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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bissie66 on December 1, 2018, at 13:02:26
I have treatment resistant bipolar depression. Extremely resistant. After years and years of trying almost every drug out rhere I was referred to a psychiatrist in Bethesda Maryland, former head of NIMH Or at least one of its departments He now sees patients once and once only and sends them home with a letter to their psychiatrist after a three hour session. My uncle who is bipolar and was bedridden for two years with depression credits this man with saving his life. So the first medication this new psychiatrist has me try is actually to my surprise a supplement called acetyl-L carnitine. If you Google it youll find lots of psychiatric journals and so forth that are reputable and peer reviewed telling you of its effectiveness oh depression, particularly those with early onset depression triggered by childhood adversity or trauma. Fascinating. I was wondering if anyone had any luck on this supplement. My dosage is 500 mg three times a day. I have been on it for about three weeks and I can say that I definitely got better but as of yesterday I feel a down slide. Also I have had rapid cycling swings so that my good feeling. Did not last the entire day however I no longer wake with crippling anxiety and when I call morning terrors. And I got through most of each day wanting to be alive, I am feeling pretty happy. The doctor told me not to expect magic but of course part of me does. Im wondering if anyone else has taken this and has had good results or not so good for that matter. Any experience would be welcome. And FYI the doctor did not have me stop any of the meds I was on already. And the letter that he sent home to my psychiatrist has suggestions ranging from A to H. In other words if A doesnt work we move to B. if that doesnt work we move to C and on and on the last one being ECT
Posted by sigismund on December 1, 2018, at 13:55:48
In reply to Acetyl-L-Carnitine, posted by Bissie66 on December 1, 2018, at 13:02:26
Ummm, I forget if it was in combination with alpha lipoic acid when I tried it? Anyway I felt it disturbed my sleep. Other than that I felt better.
No trouble on the sleep front?
Posted by bissie66 on December 1, 2018, at 16:08:05
In reply to Re: Acetyl-L-Carnitine » Bissie66, posted by sigismund on December 1, 2018, at 13:55:48
> Ummm, I forget if it was in combination with alpha lipoic acid when I tried it? Anyway I felt it disturbed my sleep. Other than that I felt better.
>
> No trouble on the sleep front?
>
>I don't think it has disturbed my sleep. It's hard to say because I was having sleep problems to begin with but I don't think it's made them worse. Here's a weird thing and I have no idea if it has anything to do with this: I keep falling asleep at work, like just for a few seconds. so maybe the answer is yes!
Posted by sigismund on December 4, 2018, at 17:31:10
In reply to Re: Acetyl-L-Carnitine » sigismund, posted by bissie66 on December 1, 2018, at 16:08:05
The only problem I had with gabapentin is that it made my feet swell up if I took it continually. Other than that I liked it in small amounts.
Rei Shi has been useful to me, which you might expect given as I am in my 60s with a less that wonderful immune system. I think it is calming.
This is the end of the thread.
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