If you have bipolar disorder , you may be thinking that in addition to the medications your doctor prescribes, it would be a good idea to try vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements. These are now easily available on the internet and in pharmacies, so it's natural to be interested in them. But are these really good for you? Are they beneficial? Are there any risks? Let's find out more about them today.
What are these dietary supplements?
Simply put, these are things we take in addition to the food we eat every day to add some nutrition to our bodies. These can come in many forms. For example:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Herbs or other botanicals
- Amino acids
- Things like enzymes
- Extract obtained from a plant or animal part
But the important thing here is that these supplements are not subject to the same rigorous testing as the medications a doctor prescribes for you. This means that there is often little scientific evidence to support their quality, safety, and whether they actually cure a disease. So you should think twice before using them.
Never forget: Using these supplements instead of the medication your doctor prescribed for bipolar disorder can be very dangerous.
Some supplements that are thought to help bipolar
Let's now look at some of the popular nutritional supplements available on the market that some people use to help with bipolar disorder.
1. What is 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)?
5-HTP is a substance that helps produce a neurotransmitter called serotonin in our brain. Serotonin is a messenger that controls things like our mood, sleep, and calmness. When serotonin levels are low, we can experience things like depression, irritability, and insomnia.
Therefore, some people believe that taking 5-HTP will increase serotonin levels and improve mood. Small studies have shown that it can provide some relief for mild depression .
But this can be dangerous for someone with bipolar!
Because 5-HTP can suddenly increase serotonin levels in the brain, it can trigger a bipolar mania episode or worsen an existing mania episode. Therefore, it is not a good idea to take 5-HTP without consulting a doctor.
2. What is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)?
DHEA is a hormone that our bodies naturally produce. It is produced well until our mid-20s, but then it gradually declines. Some advertisements claim that taking DHEA will slow down aging, improve mood, and reduce depression.
Although some studies have shown that it can provide some relief for depression, it is also risky for someone with bipolar disorder. Since DHEA is a hormone, taking it can change the body's hormonal balance. Also, DHEA has been reported to cause mania, excessive anger, and impulsive behavior . Therefore, it is also not a good idea to take it without medical advice.
3. Is there any benefit from fish oil (Fish Oil - Omega-3)?
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are very important for our brain function and nervous system.
Research has shown that omega-3s may provide some relief from depression in bipolar disorder, but have not been found to have a significant effect on mania .
The important thing is that fish oil is only an 'adjunct' to the medications your doctor has prescribed. It is never a substitute for the main medication. If you use fish oil, you should choose a good quality product that contains both EPA and DHA. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
4. Is St. John's Wort good?
St. John's Wort is a well-known herbal remedy that has long been used in Europe for minor to moderate depression. It also affects neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin.
However, St. John's Wort is very dangerous for someone with bipolar disorder.
Instead of relieving depression, this can lead to a state of mania. Also, if you are taking medication for bipolar disorder or another condition, St. John's Wort can have serious drug interactions with that medication. Therefore, the use of St. John's Wort for bipolar disorder is not recommended at all.
Finally, about supplements
Let's summarize these points in a table.
| Supplement | Potential Benefit | Risk in Bipolar |
|---|---|---|
| 5-HTP | It can help with mild depression. | Can cause or increase mania. |
| DHEA | It can improve mood. | Mania can cause irritability. |
| Fish Oil (Fish Oil - Omega-3) | Depression can be helped (with medication). | It doesn't have much effect on mania. Only on medical advice. |
| St. John's Wort | It helps others with mild depression. | Not recommended for bipolar. Can trigger mania. Reacts badly with other medications. |
Don't be fooled by the word "natural." Some plants (e.g., marigolds) are natural but toxic, aren't they? And so are these supplements. They can have side effects, too. They can also interact with medications you take and cause dangerous conditions.
Therefore, be sure to talk to your doctor about every medication, every vitamin, and every herbal supplement you take. He or she is the only one who can tell you exactly what is best for your condition and is safest.
Take-Home Message
- It is very dangerous to use supplements instead of the medication your doctor prescribes for bipolar disorder. Never do that.
- The word "natural" does not mean "safe." These too have side effects and risks.
- If you are taking medication for bipolar or any other condition, be sure to inform your doctor before starting any new supplement (vitamins, herbals, etc.).
- Things like St. John's Wort in particular can be very risky for people with bipolar disorder, and can trigger a manic episode.
- Sometimes supplements, such as fish oil, can be helpful 'as an adjunct' to your main treatment, but that decision should only be made after discussing it with your doctor.
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