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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lao Tzu on January 14, 2011, at 14:31:30
I've been taking Carnipure L-carnitine from Vitamin Shoppe 250mg in the evenings with my GABA 750mg. For some reason, I seem to benefit from both of these amino acids. The GABA may be necessary for one with bipolar and the carnitine is supposed to help with mitochondria dysfunction. Since I added these two to my regimen of vitamins and minerals, I can say I have more peace of mind. I only take the carnitine and GABA in the evenings when my anxiety levels are higher. First I take the carnitine, let it absorb for a little while, then dose with the GABA. For some reason, which might just be anecdotal, I sleep better especially when I add Calcium and Magnesium to my bedtime routine. The carnitine and GABA combination may help with rest. At least that is what I've been experiencing lately, but don't take my word for it. I think maybe I just happen to benefit from these two amino acids due to deficits in GABA and mitochondria dysfunction related to bipolar/schizophrenia. I'm not saying everybody will benefit as I have. I've been interested in how mitochondrial dysfunction may present itself in autism, bipolar, schizophrenia, and other neurological diseases. So I started experimenting with supplements to support the mitochondria. I first tried CoQ10 which didn't work for me. Next, I tried alpha lipoic acid, which worked for a little while, then no real benefit. I had tried Acetyl-L-carnitine, which I didn't like at all. So I thought, just try plain old L-carnitine. It's a little cheaper and what do I have to lose? Result: I like it better than the Acetyl-L-Carnitine. I think I reacted negatively to the ALCAR. Carnitine is necessary for the Citric Acid Cycle, so that is why I take it. Indirectly, through helping the mitochondria, it may also help a little with the depression. Maybe it is too soon to say, but I'm going to keep using it. It doesn't cause me any side effects, and it also seems to help somewhat with anxiety for some odd reason. Anyway, I give Vitamin Shoppe's Carnipure Carnitine a thumbs up.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on January 15, 2011, at 12:11:22
In reply to Adding Carnipure Carnitine to Regimen, posted by Lao Tzu on January 14, 2011, at 14:31:30
The carnitine is actually starting to make me feel a little irritable during the day. Don't know if I will continue taking it, but I had to find out how it affected me.
Posted by Hombre on January 19, 2011, at 20:48:26
In reply to Re: Adding Carnipure Carnitine to Regimen, posted by Lao Tzu on January 15, 2011, at 12:11:22
Lao,
If you really want to build up mitochondrial density and optimize their function, you need to exercise. Of course having the best building blocks will help, but no amount of bricks will build a strong house like the master builder that is nature. Humans were deigned to move. Exercise does so much for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep quality. It calms the mind and energizes the body. It builds confidence and the feeling of self-efficacy. It regulates hormones and neurotransmitters, and it literally helps your hippocampus and other brain structures to grow again. Depression and anxiety slowly prunes away at your brain like a careless gardener. Exercise is like miracle-gro for your brain.
Best, as always,
Hombre
Posted by morgan miller on January 20, 2011, at 22:04:04
In reply to Adding Carnipure Carnitine to Regimen, posted by Lao Tzu on January 14, 2011, at 14:31:30
Hey Lao! Sorry for not responding earlier. I'm doing better. Started Lexapro 2 weeks a go, it think it might help. I'm still thinking I will have to go back to Zoloft as I feel more alive and more like myself on it. Anyway, we will see how thing go over the next few months.
I take liquid canitine by Jarrow because Depakote depletes carnitine stores. I don't think I notice anything from it though.
Hope you are well brotha!
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on January 21, 2011, at 9:53:04
In reply to Re: Adding Carnipure Carnitine to Regimen, posted by morgan miller on January 20, 2011, at 22:04:04
Hombre, thanks for your post. I do realize exercise is good for mitochondria, depression, and anxiety. I just have to get out and do it, I guess. Honestly, I don't think I have mitochondrial dysfunction, as most supplements for that particular disease do not help me. In fact, I feel worse taking them. But exercise is a good suggestion. Thanks again!
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on January 21, 2011, at 9:57:21
In reply to Re: Adding Carnipure Carnitine to Regimen, posted by morgan miller on January 20, 2011, at 22:04:04
Hey Morgan! I like Zoloft too, as it helps more with my anxiety symptoms than it does for my depression. I never felt Zoloft was great for depression symptoms only, but I guess for some people it is. Please let me know how Lexapro works for you. My nephew is on Lexapro, and I've heard it is a very good antidepressant. As far as the carnitine is concerned, I stopped taking it due to side effects, and I really didn't think much of it anyway. It did give me a little more energy, but it was rather weak in that regard. Hope all is well.
Lao
This is the end of the thread.
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