Certain nutritional supplements can increase the effectiveness of anti-depressants in people suffering from depression, suggest a team of researchers.
The findings showed that Omega 3 fish oils, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)*, methylfolate (bioactive form of folate) and Vitamin D, were all found to boost the effects of medication and can also be used as a mood enhancing therapy when taken with antidepressants.
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‘Omega 3 fish oils, S-adenosylmethionine, methylfolate and Vitamin D can be used as a mood enhancing therapy when taken with antidepressants.’
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The researchers from the University of Melbourne and Harvard analysed 40 clinical trials, alongside a systematic review of the evidence for using nutrient supplements -- known as nutraceuticals -- to treat depression in tandem with antidepressants.
"The strongest finding from our review was that Omega 3 fish oil -- in combination with antidepressants -- had a statistically significant effect over a placebo," said led author Jerome Sarris from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Many studies have shown Omega 3s are very good for general brain health and improving mood, but this is the first analysis of studies that looks at using them in combination with antidepressant medication.
![Youngsters Taking Antidepressants Are Significantly More Likely to Commit Violent Crimes]( "Youngsters Taking Antidepressants Are Significantly More Likely to Commit Violent Crimes")
In 15-24 year-olds, around 43 percent were at risk of committing violent crime while on the medication whereas higher doses reduce that risk.
"The difference for patients taking both antidepressants and Omega 3, compared to a placebo, was highly significant. This is an exciting finding because here we have a safe, evidence-based approach that could be considered a mainstream treatment," Sarris added in the paper published in American Journal of Psychiatry. They reported mixed results for zinc, vitamin C and tryptophan (an amino acid). Folic acid did not work particularly well, nor did inositol.
"Medical practitioners are aware of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, but are probably unaware that one can combine them with antidepressant medication for a potentially better outcome," Sarris stated. "We're not telling people to rush out and buy buckets of supplements. Always speak to your medical professional before changing or initiating a treatment," Sarris noted.
Source: IANS
Youngsters Taking Antidepressants Are Significantly More Likely to Commit Violent Crimes
In 15-24 year-olds, around 43 percent were at risk of committing violent crime while on the medication whereas higher doses reduce that risk.
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"The difference for patients taking both antidepressants and Omega 3, compared to a placebo, was highly significant. This is an exciting finding because here we have a safe, evidence-based approach that could be considered a mainstream treatment," Sarris added in the paper published in American Journal of Psychiatry. They reported mixed results for zinc, vitamin C and tryptophan (an amino acid). Folic acid did not work particularly well, nor did inositol.
"Medical practitioners are aware of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, but are probably unaware that one can combine them with antidepressant medication for a potentially better outcome," Sarris stated. "We're not telling people to rush out and buy buckets of supplements. Always speak to your medical professional before changing or initiating a treatment," Sarris noted.
Source: IANS
Antidepressants May Help Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy Complications in Expectant Mothers
The risk of preterm birth was 16% lower and the risk of very preterm birth was nearly 50% lower in women using the antidepressants during pregnancy.
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St. John's Wort Could Lead to Similar Side Effects as That of Antidepressants
The severe adverse reactions for St. John's Wort were very similar to fluoxetine, which included anxiety, panic attacks, dizziness, vomiting, amnesia and aggression.
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