Omega 3s

[jen21287]

I have been diagnosed with bipolar 2 for the past 3 years and on meds. I was also diagnosed with ADD but decided not to take meds for that considering I was already on quite a few. I read that Omega 3s can improve attention and so I decided to give them a try, no side effects. My attention span and ability to focus has increased tremendously. It is crazy how fast it worked as well (past 2 weeks). Ritalin did nothing for me in the past except make matters worse - so I gave up on ADD meds. The Omega 3 supplements have also improved my mood. I wasn't depressed, but I now feel like I have an added boost to my mood. The Seroquel leaves me feeling drugged in the morning and this seems to help wake me up a bit and clear my head.

I have been reading great things about it. Has anyone else here had success with adding Omega 3s to your meds?

**I have been taking a high dose ~5g. I probably don't need that much, but it seems to help. (4 X 1200mg gel capsules of fish oil)**

[barbou]

Hi everyone,Seems I wandered off in cyberland,but I'm back and hope to respond to some of these posts in the near future.
I must get some rest just now but look forward to participating in this chat.

[Crystlas]

No, all the research I have found is it is only for depression and cardiovascular help.  As well as, overall good for the body.  I do not know of anything to help mania and irritability aside from good sleep.  I know if I get a few good nights of sleep my mania calms down a whole lot.  I use natural sleep aids for that like Melatonin, Valerian Root and Chamomile.  

[adel_ezz]

The usefulness of omega 3 is unquestionable. especially in depression
my question: does anyone know about mania and irritability, does it help?
ezz

[Crystlas]

Nature Made is a good brand, I use them and from everything I read they are safe and effective w/o costing too much.  

[jen21287]

Thanks for all of your replies. I stopped taking them when I started to feel depressed, but I should go back to taking them. I will have to check out that website - I have been getting mine from Costco really cheap - Nature Made - I do not know how great they really are. I agree that this is not the answer for going off of meds.

[triedeverymed]

You are also correct about the high doses. I have capsules that are 1200mg. of fish oil per pill and my doc wants me to take 3 a day. To hit the depression the dose has to be higher than a normal person would take.
I buy them at Iherb.com, Dr. Michael Murray's Fish Oil capsules, he makes the high dose capsules with all the right amounts of the other things my doc told me to get. You can buy 180 capsules for $13.87 but it's pharmacutical grade, meaning it will improve depression and mood.
But having said that, this treatment is in combination with a mood stabilizer. My doc says the vitamins alone won't always help people with Bipolar and I have found that to be true for me. They help ease the symptoms. I would stress to people do not go off your meds without talking to your doctor.

[adel_ezz]

I forgot to tell you 5gm isn't too much . In fact I heard somebody else in another group taking 4gm and said has he been better off (i.e. having more money) then he would use 5. So don't worry and keep up posted of the results.

I myself take 3 gms and found a lot of difference whether in ebnergy, concentration or short memory
ezz

[adel_ezz]

Sure it is useful as was proven so. Use fish oil and not flax oil. I remember there was a difference in the chain-type in both. There is also kava kava and Gaba. They may not subsitute meds but can lessen dose.
Ezz

[Crystlas]

I take my omega 3's three times daily, recommended by my psychiatrist.  So, you might want to try that.  As far as brain fog goes, that is still depression, or atleast it was for me.  I suffered brain fog until I got on Abilify and then with it working with my Wellbutrin it just went away for the most part.  I am so happy about that!  I hope you find out how to help your brain fog soon!

[nanook22]

I was diagnosed with bpd about 10 years ago and continue to struggle to find the right medicine.  I have been taking the omega 3 and Flax Seed oil twice a day each.  I actually don't know if they are helping.  Maybe I should take it 3 times a day and see if it makes a difference.  If it's helping now, I would hate to see what life is like without it because it seems pretty rough. I also think I might try the Orthomolecular Psyciatry.  We just moved to a new state and they actually have one of those here.  I might also take barbou's advice.  I'm so tired of medicine!!!  Won't go off of it though.  I've been there too!  

[briannentx]

What type of vitamins are you using any certain brand that you think is good or are you just getting the cheapest ones at the pharm? My depression meds have made my mind so foggy and cloudy that if thats working then i will sure give it a try so i can think more clearly again.. i'm tired of feeling sluggish all day :o( Bri

[barbou]

I am 60 years old and was diagnosed bipolar 4 years ago,I can now see much of my life was influenced by this disorder.I quit the psychiatric drugs within the first two weeks(hated the effects).Fortunately I became aware of Orthomolecular Psychiatry and have been very fortunate and successful in containing and treating my disorder through the use of vitamins,minerals,amino acids and the like.Omega 3 oils and flax seed oil are an important part of my treatment.
Niacin(B3),B6,C,D and E,plus a liquid B50 complex,calcium,magnesium,manganese,zinc,copper and chromium.Bromelain,L-Theanine or green tea and probiotics.I have discontinued 5 HTP and melatonin as no longer required.
  The side effects are beneficial in treating my comorbid conditions;diabetes,arthritis,alcoholism,drug addiction and tobacco.
  I would encourage anyone to explore this medical avenue.

                                                        barbou

[Crystlas]

Go to GNC and pick up "Ashwagandha".  It is great for anxiety.  I use it when I feel anxious and it helps me quite a bit!!

[peggy64]

crystlas,

i completely understand what you mean. I hate to take the meds, because of side effects, and permanent damage they do to your brain, But if you don't take them, you feel terrible, so whats a person to do.

I have prayed and begged God to remove the fear and anxiety(thyroid related) but that hasn't happened yet. So I can continue in anxiety and almost non functioning state or I can take the harmful little pills.. what a choice.

[Crystlas]

Good for you!  It is a pain how much these meds cause bad side effects on our bodies.  We have to have these meds in order to function correctly, but they tear down our bodies little by little.  I hate that about it all.  My Wellbutrin causes me rapid heart rate and increases my heart rate.  My Abilify causes constipation and I have to take fiber every day now.  I worry about these meds, but love how wonderful they make me feel.  Sometimes I feel like a guinea pig under a microscope for the psychiatrist.  Anyone else feel that way?  Don't get me wrong, I have a great psychiatrist, I just worry about what these drugs are doing to my body long term.  

[triedeverymed]

My doc can't stress the benefits of Omega 3 and Flax Seed powder enough. He says there is real life research showing all the benefits they have on mood, not to mention, heart and arteries.
If you take Omega # my doc says if it smells like fish, it's a cheap grade. Go for the higher grade oils. They shouldn't have an odor.

[peggy64]

I haven't seen any effect from the omega 3. I take 2-4 caps a day, even include some cod liver oil caps, vit b complex. I have depression, but I think mine is more related to my thyroid disorder, and that is hard to stablize.

[jen21287]

ya, there is no way I am stopping meds. been there - not going back! I am just not willing at the moment to take any more (for ADD). Lamictal, Xanax (occasionally), Seroquel, and a heart med for an abnormal heart rhythm caused by the Seroquel - those are plenty for right now! lol. I can't complain too much because they are working and I feel good.

[Crystlas]

I take it every day in conjunction with my meds.  ALWAYS take the prescription meds.  Omega 3 or 6 is awsome for brain boosting and great for the heart too.  Been taking it for years.  I know it does not control bipolar because I suffered horrible symptoms before my diagnosis when I was taking Omega 3 already.  Just got my diagnosis and added in the bipolar meds!

[jen21287]

Omega 3s are not a substitute for medications. They are a supplement that can be taken in conjunction with your regular meds. You can get the Omega 3 fatty acids from either flax seed or fish oil. Mine are fish oil (I do not get the fishy smell), but some prefer the other. Just google omega 3s, depression and ADD and you will find lots of information out there. But basically, they help your brain function better by giving it the much needed nutrients because our diets are usually lacking in them - unless you consume lots amounts of fish. Talk to your doctor about it as well because many of them already know at least something about it. But do not stop other meds to take this. Good luck!

[catdecoraor]

what are the omega 3s. my head doctor is trying to find a medication that will work, i have bi-polar,ocd, & add. i was dignosed about 2 months ago. but have been sick for  more than 10yrs.

[jen21287]

Even more I didn't know, thanks :)

[Tink70]

Omegas are also really important for women during their menstrual cycles..it lessens the depression associated the cycle (well, for me!)  It also helps with fertility.

[jen21287]

I am glad they are working for you as well : ) I am still surprised with how well they are helping me.