benefit from night-time Mirtazapine and daytime Fluvoxamine (or Escitalopram).

Might be a good idea to stop taking manganese (http://www.ncbi.nlm..../pubmed/6129921, http://www.ncbi.nlm..../pubmed/6108526).

Improve diet and stabilise blood sugar.

I agree…should get your hormones checked as well. Testosterone, Oestrogen, Prolactin, LH, FSH. Also get an ANA screen. Other useful tests might be IGF-1 and Cortisol. Also 25-OH vitamin D (http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/22693787), Folate, and B12 (http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/23467813).

Exercise and music therapy, keeping socially active, keeping your days purposeful and structured (fulfilling employment or study).

Edited by Spherical Cow, 20 June 2013 - 09:56 AM.

[KoolK3n]

I will get pregnenolone and I just started taking NAC, I cant take bacopa because it interferes with sertraline.

How are you doing? Is the NAC working? Any other new steps taken?

[Anewlife]

The NAC is doing some good, I believe it is reducing negative symptoms(lack of motivation) but it could be placebo, I have a feeling it is doing other good stuff behind the scenes just dunno what, I have felt better since taking it. I take 600mg twice a day.

I have started at the gym last week and I had to stop taking magnesium cause I was sleeping about 16 hours a day.

I have also stopped the fish oil temporarily because it gives me sore joints after a while I was taking 4 grams a day I think I will just take 1 gram a day once my joint problem settles.

Compared to last month I overall feel a lot better with meditation, exercise and a multi + NAC. At the moment I cant see myself developing schizophrenia.

I meditate atleast an hour a day and do about 20-30mins of exercise each day.

Edited by Anewlife, 30 June 2013 - 06:46 PM.

[bugasman]

I think l-theanine is a good bet, instead of only 200mg you could try two doses of 200mg daily, look at this:

http://www.crazyboar...i-was-15/page-2

https://sites.google...e/teaforschizo/