Gina (Feb 6, 2003):  For depression, bi-polar, and other disorders thought to be benefited by Omega-3 supplements.....What specific dose amount has been working?   How long did it take before you felt results? 

I am about to turn 25, and I have been vegetarian since age 10.  My insurance coverage dropped dramatically, so I am researching cost-effective ways to supplement the minimum dosage of anti-depressants.....

I bought a bottle of fish oil and flax seed capsules at Wal-mart this morning because I read in a women's health magazine that even just one gram of Omega-3 supplement may be effective in helping to alleviate the symptoms of depression.  My plan is to take 2-4 grams of Omega-3 a day, since I figure my levels are long depleted and require replenishment. 

McMan (Feb 6): Hi, Gina. The short answer is we really don't know. I take 4 grams a day (2 grams twice a day), along with my meds. Someone emailed me saying she took 6 grams a day (2 grams x 3) without meds, and on another page of this site, someone posted she takes 9 grams a day with other supplements. So somewhere between 1 and 9 grams should give you a general range. You might want to start low and work up.

Walt (Feb 6, 2003):  I have several comments. I have recently started using Omega-3 as a supplement to my 9 yr old son's regular medications. This was on the recommendation of his psychiatrist. My son has done well on medications, then after a while they become less effective. Eventually we reach the max dosage and have to switch or add a medicine. So far the Omega-3 has helped, but I don't yet know if it will last any better than the medications have.

I have been trying to find a reasonably priced source, but have found that most online sources are either health-food boutique pricing, or do not list essential information. It is critical to know the balance of EPA to DHA, and also to be certain that the process removes heavy metals such as mercury. Yet many do not list this information. And local pharmacy and vitamin stores are extremely expensive.  Does anyone know of an online source that lists all of the necessary info, yet has good prices?

Paula (March 6, 2003):  My 9 yr old daughter is bipolar, and in addition to her medications, I have started giving her some Omega3.  I have been trying to find out info on what numbers I should be looking at to add up the gram count.  The total # of all the EPA, DHA etc... together, or only the EPA?  This is a little confusing.  I would appreciate some help!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thanks!

McMan (March 6):  Hi. Paula.  The omega-3 I'm using right now has 360 mg EPA and 240 mg DHA per 1000 mg capsule.  I take two in the morning and two at night.  OmegaBrite, which Andrew Stoll of the famous study is connected to, has the highest concentration of EPA - 375 mg EPA and 40 mg DHA per 500 mg capsule.

KT (March 10, 2003):  I had suffered from depression and moodiness all my life. Standard medical/psychological attempts at help only made things worse.  Recently and quite unexpectedly, I found myself waking up without that horrid dysphoria that had plagued me for at least the past 12 years.

Before, I couldn't begin to function until 2 or 3 in the afternoon.  I hated waking up, I hated going to sleep, I guess because I hated to wake up.  I am not a fish eater but had recently started taking omega 3 fatty acids and began eating more proteins.  Now when I wake up in the morning I'm normal!  For me, it's a miracle and now I see why.  I had no idea that omega 3 was the solution.  I never heard about the connection until just tonight.  I'm here to tell ya it worked for me.  I've got my life back!

Gare (March 20, 2003):  My 11 year old son is bipolar.  He has done well w/ some prescription medicines and using 4 capsules a day of Omega Brite (which Stoll helped design).  Apparently Omega Brite has been having production problems and so we have had difficulty getting a new supply for several weeks now.  Interestingly (and not surprisingly) in the few weeks since he has been off of it his behavior has worsened.  It is in that context that my wife and I began a concerted effort to find a better solution.  I had to laugh because almost all our questions mirrored Paula's of March 6!
This website www.lef.org reprinted a Sept 2001 Saturday Evening Post article w/ Dr. Stoll.  We learned that he used a 10g EPA to  5g DHA dose in the famous Harvard study but that mix was somewhat arbitrary.  It worked but he really had no idea how much to use. That's why more research is needed.  It is possible that less than 10g EPA will be helpful (and was for us using Omega Brite).  Apparently the EPA is the important thing.  He suggested more DHA is bad.  In the study he used 2:1 EPA to DHA but the Omega Brite he helped design has 7:1 EPA to DHA.  The thing I don't get is why more DHA might be bad?  What is wrong w/ DHA?  Interestingly he did suggest as good, several omega brands that did have more DHA (e.g. in 2:1 EPA to DHA) so I am not too concerned about too much DHA. Armed w/ some semblance of how much EPA we wanted (we're gonna shoot for 5g/day which is twice what my son was getting) we began searching for products w/ the most EPA per buck (w/o too much DHA).  We found Twinlab Mega Twin EPA Fish Oil was the best deal and was available form several sources.  Each capsule contains 600 mg EPA and 240 DHA.  We ordered jars of 60 for $16.77 plus reasonable S/H.  This is about half what we were paying for Omega Brite (which again we cant get anyway!).
Hope this helps Paula and others!

McMan (March 20):  Hi, Gare. I don't think there's anything wrong with DHA, per se. It's just that EPA appears to be the active ingredient for mood in omega-3, so you don't want to buy stuff that has lots of DHA and little EPA. If they didn't refine out some of the DHA, I'm guessing that we'd have to take a lot more of Omega-3, and we'd be burping up salmon smell all day.

Gina (March 23, 2003):  I have been taking Zoloft 25mg for 2 days now.  I hate taking any kind of drugs.  I am looking into Omega3.  Just how much should I take.  The bottle that i have says EPA 240mg and DHA 200mg.  the bottle states to take it twice a day.  How many should I be taking for depression/anxiety?

McMan (March 23):  Hi, Gina.  The bad news is we really don't know the correct dose. The good news is you won't overdose and that high doses shouldn't result in any side effects.  You might want to experiment at between three and six capsules a day and see what happens.  Please keep your doctor or psychiatrist in the loop.

Mark (March 30, 2003):  It seems any side effect which rarely occurs for others, will turn up for me. That said, are there any studies suggesting omega-3 supplements can induce hypomanic states?

McMan (March 30):  Hi, Paul  I haven't heard anything about omega-3 causing any switches into hypomania. (Update June 4)  It appears there may be some risk, but the data is still flimsy.

Paula (April 1, 2003):  I just wanted to say Thank You So Much!  I appreciate your feedback McMan, and Gare also!  I would love to know where you found the TwinLab Mega Twin EPS Fish Oil.  I will start looking for it!  My daughter was having extreme mood swings from manic to depressive all day long, every day.  The Dr ended up having to double the doses of her meds after going through a series of blood work.  Then, after I found out to look at the EPA amount, I ended up tripling her Omega 3 dose.  Things are starting to improve finally!  Many more good days than bad!  Thanks Again!!!

Mark (April 5, 2003):  I was wondering if anyone had a sense of how long it takes Omega 3 supplements to start working? Is it closer to Paxil (4-6 weeks) or Xanax (immediately). Also, when adjusting the dose, how long might it take to notice the difference? I suspect there is no single answer, but I was interested in what others have found to be the case. Finally, why is it important to take it twice a day rather than just once? Thanks again and have a pleasant day.

ps- fish oil burps before 9am are just gross.

McMan (April 5):  Hi, Mark. I don't know how long it takes for the Omega-3 to kick in. I take my omega-3 twice a day because swallowing two large capsules at a time instead of four is more manageable to me.

Freakshow (April 7):  ATTENTION !!! Omega 3 is wonderful if it's fish oil NOT FLAX !!! (I overdosed on flax seed oil, i was taking 8 grams per day) I felt very bad. I stopped for 3 days and then shifted to 1.5 grams per day of Marine fish oil and I feel great. I also added b-complex and a multi-vitamin to my diet and there was a definite improvement. So be careful when playing with Omega 3 (it's natural BUT it can make u worse if too much)
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST !!!!

Fish oil is not the same as flax and from what I heard you can take more (but not sure how much exactly - I just know that with 1.5 grams per day, it works for me)

Did anyone try stopping there meds and go solely with the omega 3's ? If yes, how did you do it and how did it go ?

Sarah (April 17, 2003):  My name is Sarah. I am 18 and have Bi-polar, OCD, and ADHD. I take 3 Omega 3s (1 gram) in the morning and 3 at night. It helps stabilize my mood.  If I weren't taking this, I'd have to be taking more medication.  I have found this fish-pill to be effective and useful. My sister also takes it as well as my dad. I can not speak more highly of it.

Lasha (May 9, 2003):  I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar 3 (yep, three, not 1 or 2) and my doctor put me on Wellbutrin. And instead of Depakote (I don't like the side effects, my younger brother who is bi-polar 1 was on it and hated it), the doctor told me about fish oil/Omega 3 supplements. Because I am a vegetarian, I opted for Flax Seed Oil instead of fish oil. Is anyone else using flax seed and how is it going? I am on 1 gram 3x a day. I'd like to know the research of fish oil vs flax seed oil. Thanks!

McMan (May 9):  Hi, Lasha. The short answer is there's no published studies on flax seed oil and mood.

Maureen (May 23, 2003):  There is a new source of Omega 3 EPAs .  Extrox is made from the perilla plant. My son just started on these yesterday, so I can't give a first hand testimony.   You can check them out at  http://www.cliffscott.com/what_is_entrox.htm

Joyce (June 1, 2003):  I suffer from low-level depression that sometimes lasts for several months.  I started taking Omega 3, and almost immediately I started feeling better.  Then I got complacent and stopped taking it.  I was pretty depressed for about a month before I realized that perhaps the Omega 3 would help.  I started talking it again, and almost immediately felt better.   I take just two capsules a day, but it seems to be enough for me.  I buy them from Sam's Club ( Like Coscos) for about 4 cents each in the big bottle.

My daughter is bipolar.  She takes multiple strong medications but refused to try Omega 3.  She thinks the idea of fish oil is "gross."   I wish she would try them .... (sigh.)  I think it might help her.

McMan (June 1):  Hi, June.  You might get her flax seed oil, instead. I never heard of a teen-ager getting grossed out by a plant.

Eli (June 14, 2003):  Its been only a week of me taking omega-3 after dig of bipolar 2 rapid cycling. It looks very promising. I will continue on  3 gm/day.

Sam (June 26, 2003):  I am in a small town in New Zealand, and living on a very low income. Our health-care providers have categorically refused to consider bipolar disorder for our 3 year old despite amazingly clear-cut symptoms, and a rather astonishing family history. (My mother and all of her 4 sibs are either bipolar, successful suicide, delusional/institutionalized, alcoholic, etc. And that's the *healthy* branch of the tree! We are planning to move to the US as soon as may be in order to access care for her. In the meantime, we are on our own.

I would like to try her on the omega-3 supplements (and myself as well, as I am also  bipolar) but I am rather nervous about dosages. Can anyone give a guesstimate in terms of mg/lb bodyweight? I understand that the apparent therapeutic range is quite large, but I don't want to turn her  into a fish! :-)

McMan (June 26):  Hi, Sam. I won't hazard a guess with children's fish oil, though reading labels on kid's Aspirin and cough syrup might give you some guidance. As for finding a sympathetic practitioner in New Zealand, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation should be able to assist you.

Edmund (June 29, 2003):  I have found omega-3 to be useful in a whole range of psychiatric problems and have put details about it on www.omega3.20megsfree.com.

Carolyn (June 30, 2003):  I have been struggling with finding the right cocktail for Bipolar II... Because of side effects, haven't been able to take "therapeutic" levels of lithium/Depakote and so always have to look for another mood stabilizer.  A long trial of Trileptal had to be abandoned for me because nausea/dizziness never left (though the drug itself did reduce number of depressive episodes).  So now, I'm trying Omega-3 -- 2 grams a day. 

Would like to talk to anyone who has been trying this approach... any side effects, obvious change in episodes etc.  Also, where do people purchase this rather expensive supplement? Was disturbed to see that in the "news" section of this site, latest reports are showing "no improvement" re EPA consumption?? 

Karen (July 4, 2003):  For those of you asking about use with children I just read an article from the "Bipolar Child Newsletter"  Spring, 2001 Vol.7 - "The A-Z's of Omega-3's".  www.bipolarchild.com/newsletters
that might provide some additional information.  Also I use "OmegaPlex" from Advocare - 900mg of EPA/ 600mg DHA/3 capsules and have had good results.  Price is 24.95/180caps.  Advocare is available only through independent distributors - if you don't know one go to their website www.advocare.com and they will hook you up with one. Hope this helps.

Jamaya (July 6, 2003):  My 16yr old has been diagnosed with psychosis. His first psychotic episode was in august. He was alright till April of this year. Since April he has been in and out of the crisis units. He has been on a lot of different medications. I want to know if he can take fish oil along with his medication. He weighs 150lbs. How much should I start him on?

McMan (July 6):  Hi, Jamaya. You might want to start with two grams a day and work your way up from there, depending on how your son is responding.

Sean (July 28, 2003): I'm curious about the Flax Seed oil - I was taking it for a bit and was feeling a bit better. I will be talking to my doctor about it but I'm just curious about dosage, a good brand, combining with meds and how long to feel results?

Jackie (July 28, 2003):  My 17 year old daughter was diagnosed with bipolar NOS, sort of like cyclothymia, hypomania with little depression last winter after being misdiagnosed for 1 1/2  years with ADHD.  She started lithium in December 2002 and after a few months she got sicker and sicker, she could hardly wake up in the morning, she was nauseated, and her stomach hurt.  Her neurological specialist introduced us to Omega 3; he gave us a copy of the Harvard study,  and he put her on it as a supplement.  When she got so sick in April 2003, I just cold turkey stopped it.  I contacted her neurological specialist and he wasn't against her trying it with just omega 3. I got her into a naturopathic doctor to confirm that she could make it, and she told us she had helped some bipolar patients successfully with Omega 3 and dietary changes, like more fruits and vegetables, moderate the sugar and cut out hydrogenated fats because they actually rust the brain cells (this was also told us by a psychiatrist), 3 -500mg. tablets in the morning and 3 in the evening for a total of 3000 mg a day.   This was pretty much what the doctor had her taking with the lithium.  What our family noticed after she started taking just the omega 3s was her behavior was just about the same as on the lithium with all the side affects.     She has been taking them from April to the present and we have been very happy with the results.  One question do women have to increase their dose around their cycle?   We were very happy to find a medical doctor supportive of Omega 3 therapy!

Gia (Sept 1, 2003):  I was wondering if there was any interactions with omega 3 and Paxil?

Angela (Sept 1, 2003):  Hi. About one month ago, I started taking organic flaxseed oil, 1000mg, twice a day. I also started adding soymilk to my diet (about a cup/day). Two weeks after I made these changes, I got my period two weeks early. Now, two weeks later, I'm getting my period again (which is my normal time). I never have irregular periods and wonder if this is something to be concerned about & whether it might be due to the flaxseed oil alone or maybe combining it with soymilk. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Essbee (Sept 4, 2003):  If you use flax seed oil you will be relying on the body's own ability to synthesize EPA and DHA from flax seed oil's fatty acids. If you have symptoms related to low EPA it is most likely that your body's ability to synthesize EPA is low. Normally a human being will be able to transform somewhere between 0.2 - 2.0 percent of linolenic acid in flax seed oil. This means that it is far more efficient to use fish oil.

Pamela (Sept 14, 2003):  I have been struggling to stabilize my 9 year old son without allopathic meds.  He is taking 4000- 6000 mg of EPA per day...never once has complained a burping up fish taste.  We tried a lemon flavored capsule for a while that was highly effective and expensive from Nordic Naturals.  They have a raspberry flavored cap as well...supposed to help with the after taste.  Adam certainly liked them.  He is truely my hero to swallow down all those capsules and pills.  We've added on a multivitamin, B-6, acidophilus with FOS, calcium/mg/zinc, GABA, and lecithin/kelp with school day dhea.

Mallory (Oct 6, 2003):  I take Omega 3 supplements with a total of 1440 mg EPA and 960 mg DHA per day. What's a good dosage of antioxidants to take with them? Right now I'm taking a daily multiple vitamin that includes 60 mg of vitamin C and 30 I.U. of vitamin E, which is listed on the label as 100 percent of the RDA. Is that sufficient?

Shrink (Oct 23, 2003):  Several writers mention flax as an alternative to Fish Oil.  Wrong. "Omega-3" is a term that means a WHOLE CLASS of molecules, with a chain of carbon atoms, and a special chemical bond at the 3rd carbon atom from one end. The 2 particular Omega-3 substances EPA and DHA found in fish oils have between 18 and 22 carbons, and there is NONE of these 2 compounds in FLAX OIL.  There are OTHER compounds in flax oil that have the Omega chemical bonds, but these are NOT EPA or DHA. There is a scientific debate about whether the body can make some FROM the flax oil, but it appears this may be limited to about 1%.
Flax oil is very beneficial to human health for its own reasons, but it is NOT as likely a benefit for bipolar disorder as fish oil.  STICK with EPA and DHA !!!   Those are the ones found in healthy brain cell membranes.

Julie (Nov 15, 2003): Dear Sam in New Zealand - I don't understand why you would consider going to U.S.A. for treatments if your family is low-income. From what I understand of their health system most people with chronic illness can't afford medical attention and meds, and go bankrupt!
For bi-polar we often need multiple drugs like anti-depressants and mood stabilisers, and of course there is added costs for vitamins. You and your daughter would be better migrating to Australia where low-income get a health care card and prescriptions for A$3.80 and middle income are subsidised by the govt, to A$20.00 approx with a cut off for chronic illness. I'm not sure what health services are available for psychiatric problems in children but I live in Queensland and go to an excellent free clinic associated with the public hospital. If you are having financial difficulties they give you your necessary meds.

Sorry to rave on, but the first priority is to get professional care and meds if needed, then consider supplements. I tried St Johns wort first, and Omega 3 but it didn't stop me going psychotic. Now I am on lithium and AD's and after reading up on Omega 3 going on that if my budget can afford it!)

AJ (Nov 18, 2003):  I am suffering from Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. Was taking Depakote, Risperdal and Klonopin for anxiety for long time and was suffering from side effects. I came to know about a book The Natural medicine guide to Bipolar Disorder by Stephanie Marohn. It changed all my outlook and came to know about importance of Omega-3 EFA. I highly recommend this book to all. So I started taking Fish Oil from last 2 months and reduced my Depakote dose from 750Mg to 250Mg and I am doing very good. But I still need to take Risperdal daily and wanted to know which Natural supplement/Herb/diet can substitute for Risperdal? I am taking 1 Mg of Risperdal daily. Also I came to know from Deepak Chopra's book Grow Younger Live Longer that meditation can increases your EFA (Essential fatty acids).

McMan (Nov 18):  Hi, AJ.  One mg of Risperdal is an extremely low dose (three to five mg is about normal).  Perhaps the omega-3 and Depakote allows you to achieve the full benefit of the drug at such a low dose.  If so, you might want to stick with this winning combination (don't fix what ain't broken, is the general rule). At any rate, please discuss this with your pdoc before taking any action.

Jeff (Nov 20, 2003):  I recently had a pet that was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I was grieving to the point that it was disabling my daily functioning a lot. I remembered that omega-3 has a calming effect When i took the fish oil capsules (quantity 6) the pain of the grieving was significantly reduced. Not only that but as an added additional side effect the EPS from my Zyprexa reduced too. If you know anyone who is about to experience a death of a loved one, do them a favor and tell them about fish oil.

Tribal (Dec 19, 2003):  I was Dxd BP1 two years ago while being involuntarily committed for mania with psychosis.  I began using Flax seed oil (2 grams a day) in combination w/ a high protein diet.  I have now been symptom free for almost two years. I take no other medications.  I still keep my Rubbermaid container that is full of Zyprexa, Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Depakote & Ambien.  Its all out of date now, so I should prob thow it out.  If you are thinking about stopping your medications for a trail with Omega 3.. please do it with your doctor's help.  BP is a deadly disease if not managed properly & it is easy to forget that at times.  I used an internal medicine doctor to monitor my response. 

Anonymous (Dec 4, 2003):  I was diagnosed Bipolar 2 in 2000.  I started taking Lithium but the longer I took it the more pronounced the side effects became.  I started taking the Omegabrite capsules in Jan 03 and started reducing my Lithium intake at the same time.  I am currently taking 1 300 gram of Lithium (only for the sanity of my wife).  I am extremely happy with the results.  I have had no relapse of any kind and I don't have the side effects of the Lithium.  I swear by it!!!!

Stuart (Dec 23, 2003):  I was diagnosed as being bipolar type 2 at age 10 (I am 23 now).  Throughout the last thirteen years I have had many a psychiatrist and tried many a medication.  I was even placed on several anticonvulsants that had no medical studies as to their effects treating bipolar disorder.  I have read several people speaking badly of flaxseed oil.  As a last resort my current psychiatrist decided to turn to homeopathy.  About 2 months ago he prescribed fish oil.  After a month of taking it and seeing no significant change he suggested that I try flaxseed oil.  After only one week I began to notice a difference.  Just today I had several people at work comment on how I’m “a new person.”  To those who think badly of flaxseed oil:  Please consider that your views on flaxseed oil may be merely opinions, and that flaxseed oil just might be a viable alternative to fish oil.

Eric (Dec 26, 2003):  I've had bad depression/alcoholism for a long time, but don't take any medications anymore because they haven't done anything... Anyway, my wife is a vegetarian and bought some flax seed omega pills because she was getting fish cravings and her doctor told her to take it. I've been taking them for about a few weeks (without knowing these benefits) and after a week  I realized I was feeling excellent, upbeat/full of energy , and I wasn't getting any alcohol cravings 24 hours a day! I still didn't attribute it to the omega I was taking, and just figured I was just finally starting to feel better. Which may very well be true..

Today I just happened to research the different benefits it had because the pills were sitting here and had Google open.

Anyway, it may just be a coincidence, and this is hardly a scientific study, but I thought it was interesting. I've seen studies for depression medicine where a lot of the effect was placebo... I thought it was interesting, that I took it blind without even knowing it may help depression and I've gone a week without any symptoms of depression at all. That's never happened..

Angel (Feb 7. 2004):  I found an excellent pharmaceutical grade fish oil at http://www.anne-marie.ca for an affordable price. It has a 2:1 EPA/DHA ratio as used in the studies by Dr. Stoll. Also, the product is approved by Health Canada and has a Drug Identification Number  ("DIN"). Each capsule contains 400 EPA/200 DHA. The product is tested for purity and potency by http://www.nutrasource.ca according to International Fish Oil Standards. This pharmaceutical grade fish oil is being shipped internationally and is available to all "walks of life". It is cheaper if bought by the case (12 bottles to a case).

Mike (Feb 22, 2004):  I have suffered from depression coupled with panic disorder for over 10 years. I have only recently learned of the possible benefits of omega-3. I am currently on Prozac and Xanax and am managing a bit better than I had been before (which was suicidal). I recently contacted my psychiatrist about the possibility of adding omega-3 to my therapy. Most of the studies that I've read seem to show that a medium dosage is best when treating depression. Have there been any studies on omega-3's affects on anxiety/panic disorders, and is there any risk in adding omega-3 to the current two meds I'm on now?

McMan (Feb 22):  Hi, Mike.  So far no studies concerning omega-3 on anxiety or panic.

LCA (March 24, 2004):  I would like to take Omega 3 and flaxseed oil supplements together.  What is is recommended dosage so that I don't take too much?   Or should I concentrate on just one of the supplements? I have arthritis, and I have found taking these supplements help elevate depression.

David (March 23, 2004):  I am bipolar 2 and have been having a lot of stability problems due I believe to the Paxil I have been taking. I also take Zyprexa.  I have been tapering off the Paxil and have stopped it completly as of today.  I am trying Omega 3 and will let you know how it works.  I have found a cheap mail order place for "Now Super EPA 360/240 120 capsules" here:

http://www.juicers.net/1682.html

Jadenator (April 5, 2004):  Hi all.  I just wanted to respond to the last couple of people that wrote.  First of all, I'm Bipolar and have been having difficulty in the past year in maintaining stability.  I also suffer from social anxiety disorder and panic.  I've been on a low dose of Zyprexa (about 1.5 mg) and 15 mg of Paxil.  (I don't have insurance so I order the 10 mgs of Zyp and cut it into 8ths)  My emotions were really getting out of hand recently and I just happened to be browsing through a bipolar forum online, when I saw someone mention Omega 3's.  I did further research for a week and realized that I should just try them.  I found a company that creates the correct 2:1 ratio of Epa/Dha in a pharmaceutical grade fish oil.  They screen and filter out harmful metals and pollutants.  I started taking the supplements on Feb 26th, 2004 at a dosage similar to Dr. Stohl's study.  I take about 15 (1 gram) pills a day - 5 morning/ noon/ night.  My pdoc is aware of the experiment. 

I am pleased to tell you that I haven't been so stable in perhaps all my life.  My social phobia and anxiety/ panic attacks are practically none existant.  My mood is level - no mania to speak of and I haven't been depressed in weeks.  (I'm a rapid cycler-I had many highs and lows per day.)  I'm able to think clearly now and I have a general feeling of well being.  I used to have delusional and obsessive thoughts but they have mostly subsided.  I had alot of issues and most of them have been amazingly resolved by the fish oil pills.  I still can't quite believe it and am very happy to report such optimistic results. 

Now, I do want to mention a few things.  First of all, I've begun to struggle a bit with my weight since I've begun the pills.  I think it's due to the increase in fat in my diet-the pills are each a gram of animal fat.  But I have also noticed that my appetite has increased, so that may have something to do with it. 

Secondly, when I first began the pills, it sent me into a bit of hypomania for about a week.  This however did subside and my mood normalized. 
Things that normally would stress me out or cause me to panic, just don't bother me much now.  I feel like I've grown a "thick skin" and can handle more of what life can dish.  It's a comforting feeling.  My bouts with irritability have diminished as well.  It's truly amazing.  I'm even thinking of talking to my pdoc about dropping down on the medication gradually.  I'd love to be able to be primarily on fish oil only.  We'll see. 
Well I'd better run, but I just wanted everyone to know of the amazing news!  Good luck and remember to consult your doctors before trying anything on your own!

Shudann April 26, 2004): Hi I started taking fish oil to supplement my medication and have had very good results to date. While researching other sources of omega 3 I found hemp hearts to be very high in omega 3 and 6. Just wondering if anyone elese had tried them and if so what were their experiences.

JD (April 29, 2004): I have been hospitalized many times since my early 30's. I have 3 beautiful teenagers and a wonderful marriage. I have a fulfilling christian life...the psychiatrists kept asking me why I was so anxious? There was nothing to be upset or anxious about. I have tried many drugs to no avail. I began having more frequent mood swings and decided to go back to the psychiatrist for some ideas. He decided that I have "mixed states". He knew of a recent study using Omega 3 fatty acids or "fish oil". The supplements have no side effects and are inexpensive to purchase. My psych. gave me some samples of mood swing medication and told me to begin taking it with the fish oil gel tablets. I went home and decided to take the fish oil alone to ascertain a clearer result. One day, it had been two weeks, I was sitting still and realized my mind was clear and I wasn't thinking so fast. The rage and the swings had dissapeared. I was so relieved. My psychiatrist was very please and told me that I had experienced the best result out of all his patients. As with other drugs, my fire to write poetry has subsided somewhat, which I miss. God has blessed my life with this disorder so that I can uplift others with it. I feel empowered to impress upon people who suffer with this to forge on and fight the good fight. Keep your candle lit even if Satan tries to blow it out! God is always there even if you can't pray.
I hope I have helped someone. Thanks

AS (May 20, 2004):  Some people were asking about affordable fish oil.  Nature Made has a very affordable product.  The cost is $7.50 for 100 softgels.  It contains 1200 mg / 2 softgels.  Each serving has 432 mg EPA and 288 mg DHA.  Their products contain no artificial colors or flavors and no chemical solvents, yeast, starch or gluten.  They also have a loyalty program where you enter the unique codes on the bottles you buy at their website to accumulate points for product coupons.  It's quite a good program.  You only need to purchase seven bottles of this product to get a coupon for $7.00 off your next purchase.  Their website is www.naturemade.com 

And, no, I don't work for them. :)  I've been happy with their products for years.

Mary (May 20):  Some of the best nutrients for heart disease is omega-3's That is what I take for mine. Some good omega-3 info.
http://www.softecare.com/Ingredients/omega3_heart_disease.cfm

Crystal (June 13, 2004):  hi. I've recently been diagnosed as being bipolar and also having borderline personality disorder. i have major anxiety issues and I've been struggling with medications for the last year trying to get stabilized. I don't like all the side effects of the conventional drugs that are prescribed to me and am wondering if anyone out there is using solely an alternative treatment regime, if not solely than at least mostly. im really interested in what alternatives there may be seeing as how I've never been a huge fan of prescription drugs. if anyone has information they feel may be helpful to me please email me at dzzyblnde@hotmail.com. thank you :)

Anonymous (June 21, 2004):  Emu oil is high in Omega 3, 6, and 9.  Would that work as well as fish Omega's for Bi Polar?

Noodle (June 24, 2004):  If there is anyone who can't tolerate the residual fish-burp-stomach-swamp, problem solved. I am bipolar and ADD, and I take Lamictal and Strattera. My mood was still slightly wobbly so I added fish oil, and it balanced my mood to perfection. The problem was the funky "fish burp/acid stomach" that I could not tolerate. I don't mean to endorse a specific product but...

I recently found the Oil of Olay fish oil capsules the supplement for your skin), and they are specially hard-coated to pass through stomach and dissolve in the small intestine ie. no tuna fishy regurgitation. I take eight of those little suckers a day, and I feel normal again . They are expensive but worth it to me. I buy them in bulk (120 - approx. $12) at Costco to save money.

Anonymous (July 3, 2004)):  Cosco carries an expensive but great fish oil product for about 7.00/300 capsules

Bonnie (July 7, 2004):  Hi, I've had mild to moderately severe depression off and on for about 10 years (since high school). But about 6 months ago, a prescription seems to have been what triggered the first episodes of anxiety and panic I've experienced in my life. I've just bought some Omega-3 pills, brand name "o3mega+joy", because an anxiety site that I visited listed Omega-3 as their only supplement recommendation. (Actually the brand they preferred was "Nordic Naturals(?)") If any other people have had good results with Omega-3 and their anxiety/ concentration/ racing thoughts/ phobias, please post and let me know how it's going!

Mylo (July 26, 2004):  I am a morning into early afternoon depressive.  Kind of unusual as my Dr. tells me that it's usually the other way around with most people being afternoon evening depressives.  For those of you who have suffered as I have you know what I'm talking about.   I was prescribed Effexor and Wellbutrin combo to treat my depression.  It did lift my depression.  However after two years of waking up every 30 minutes all night long I inadvertently discovered it was the Effexor causing the disturbances when I ran out of my prescription and didn't refill it for a week.  My sleep dramatically improved so I went off the Effexor. After a few months off of it I sleep through the entire night.  Being only on Wellbutrin brought back my morning depression to just enough of a degree to cause me to suffer.  I happened to be reading an article online by Dr. Andrew Stoll detailing how Omega 3 from fish oil stabilized depression and elevated mood in most people in his study who took it.  So during the evening when my depression is usually lifted I went to the local GNC bought a bottle of fish oil caplets took two that night and two in the morning.   I was feeling low when I first woke up but at around 9:00 a.m. the depression lifted so fast I couldn't believe it.  I woke up the next day with absolutely no depression.  I continue to be depression free....I can't believe it.
 

Angel (Sept 11, 2004):  I would be very careful if supplementing with large dosages of fish oil based on price solely.  The key thing is to count the total amount of Omega 3s in a 1000 mg. capsule. At www.anne-marie.ca there is 600 mg. of Omega 3s (400EPA/200DHA) in a 1,000 mg. capsule.

If treating any type of depression one needs large dosages so ensure that it is tested for purity and potency. Remember just because they are cheap, does not mean they are better.  Think of the contaminants that are in the other part of the fish oil ie PCBs, mercury, furans etc.

I have had fantastic results with See Yourself Well pharmaceutical grade fish oil.  It scores a Level 5 (highest score) under testing at www.ifosprogram.com.

The best part is this fish oil is shipped all over the world!

Coelbren (Nov 19, 2004):  I've read that fish oil supplements balance mood in regards to depression, however, is there any research (or does anyone have a testimonial) done to show that it prevents mania at all? Just wondering, I'd be interested to hear from anyone who is full-blown Bipolar I whether Omega-3 has helped balance anyone\'s tendencies towards mania. Thank you!.

Diane (Dec 17, 2004):  Thank you for this article. I was just diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. My blood chemistry was excellent when I entered the hospital. After 11 days on depakote, my liver ALT and AST readings were high. I took myself off the medication. I love herring, sardines and other oily fish. I shall look into purchasing fish oil/omega-3 supplements. Thank you for a natural alternative.

McMan (Dec 17):  Hi, Diane. Omega-3 is not yet proven as a complementary treatment, much less an alternative. Please don't interpret this article as a license to go off your meds and start experimenting. For some individuals it may make a difference, but please take under the guidance of a physician.

Mvpsindallas (Dec 22, 2004):   I'm glad I ran into this forum. It reminded me of the importance of adding omega-3 fatty acids to my diet … I was feeling so good I had forgotten I needed it.

Last September 2003 I started suffering from anxiety, depression and the associated symptoms (panic attacks, dizziness, vertigo, syncope, IBS, GERD, etc.) while studying for my classes and exams. The symptoms went away for a few months and then returned with full force in February 2004. I was worried about a pathological cause for my symptoms. I tested myself to rule out all pathological causes, cardiology, EENT and neurology exams, balance and vestibular testing, etc., and all tests came back within normal limits. I continued to take all my vitamins and minerals, but they just did not seem to contribute much to my overall well-being and improvement.

My symptoms were getting so bad and I had so much trouble getting through the day that I eventually started taking a low dose of Xanax (Alprazolam) and/or Klonopin (Clonazepam). Those medications worked very, very well when I first started taking them, but I had to gradually increase my daily dose to get the same benefit. This is normal up to a certain point, but about 4 months later, I \"broke-through\" the Xanax. I was taking up to 4mg of Xanax daily (close to the maximum recommended dosage) but it was no longer controlling my symptoms. It took about 2 weeks to wean myself off the Xanax, but I succeeded and I realized that the Xanax was actually making it more difficult for my body's natural relaxers to do their work.

My neurologist suggested that I start taking Lexapro (Escitalopram). I did not even want to start with that; there were just too many side effects I did not want to deal with. I needed to find another solution to my challenge.

I read a forum post touting the effectiveness of the omega-3 fatty acids in treating anxiety and depression and the related symptoms. I decided to try it out. I started taking 1 capsule of Organic Flaxseed Oil (1000 mg) by Nature’s Bounty once every morning, far below the recommended dosage suggested for treating anxiety and depression, but within about 2 weeks, I was feeling almost normal again with few of the old symptoms. I probably should have taken a higher dosage of the flaxseed oil. At the time, I did not realize the importance of flaxseed oil in my diet … until … last month I stopped taking flaxseed oil because I ran out. Anyway, I was feeling well enough that I thought I didn’t need anymore. I should have bought some more. This week my anxiety, depression, dizziness and vertigo came back … yuck. I went out today and bought some more flaxseed oil. I started taking the recommended dosage this morning and I will watch the results.

Looking back now, I realize the importance of omega-3 flaxseed oil supplementation in my returning to a “normal” life without anxiety, depression and the associated symptoms.

Apparently, the body uses omega-6 in place of the omega-3 fatty acids when they are not readily present resulting in neural cell membranes that are not as efficient in transmitting chemical signals. It appears that for some people it may take at least 2 weeks of regular supplementation, for the body to turnover the omega-6 with the appropriate omega-3 fatty acids.

Additional Comments:

I am not currently taking any prescription medications and I don’t plan to.

I know many here recommend fish oils over plant oils, but since I’m vegetarian, I’ll stick with the Flaxseed oils. Anyway, it seemed to work well enough for me the last time I took it.

Mike (Jan 10, 2005):  Based on Maureen's posting of May, 2003, I went to a website for a company named Extrox and spoke to a man named Cliff. My hope was to verify a source of EPAs that my vegetarian son would be willing to consume, as Maureen's posting about perilla seemed to indicate. Unfortunately, Cliff did not know at all of the difference between EPAs and DHAs and actually hung up on me when I asked a polite follow up question. His website identified itself in part with a comment something like "Home of Intolerant Talk Radio." Gotta give him credit for truth in advertising. Though I am confident based on personal experience that fish oil is a great source of EPAs and DHAs,I am still hopeful that there is a plant source of EPAs. I wish the number I called for Extrox had been a useful source for information or had at least been able to suggest an alternative source. Any suggestions out there?

MS (Jan 16, 2005):  I'd like to second the post from Angel--watch out for cheap fish oil products. I credit Omega 3's with "putting a floor under my moods"--have had only two faintly noticeable cycles in the last 4 years. And I mean faintly--no one else noticed, I just looked back and thought: "hmmm, maybe that was a cycle". I think the NSI Brand Mega EFA, sold through VitaCost.com is great. Pharmaceutical-grade, with over 600mg of EPA/DHA per 1gm capsule, @ $13.95 per 120 count (which is a month's supply for me). Their service and shipping are first rate. Also, I give the smaller 500mg capsules to my children, who carry a predisposition from both parents, but are not diagnosed--my hope is they'll avoid it, through good diet and self care. NOTE: do not buy the "complete efa" which includes stuff we get too much of anyway.

Annie (Jan 18, 2005):  I have a daughter who has been on lithium at a subclinical dose of 600mgs twice a day for 3 years. She had been suicidal before that on SSRIs. Please think twice before going on just fish oils. Our close friend killed himself 3 days ago after trying only fish oils!!!! He was a brilliant, beautiful person with so much to live for and had just emailed me this article from McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web site.

McMan (Jan 18): My deepest condolences, Annie. You will note my article strongly stresses that fish oil is experimental, largely unproven, should be taken only under a doctor's care, and should not replace meds. By the same token, many suicides happen with people on meds or in therapy - if we knew all the answers there wouldn't be so much suffering.

Anthony Kane MD (Feb 4, 2005):  Omega-3 for Depression and Bipolar I think this is an excellent article. Like everything else in the field of mental health, we still need much more research. However, parents should definitely try the omega 3 oils if only as an adjunct treatment. It is very likely that they will help somewhat, and even if they don\'t they will help with a host of other medical problems common in children

http://addadhdavances.com

email: akane@addadhdadvances.com

Sally  2/16:  Hi my name is Sally and I started taking Salmon Oil working with a doctor back in 1999. At the time I was on depakote.  I told him I wanted to get off the drug so I was weaned off slowly and replaced with the salmon oil pills.  Nine pills at 1000, mg=9000,

Now I take two every day.  I haven't had a episode since I've been taking them. Thank-you salmon!

Shuga  2/19:  When I read this article, I almost cried. I work at a fish shop and have been bringing my Bipolar husband home fish atleast once a week.  I have noticed a major change in his moods in the year that I have been working here, but I just thought the meds were finally working. Could it possibly be because he has almost tripled his Omega 3 intake? I hope so!!  Thanks for the great article!!

Rod 7/12:  I have been taking lithium since 1971. I am fortunate that lithiium has worked very well for me. However, I continue to follow the Omega 3 studies and feel there will be answer through the natural methods. I take in as many Omega 3s as possible but prefer to eat grass-fed beef, drink raw grass-fed milk, and a teaspoon or two of fish oil or cod liver oil in the winter. I am currently finishing my PhD in holistic nutrition and believe we should to seek natural solutions to health. In the meantime I will take my lithium. I check my lithium regularly and keep my level as low as possible and still maintain therapeutic levels.

Emu Lady 7/24:  Hi,  Every time I read articles or discussions concerning fish oils I become very upset because emu oil which also has excellent properties like fish oils are never mentioned. Also think about it no pollution from the ocean or farm raised fish in emu oil.  Emus are fed good quality feed because the oil is used on people and taken internally.  Emu oil is also full of omegas 3, 6, and 9.  It is the closest oil to the oil of our human body known to mankind.  I have had many wonderful medical conditions healed from he oil including my own upset stomach problems not to mention all of the skin healings I have had in my own life and my families . Please do not forget about emu oil many American farmers are working hard to bring this quality oil to consumers.