Taurine (L-taurine amino acid)

[btdt]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16797868

 

Taurine for Heart Arrhythmia. Government Site. Pub Med Article. Gives citations as well.

this article spoke to arginine too... 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arginine#Growth_hormone

I think both taurine and arginine increase growth hormone.  

Both thesse supplements are suggested to improve mitochondrial function... interesting. 

[lexhex]

At this point I just know that it's working for me and that the effects took about 2 weeks to kick in. Still ok and it's been almost a month.

[lexhex]

Just a heads up... Friday night I slept 7.5 hours. Today I was able to take a nap in the afternoon. Things are definitely changing here. Wow.

[bubble]

Another case for our little study on taurine.

 

My shipment from Iherbs arrived on Saturday (I order Now Foods brand, 500 mg). 

 

On Saturday I took only fish oil so that I don't mix different supplements at once.

 

I'm 37, 14 years of ADs and Xanax. Holding on Lexapro at the moment and only tapering Xanax (the only cut over a month ago).

 

I think it's important to set the context. Actually my anxiety has been quite mild recently for around 3 weeks. It got more intense when I got the news 3 months after a job interview that they decided "some other candidate better matches their requirements". (I was in the recruitment process for a year and a half, passed 4 circles of testing, travelled abroad twice to take these tests and was actually very, very close to getting a job that would solve my financial problems). And then it didn't happen. I had been hopeful for 3 months while waiting on the results. Imagining a life abroad with enough money to pay off my loan, buy supplements, help my family...

 

And then it didn't happen. I decided it wasn't the right time to make another cut

 

I went on a business trip and seemed to be recovering from the news. The only problem was waking in the middle of the night anxious and not being able to fall asleep. But i did eventually.

 

So when I took Taurine yesterday my problem was not anxiety but extreme exhaustion. I slept almost whole day Saturday, just managed to drag myself to the cinema.

 

On Sunday I slept till 11 am, the only thing I managed to do was go to the store. But i was so exhausted, sleepy, depleted of energy that I could barely walk and was only thinking of how to get to bed asap.

 

At that moment I decided to take Taurine expecting it would do something about my energy. I took 1/3 of 500 mg pill around noon and passed out on the couch as it has been my habit for 2 or 3 months now. For the last 2 months I didn't even take fish oil nor magnesium but felt fine.

 

After an hour or 2 I felt headache at the back of my head. I think I was less sleepy or at least I couldn't sleep but I still had absolutely zero energy to do anything. The effects were very subtle so it's hard to tell but I think I felt calmer but at the same time I became edgy and irritable. 

 

I took the rest of the pill around 6 pm and was still very sluggish, irritable and feeling somehow strange, unreal or brain-fogged. Hard to describe. I typically sleep well with vivid dreams (well meaning I sleep 8 straight hours but I don't wake up rested). Tonight was pretty much the same except that my sleep was somewhat deeper because I had great difficulty reaching for my alarm clock. Upon waking I had intense mixture of anxiety and depression which was very painful but dissolved quickly.

 

I decided not to take any more Taurine for the time being because the sensations I experienced were strange and not comfortable at all. I felt like I wasn't in control, like something strange was happening with me.

 

I still think I'm being over sedated by Xanax and have to focus on tapering it slowly...

 

bubble

[lexhex]

What you experienced doesn't sound like Taurine issues, it sounds like benzo/ssri issues. Taurine is just an amino acid. It's added to drinks like Red Bull and Monster to take the edge off the effects of caffeine, not to enhance them. It settles both heart rhythm and the sympathetic nervous system, but not after one dose. It also adjusts how the body manages carbohydrate load and blood sugar in addition to other things. Lots of links on this above.

 

I struggled with benzo dependence 10 years ago and thought I was going to die through the withdrawal process. I ultimately ended up ina rehab facility for a week. to just get it out and move on. I simply couldn't take it anymore. It was a horrible experience and not something I recommend lightly - its not for the faint of heart that's for sure.

 

Good luck in your recovery efforts.

[bubble]

What you experienced doesn't sound like Taurine issues, it sounds like benzo/ssri issues. Taurine is just an amino acid. It's added to drinks like Red Bull and Monster to take the edge off the effects of caffeine, not to enhance them. It settles both heart rhythm and the sympathetic nervous system, but not after one dose. It also adjusts how the body manages carbohydrate load and blood sugar in addition to other things. Lots of links on this above.

 

I struggled with benzo dependence 10 years ago and thought I was going to die through the withdrawal process. I ultimately ended up ina rehab facility for a week. to just get it out and move on. I simply couldn't take it anymore. It was a horrible experience and not something I recommend lightly - its not for the faint of heart that's for sure.

 

Good luck in your recovery efforts.

 

thanks a lot lexhex! 

 

it's so hard to tell what is causing what in my case ;(

 

I could be PMS, changing weather, etc. that coinceded with taking Taurine. (the awfullness of Xanax and Lexapro goes without saying). I hope I find the time to read more

[btdt]

I wanted to know more about Taurine... just nosy and did a search on taurine... found these science articles but don't know how to get into them to read them...no I am not computer literate.

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/51220216_Effects_of_taurine_on_nitric_oxide_and_3-nitrotyrosine_levels_in_spleen_during_endotoxemia

 

this is what I can read

 

"

Effects of taurine on nitric oxide and 3-nitrotyrosine levels in spleen during endotoxemia.

Filiz Sezen Bircan, Barbaros Balabanli, Nurten Turkozkan, Gonca Ozan

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, 06500 Teknikokullar, Ankara, Turkey.

Neurochemical Research (Impact Factor: 2.13). 06/2011; 36(11):1978-83. DOI:10.1007/s11064-011-0521-3

Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a free sulfur-containing β-amino acid which has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and detoxificant properties. In the present study, the role of endotoxemia on peroxynitrite formation via 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) detection, a"

 

 

 

and a lot more about it at these links.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=taurine+affects+on+nitric+oxide&oq=taurine+affects+on+nitric+oxide&aqs=chrome..69i57.11718j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

 

[btdt]

So I am hoping some smarter than I can look and tell me what it says if anything useful

[btdt]

http://books.google.ca/books?id=Zu8RooJYr60C&pg=PA6&dq=taurines+effect+on+pancreas&hl=en&sa=X&ei=O78gU_m6Fob_yQH644CIDg&ved=0CGEQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=taurines%20effect%20on%20pancreas&f=false

 

This is a book about Taurine only 53 bucks.. that use to be dinner...sometimes lunch it is now food allowance for a wk.. and out of the question.  If I had the money I would buy it, but I don't. 

[Altostrata]

If you're going to start a topic in Journals, please follow the requested format. See the pinned topics in Journals.

[btdt]

This is a journal page?  I did a search found Taurine... started from there.  What on this page shows it to be a journal page verses another sort of page ...where do I look I don't see anything saying Journal once I am at the page and sorry ... 

[Altostrata]

I merged your posts with an existing topic in Symptoms. The Journals forum is only for specific kinds of topics.

[lexhex]

Updating: Been on 500 mgs of Taurine 2x a day for a little more than 2 months now. I have had NO Afib episodes in the middle of the night since starting and my anxiety seems to be at a manageable level most of the time except for during ovulation and just before my period - but since I know this is my pattern, I'm better able to deal with it. I have an appointment on Monday with the cardiologist for my annual follow-up and I'll discuss my progress during the visit.

 

My sleep has sporadically improved, but I still have occasional nightmares and can usually only sleep 4 hours at a time. Not sure of the nightmares wake me up because I have to use the bathroom, or if I have to use the bathroom, so I get nightmares that wake me up. Sometimes it's difficult to determine which symptoms are a consequence or a cause.

 

In addition to the Taurine, I have added two supplements; a bioflavonoid complex (500 mg 2x a day) and MK-7 (a Vitamin K-2 complex). Because of my age, my rapid weight loss during w/d and hormonal changes due to perimenopause, I developed recurrent nosebleeds which I used to get about every week. Two cauterizations did nothing to improve the condition - so I did a little research and found some reputable sources that recommended I take the bioflavonoids to strengthen the fragile capillaries in my nose (but don't contain Vitamin C to upset the stomach), and MK-7 to reduce bleeding and bruising. Since I started taking them, the frequency and duration of the bleeds have come down considerably. Now I get one about once every 3 weeks, and only if I aggressively blow. So good news there.

 

I'll keep everyone posted as I continue on my road...

[Altostrata]

I'm taking 250mg taurine twice a day and feel more stability heart rhythm-wise. This seems like a good thing for people to carefully try if they have palpitations or arrhythmia.

[cymbaltawithdrawal5600]

I tried it for only a short time and then stopped because I saw no benefit. The mag citrate seems to have stopped the palps. I might cautiously tart it again and stay on it longer and see if it helps with the mental anxiety I am getting.

[lexhex]

Please define mental anxiety. I notice people on this board seem to use that phrase frequently to describe non-physical feelings such as worry and fear - which to me is not anxiety. When I speak about anxiety I am referring specifically to the physical anxiety that leaves you shaking, sweating, hyperventilating, running for the bathroom, and fighting against a heart rate in the upper 140s. Because Taurine is frequently found in energy drinks and is used to counter the physical effects of caffeine - it tends to work well on the physical symptoms of an overstressed nervous system. It is particularly effective at controlling heart arrythmias, but it doesn't decrease my fear or worry at all. It also does nothing to promote sleep or combat insomnia. 90% of my worst w/d symptoms were cardiac in their nature. Even with my insomnia, cardiac symptoms predominated. Once I got the cardiac symptoms under control using the Taurine - my sleep improved, but the Taurine did not influence my sleep - just my arrhythmia. The longer I go without having a cardiac episode, the more relaxed and stable and I am - but the Taurine is not making me "calm." I just want to make sure that when you hear "Taurine is working for me", you all understand exactly what I am saying  - and also what I'm not saying.

 

Feel free to ask questions if you have them. I'd be happy to address them.

[Meimeiquest]

Powdered taurine arrived yesterday for making homemade cat food. Last night I woke up with my heart thudding in the 90's, a little chest discomfort, more of an ominous feeling in my chest. Tried to estimate 400mg of taurine, mixed with water, and it was all over in less than 15 minutes.

 

As to why I am making cat food when I can hardly make it through the day? I think it's because I so wish I could make a 2-week supply of healthy food in one pot, freeze it, and have my family running with joy for it when I plopped it on their plates twice a day.

[lexhex]

Grab the capsules. NOW foods makes an inexpensive 500 mg pill that is really easy to work with. I take one in the morning and 2 at night just before bed. The Taurine stops a-fib episodes and seems to prevent them which is why it worked. I have not had an episode since February before I started taking them.

[btdt]

I agree with Lex by the Now and no I don't get a cent for saying but it is what people here seem to use and what I know.  It is the only one I have tried.  I was re reading this today.

I am quite curious about the effects on the brain.  I am going to try to get back to that at some point.  I wonder if any doctors who work with withdrawal patients have looked into this supplement as a way of helping.  

Here is an idea a thread on here for any doctor listed as a go to person in the treatment of withdrawal... a thread for them to correspond with us... if any were to have the time wouldn't that be fun. Ok fun as in the sort of fun people in withdrawal have...lol no other type person on the face of the earth would ever put fun in that category.  I was going to say more but it was insulting the people here and myself... so think I will shut up now. 

peace all

[btdt]

taurine is extraordinarily active on this population of GABA receptors in the thalamus

 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/94393.php

 

""Scientists have long questioned whether taurine might act on an as-yet-undiscovered receptor of its own," notes lead researcher Dr. Fan Jia, postdoctoral scientist in the Department of Anesthesiology. "But after some recent work in our lab, we ended up zeroing in on this population of GABA receptors in the thalamus."

The thalamus, located deep in the brain's center, is involved in what neuroscientists call "behavioral state control," helping to regulate transitions between sleep and wakefulness, for example. "It's like a railway junction, controlling information traffic between the brainstem, the senses and the executive functions in the cortex," Dr. Harrison explains. "When you're sleeping, the thalamus is discharging slowly and isolates the cortex from sensory input. But when you're awake, the thalamus allows information from the sensory system to activate the cortex."

Investigating further, the researchers exposed thin slices of thalamic tissue from the brains of mice to concentrations of taurine that were similar to what might be found in the human brain.

"We found that taurine is extraordinarily active on this population of GABA receptors in the thalamus," Dr. Harrison says. "It came as a bit of a surprise that the same receptor was used by both taurine and GABA. Nevertheless, finding taurine's receptor has been like discovering the 'missing link' in taurine biology.""

[btdt]

ten benefits of taurine

http://www.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/782/Ten_Benefits_of_Taurine.aspx

 

Less Stress

Eat Meat For Best Results With Taurine

Burn Fat

Insulin Health

Raise Testosterone 

Fight Oxidative Stress

Better Performance and Faster Recovery From Training

Cardiovascular Health

Sleep Better

Better Brain Function 

 

A lot more information at the site these are just the titles. 

Taurine can be synthesized in the pancreas if sufficient cysteine is available. For best results you should get taurine in the diet and take a supplement. Resistance trainees and athletes will deplete this nutrient since it is involved in fat use for energy production and stress management. For example, baseball pitchers and track throwers tend to be deficient in taurine and magnesium due to all the high velocity throws they perform.

 

Taurine doesn’t just improve an already functioning metabolism. It has an antioxidant effect and has been found to lower chronic inflammation in the hypothalamus that results in greater insulin production by the pancreas, which in turn produces higher insulin levels and obesity. A related means by which taurine improves metabolism is by neutralizing free radicals in pancreatic cells called “beta cells.” Healthy beta cells are essential for gradual and modulated insulin secretion, and they help with glucose injection into cells for energy use.

 

Plus this is news to me so may be news to some of you too. 

This bit:

" chronic inflammation in the hypothalamus that results in greater insulin production by the pancreas" A brain pancreas connection and a taurine pancreas connection I have been looking for this.  

I posted the two references to the pancreas as I have pancratic issues and am taking a look at this mostly for my own benefit but maybe others have the same curiosity. 

Peace all

[btdt]

• 
  
  
  
  NEW TAURINE ANALOGUES IN TREATMENT ... - Springer
  

  
  

  link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-1-4615-1269-1_35.pdf
  

  
  

  
  

  •  
    

  
  

  
  

  
  

  by RC Gupta - ‎2000

  
  Poster Abstracts. NEW TAURINE ANALOGUES IN TREATMENT. STRATEGIES FORPARKINSON'S DISEASE. R.C. Gupta. Department of Chemistry. Nagaland ...

  
  
  
  
  

[lexhex]

Been on the Taurine now for 7 months and so far, it is still keeping my heart rhythm under control. I still take the 25mg of Toprol XL as well - but had inconsistent results with it until I began taking the Taurine. Other symptoms remain pretty much the same. Bowels and digestion are still sensitive. I still can only sleep for about 4 or 5 hours a a time. I ALWAYS have nightmares - EVERY night. I still have difficulty with agoraphobia and being alone. But the worst of it is that I am persistently unhappy and fearful (even though I do not now nor have I ever suffered from depression.) After more than two years dealing with this, I am beginning to think this is my new normal - although I hope this is not the case.

 

Just wanting to keep everyone informed of the progress. Hope everyone is hanging in there.

[Altostrata]

Thanks for letting us know, lexhex. I think taurine is beneficial for me, too.

[lexhex]

I'm glad it's helping you. I know you had some more serious issues last year. How are you doing?

[Altostrata]

Those issues are over. Now I have new issues -- but not nearly as serious.

[lexhex]

I'm glad to hear it. I have ongoing challenges, but on the physical side, it's hard to know where the withdrawal ends and where the perimenopause begins. So many of the symptoms overlap. This persistent core unhappiness is frustrating me the most I think because it's so out of character. I'm hoping it eventually abates, but until it does, I'm just going to fake it until I make it.

[Petunia]

I woke up at 2:30 this morning, which isn't unusual, I often wake through the night, but what was different was that my thoughts were racing and I realized I wasn't falling back to sleep like I usually do.  Then I remembered that I had forgotten to take the 500mg of taurine I usually take before going to sleep. I had fallen asleep while watching a video.

 

So I took it then and was able to go back to sleep. 

[btdt]

This kind of fell on me today... 

http://afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf

 

Magnesium Absorption and Assimilation

By Jackie Burgess RDH (ret) 

from afibbers.org the afib report

"INTRODUCTION

We know most afibbers are deficient in magnesium (Mg) and also that most respond favorably to

magnesium supplementation; therefore, in our advice protocol(1) for new afibbers, we typically

recommend starting with the Essential Trio which includes magnesium glycinate, potassium and

taurine. Potassium is the key rhythm stabilizer, but can’t function without adequate magnesium.

Periodically, someone posts that magnesium supplementation had no effect on improving their

afib. This prompted me to examine why that might be. What influences might bring about a

negative result? "

 

"8. Taurine insufficiency – renal wasting

(Taurine spares magnesium globally – Mg wasting can result from taurine insufficiency.) (Genova

Diagnostics) "

 

Here is that vagus nerve again it just keeps coming up in  so many wd articles. 

"A 2007 research paper “Intestinal Inflammation caused by Magnesium Deficiency” indicates

significant functional changes in the small intestine and in remote organs as well as increased

sensitivity to oxidative stress. From testimonials offered on the BB, we know well how intestinal

disturbances cause various conditions leading to afib and the subclinical inflammation factor is

well known with vagus nerve irritation as well.(5)

Some reports indicate magnesium citrate is highly bioavailable, but it’s also known this form does

not stay in tissues for long. It’s used in the citric acid cycle or Kreb’s cycle and is typically shunted

out of the body quickly. It also has the laxation effect.

When compared to magnesium citrate, magnesium bisglycinate is half as reactive (hypoacidity)

when taken on an empty stomach (600 mg Mg/day) and more bioavailable based on classic

symptoms of hypomagnesmia.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the form of magnesium is just as important as how

much magnesium you're getting. Cheaper forms, such as Oxide and Chloride, are poorly

absorbed and quickly excreted from your body. "

 

I thought this may be useful and even new to you as it is new to me... 

peace

[lexhex]

I don't currently take magnesium supplements of any kind. I find them all to have a somewhat laxative effect. I'm still on the Taurine, but only 500 mg once a day and still taking the 25mg of the Toprol XL. Most of the time I am fine, but sleeping is still VERY challenging. Heart rate is still rapid and coincides heavily with vivid dreaming. This never remits or changes. However - still no extreme tachycardia or afib episodes since starting the Taurine. Overall, I think this is as good as it's going to get until I go completely through menopause. Then I'm dumping the Toprol to see if the sleep disturbances get any better. A lot of the doctors think it may be the issue.

[btdt]

I don't currently take magnesium supplements of any kind. I find them all to have a somewhat laxative effect. I'm still on the Taurine, but only 500 mg once a day and still taking the 25mg of the Toprol XL. Most of the time I am fine, but sleeping is still VERY challenging. Heart rate is still rapid and coincides heavily with vivid dreaming. This never remits or changes. However - still no extreme tachycardia or afib episodes since starting the Taurine. Overall, I think this is as good as it's going to get until I go completely through menopause. Then I'm dumping the Toprol to see if the sleep disturbances get any better. A lot of the doctors think it may be the issue.

I have not had much luck with mag and that is one reason I was looking at this according to this article this " magnesium bisglycinate" has not laxative effects.  I find if I take too much taurine it can kind of turn on me I have to stay low dose... I still start at 1/4 dose.  Have you tried any potassium as they say it is the three of them in unison that are useful... just an idea.  I totally get it if your liking what your doing and not interested. 

peace

[lexhex]

My potassium levels are good. It's a supplement I don't dink around with too much. Plus, one avocado a week is enough to give you what you need without worrying about cardiac side effects. (Too much is no good for the heart). I would have to say that in general, the bulk of my W/D symptoms are gone with exception of some minor agoraphobia which I push my self to overcome. The fewer physical symptoms I have, the less anxiety I get in situations that used to be overwhelming. For me, the body controls the mind - not the other way around. When my body is in compliance, the brain shuts up.

 

I've done everything I know to do to reset the physical. I exercise regularly, I attempt to get as much rest as I can, and I eat VERY cleanly. Sleep is stil a challenge (as I mentioned) but I don't think it's related to W/D anymore. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of the beta blocker (a common side effect) and the deviated septum I have (which is being corrected at the end of the month.) I should know better in about 8 weeks if there are any significant changes - and I'll be happy to provide an update.

 

I have yet to attempt reinstating any SSRIs, nor am I convinced that it would be a good idea even if I could at this point. I figure I've come this far, might as well just keep moving forward.

 

Do what you can to get relief - but I found that CONSISTENCY is key. The same thing OVER and OVER.

 

[JanCarol]

I think this is an important one. 

 

I was led to Taurine by - well my cat.  She has to have it in her cat food.  So when I saw on George Eby's Magnesium pages that it is essential for uptake of magnesium, I started it.  

 

I've been on 500 mg nightly for at least 6, maybe 10 months now, to accompany my Magnesium glycinate.  I still am very sleep cycle delayed (I would be an "insomniac" if I couldn't sleep in the mornings), but I feel more centered, more stable, on the mag / taurine.

 

If' it's true, that it binds to GABA in the thalamus, that would explain it's mood stabilizing properties.  I also eat meat for the same reason - mood stabilizing.  (I started that in 1998, and we had no idea about amino acids back then, I just thought it was a protein thing).

 

If, it is also true, that GABA reduces hypothalamic inflammation, and inhibits pancreatic signals to produce insulin, that may be a good reason not to quit unless it goes paradoxical on me.  Diabetes is one of my greatest fears, since I have "metabolic syndrome."  Even more so, now that my karate practice is suspended indefinitely.

 

My guess, if the GABA thing is true, that if I'm taking taurine, I should not be taking GABA, as they would compete for receptors?  (this amino thing is complicated and I blow steam out of my ears when I see people taking amino "complexes" which include the kitchen sink!)

[Marco]

So is taurine safe to take during taper with any kind of mediciation or should it be avoided with some kind?

[Altostrata]

Please read what people have to say in this topic. If you try taurine, please add your observations.

[btdt]

New to me>

"

• Magnesium - is particularly important in regulating and stabilising ATP, and is often displaced by the presence of heavy metals. With a deficiency of Magnesium, the ATP becomes over-regulated or inhibited, resulting in low energy levels. Magnesium helps to fire up various essential enzymatic reactions. Nutritional elements such as Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium have an important role in protecting the body from the effects of heavy metals, and those individuals with elevated heavy metal levels have a greater requirement for these nutrients (and a corresponding great need to detoxify the heavy metals from their bodies). Magnesium is best taken in Chelated form, e.g. Citrate or Glycinate, together with the amino acid Taurine to help carry it into the cells.
• http://www.medicalinsider.com/mitochondrial.html