5 Substances I would take to treat depression before SSRIs and why
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Thyroid
Why?
Thyroid hormones play a major role in mood and energy regulation by modulating serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission. They are also responsible for energy production through ATP and cognitive function. As such, thyroid hormone therapy (THT) has been shown as a treatment option for depression and has been used clinically to treat mood disorders in patients with and without hypothyroidism. In several studies it has been shown that thyroid-replacement medications actually work BETTER than antidepressants at reducing symptoms of depression.
Vitamin D
Why?
Vitamin D regulates the gene expression for one of the essential enzymes Tyrosine Hydroxylase, which is involved in synthesizing dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are famous for their role in depression and mood disorders. It was reported that vitamin D was effective in individuals with major depressive disorder and plasma 25(OH)D levels ≤ 50 nmol/L and this effect was achieved with supplements less than 4000 IU.
Cyproheptadine
Why?
Cyproheptadine is a combined serotonin and histamine antagonist used in the treatment of allergic reactions and mood disorders. The symptoms produced by administering an excess of serotonin are nearly exactly identical to those found in depression. This is known as “serotonin syndrome” a result of excess stimulation of central nervous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)-1a and 5HT-2 receptors. Cyproheptadine is shown to be a highly effective treatment for serotonin dominance by antagonizing its receptors while increasing dopamine.
Allopregnanolone
Why?
is Allopregnanalone is commonly used for women with postpartum depression, however it is shown to have powerful anti-depressant properties which can affect both men and women.[3] It had been shown to be highly curable for symptoms like extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. It is the most powerful agonist of the GABA receptor which is the bodies main Anti-Stress and Protective/Calming Mechanism for stress and anxiety.
(-)PPAP
Why?
Phenyl-propylaminopentane (PPAP) is a drug related to selegiline which acts as a catecholaminergic activity enhancer (CAE) PPAP is a CAE and enhances the nerve impulse propagation-mediated release of norepinephrine and dopamine.[1][3][4][5] It produces psychostimulant-like effects in animals. It is shown to be highly curative to depression with little side effects. It is both an anti-depressant and stimulant and is highly potent in antagonizing the tetrabenazine-induced depression seen in behavioral disorders.
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@Serotoninskeptic
Perhaps these are worth mentioning also!- Magnesium
- Theanine
- Coconut water
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@wrl Yes i was thinking magnesium and
Coconut water is definitely a great source of protective anti-stress minerals. Maybe glycine or lysine for reducing anxiety also. -
Also worth mentioning how substances can be a cope for depression-inducing lifestyle factors. A person can be stuck in behavioral loops that make them turn to substances (or drugs). I suppose there is a spectrum of expediency when it comes to lifestyle decisions and some are within immediate reach and others are less proximate from starting position. In the latter case, replacement (healthy) substances may be worthy as tentative aids in the course of treatment.
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unfortunately I don't see anyone selling phenylpropylaminopentane
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@jwayne Completely true. Ideally everyone tries a good diet and regular exercise before looking to chemicals and supplements but it's extremely hard to change lifelong habits.
Often it's ozempic or a diabetic coma even though people can see what's coming.
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@jwayne Yes of course lifestyle and diet changes come first. Finding interesting creative hobbies, stimulating life, staying nourished, getting sunlight/grounding etc. But if one must resort to substances these could be beneficial.
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@Insomniac I know somebody on twitter who had it. Im not sure his source though I could ask
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The 5 substances I had the most success with treating depression are:
• Thyroid
• Progest-E
• Antimicrobials like camphor and oregano oil
• Caffeinated black tea or coffee right after a meal
• Häagen-Dazs or any ice cream made with egg yolks for extra cholesterol -
@Serotoninskeptic Thanks but there's no need. If I have any anxiety about the purity then I won't keep with it.
Selegiline might be a good substitute
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@Jennifer Ice Cream needs to be the new norm for depression treatment
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@Serotoninskeptic, I agree. A treatment and preventative.
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Cypro lowers dopamine nd choline and make u unmotivated
But good at lower serotonin
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@Serotoninskeptic
Thiamine is very important for depression.
https://hormonesmatter.com/depression-anxiety-chronically-hypoxic-brain/Thiamine is required to clear serotonin from the brain.
Effect of thiamine deficiency on brain serotonin turnoverMagnesium is very important too:
Magnesium Status and Stress: The Vicious Circle Concept Revisited -
S serotoninskeptic referenced this topic on Sep 30, 2024, 9:40 PM
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How do you recommend supplementing Cypro
I have administered it to my GF with seemingly no effect except it making her drowsy/ groggy the next day. we used georgi's and did 2-4 drops (1-2mg) every two or three nights but only did it two or three times as I saw no noticeable effects, thoughts? -
@Cearrson Yea i wouldnt use it every day. Every 2-3 days seems good. Have you tried a higher dose with georgi's?
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@Serotoninskeptic Good list. Taurine, glycine and creatine are also worth mentioning
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@onliest Yes also some good picks. I might make a second list
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@Serotoninskeptic have you tried allo-p?
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@onliest Not personally but ive heard good testimonies