Natural Treatment for Bipolar II

by Rebecca
(Washington DC)

For the past 3 weeks I've been treating my Bipolar II disorder with a combination of natural supplements to accompany my prescribed medication. I would not recommend this for Bipolar I patients with dangerous manic episodes but for those with common, dangerous depressive episodes.

** I am taking this combination of supplements with 150MG of Lamictal (Lamatrigone) a day.

Every morning I take:

150 MG of Lamictal
200 MG of SAMe*

*S-Adenosyl methionine is:
"a molecule that all living cells, including our own, produce constantly. To appreciate its importance, you need to understand a process called methylation. It's a simple transaction in which one molecule donates a four-atom appendage”a so-called methyl group”to a neighboring molecule. Both the donor and the recipient change shape in the process, and the transformations can have far-reaching effects. Methylation occurs a billion times a second throughout the body, affecting everything from fetal development to brain function. It regulates the expression of genes. It preserves the fatty membranes that insulate our cells. And it helps regulate the action of various hormones and neurotransmitters, including serotonin, melatonin, dopamine and adrenaline. As biochemist Craig Cooney observes in his new book, "Methyl Magic," 'Without methylation there could be no life as we know it.'" --Biopsychiatry.com

Every late afternoon with a meal I take:

60MG of Ginkgo Biloba
I pill of Whole Foods' B Daily Essentials*
About 1 1/2 TBSP of Organic Flax Oil, Omega-3, with (Vegetarian with DHA) drizzled over a simple salad

*This pill is made up of:

50MG Thiamin
50MG Riboflavin
55MG Niacin
50MG Vitamin B6
400MCG Folic Acid
50MCG Vitamin B12
300MCG Biotin
100MG Pantothenic Acid

This combination has made it easier to wake up everyday, easier to deal with stress and unpleasant situations. I have had minimal crying spells. I also walk a fair amount, usually a mile or two a day. The more exercise the better, of course. I noticed a slight improvement the first week, and for the past two weeks I've been significantly positive - even while dealing with a high-stress difficult life situations that would have prevented me from functioning normally before taking this combination.

I was taking St. Johns Wort for a bit before this three weeks, but be aware that ST JOHNS WORT SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL. This is why I discontinued taking it. If this is not an issue for you, I recommend taking a daily dose of this herbal supplement as well.

Also - it's very important to note that SAMe can be extremely dangerous for those with extreme manic episodes. My manic episodes are not dangerous - my experience with them involves irritability, elation, and very fast paced thinking and working. My manic episodes to not lead me to make dangerous rash decisions. Do NOT take same if this is your experience.

Good Luck.