B vitamins or B vitamin complex

[Petunia]

VJ, I don't know if you need to take B vitamins, have you been tested for a deficiency? A nervous system sensitized by withdrawal can make it difficult to take some supplements even if you do need them, that's why its best to get your nutrition from food if possible.

 

Yes, B vitamins are a daytime supplement.

 

The best advice I can give you is to avoid anything which increases symptoms. By taking a mixed supplement, you don't know which ingredient may be increasing your symptoms.

 

The search function on this site doesn't work very well.  The best way to search this site for specific information  is to use your favorite search engine. Type in survivingantidepressants.org then the symptom, supplement or information you wish to search for.

[Aissela]

Since I started vitamin B6 I feel very depressed, especially some hours after the daily dose. Is this possibile?

[Altostrata]

Also see Hypersensitive to B vitamin or B vitamin complex?

[SquirrellyGirl]

Since I started vitamin B6 I feel very depressed, especially some hours after the daily dose. Is this possibile?

 

Whether or not it is common to feel depressed after taking B6 doesn't really matter; what matters is whether it is making YOU depressed.  The best way to find out is to omit it for a week and track your symptom pattern.  Let us know what you determine as it helps everyone.

 

SG

[Area1255]

Some people swear by it, and others feel they have too many side-effects. It's good for hormone reboots and to increase Dopamine.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/263321
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2761676
http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/endo-102-2-362?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&

[AprilShowers]

I hope this is the correct topic to add this link, I read it today and it explains a bit why some of us might be sensitive to B vitamins. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11727/are-vitamins-triggering-your-anxiety.html
 

B's spike my anxiety even on my very good days but I had success with brewers yeast which I took in a very small dose at first and now take about half the daily recommended dose. I was feeling better taking it before I my recent setback from beta blockers. 

[jonnypeters1234567]

When people say they get anxious when they take B vitamins, do you mean occurance of physical anxiety- sweats, burning back etc?

[Mewmewkitty]

On 7/6/2018 at 3:57 PM, jonnypeters1234567 said:

When people say they get anxious when they take B vitamins, do you mean occurance of physical anxiety- sweats, burning back etc?

Anxious as in a wired, very unpleasant feeling and symptoms which anxiety is causing. This typical anxiety for no reason. I also get inner trembling, shakes.

 

Am not really sure am defficent in B vitamins but I think I may be needing them. With that said,B vitamins as sup is a BIG no for me. Green veggies is recommended aswell as red meat. 

 

Eating greenies everyday and meat 2 to 3 times a week is enought for a person.

 

Kale I just cannot eat probably due to very high b vit.

[freeruby]

I feel so grateful for this thread.  It has been a bit of a godsend for me.  I am tapering off of Abilify.   My regular dose was 1 mg.  It has been a difficult very slow taper for me. I started taking B6 about a month ago - and at the same time started to get intense agitation and anxiety in the morning (after I took it) and for the afternoon.  I did not put two and two together. I was also taking vitamin b12.   And fish oil.  Now having read this thread I realize that these supplements can cause problems during withdrawal.  I never would have guessed that.  But once I removed B6 and B12 after about 4 days the anxiety definitely lessened.  This morning I tried a b12 just as a bit of a test and sure enough - the anxiety returned.  I would never have known that without finding this thread - that we can become very sensitive to - well everything.  Thank you.

 

As a side note - I am also taking Cipralex - 6mg dose. For a while I thought perhaps the anxiety was coming from the Cipralex ( and of course from the WD from Abilify).

 

 

[composter]

I've been taking Vit B6 (Pyridoxine HCL 100mg) for a few weeks now and have noticed a marked benefit from it. I feel it's giving me better energy throughout the day--more sustained and able to do more physical activity like walking. There have been days when I've forgotten or skipped to make note any differences, and on those days I feel fatigued more quickly and feel depleted by mid-afternoon. I track all symptoms and supplements on a Glenmullen-like chart.

 

I'm wondering if it would be safe to continue taking the B6 each day as I seem to derive so much benefit from it. My fear would be becoming "dependent" in the same way as AD dependence because it is involved as a coenzyme in synthesizing neurotransmitters in the brain. See: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/

 

Any input?

[ChessieCat]

2 hours ago, composter said:

My fear would be becoming "dependent" in the same way as AD dependence

 

I doubt that it would be a problem.  Many people take Vitamin B complex.

[composter]

Thanks @ChessieCat. Just trying to quell my worry/fear about a dependence scenario with Vitamin B6. I think the biggest assurance is knowing that it is derived from food and its function and properties are nowhere near anything like SSRIs or benzos in terms of the neuro-remodelling and receptor downregulation. 

[Idlehnds]

I think you would be best served going to a integrative doctor and getting that spectracell test done.  At least you know what you are deficient in and they can monitor you to make sure a vitamin doesn't throw others out of balance.  I strongly encourage having doctor supervision (thats familiar with integrative vitamins) handle this.  

 

I dont think there is a dependence issue like a SSRI at all, but it could cause other issues that are unexpected in the long run.  It doesn't hurt to have a doctor be involved and supportive and if something does go out of wack they have the history and blood tests to  find a proper solution.

 

I know I tried throwing everything at me during my dark times and nothing worked and probably made things worse until I went and got tested and it was exactly the opposite of what I needed.  I have been doing amazing now btw.  Down to 1.25mg and I keep cutting and have no issues whatsoever.  I think the b12, b5, and b2 and vitamin C are helping as well as mindfulness.

 

Keep me updated

 

 

 

Edited January 11, 2019 by ChessieCat
removed member's real name

[composter]

So glad to hear that you continue to do well. Keep it up my friend! The spectracell test and integrative doctor combo sounds like a wonderful tool, thank you for the recommendation. I am also considering looking into The Road Back Program's supplements as it seems they have tailored supplements that complement this process well.

 

Edited January 11, 2019 by ChessieCat
removed message regarding post above which has been now been edited

[ChessieCat]

1 hour ago, composter said:

I am also considering looking into The Road Back Program's supplements as it seems they have tailored supplements that complement this process well.

 

I suggest you search on SA before you try things.  We already have several mentions about The Road Back Program:

 

truehope-the-road-back-labelmesane

 

dont-waste-your-money-on-these-supplements

 

From Post #1 of this topic:  no-recommendations-for-commercial-programs-to-assist-withdrawal

 

 

On 10/29/2011 at 1:04 PM, Altostrata said:

 

Each person makes his or her own decisions. For these programs, buyer beware:

 

- The Road Back and TRB Health (overpriced supplements)

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are  Magnesium and  Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Try a small amount, one at a time:  Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

[Idlehnds]

2 hours ago, composter said:

So glad to hear that you continue to do well. Keep it up my friend! The spectracell test and integrative doctor combo sounds like a wonderful tool, thank you for the recommendation. I am also considering looking into The Road Back Program's supplements as it seems they have tailored supplements that complement this process well.

 

 

Yeah.. The spectra cell has really helped me.  I haven't gone back yet to get tested but I will something in the beginning of this year.  Exercise, replenishing vitamins that you are deficient the right way, and conquering fears have changed me as a person.  I am coming off my Lexapro pretty quickly now and have no withdrawals or anything.  I drop about 5% a week now.  I am at 1.20mg now and I am feeling great.

[Freesia]

I've had some issues with b vitamins and such. So I try them now and then to keep dise low and to test again if they help.

 

Not major problems with magnesium. I am not taking as much these days.

I started taking it last winter for resistant  constipation type possibly ibs that I determined may have been related to triggered by anxiety or vice versa. I knew if I didn't get the constipation under control my anxiety was going off the charts and vice versa. So I focused there for a while. It's better, not always perfect but better. Mag helped with the bowels and perhaps a bit fir calming. It's still an occasional go to supplement.

 

Vit D has helped. I tried l5 mth one brand I had no big probs with. I think the other wasn't good long term. Diff manufacturer or bottles even can matter. I rotate things now. Anxiety isn't as bad. I have some issues health and medically that are triggering my anxiety now when it does get triggered. Or cycles me to a bit of depression. 

It's hard being patient.

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever heal.

I just can't wait till some things get settled so that I can make more steps forward and hopefully get over this before the things get the best of me.

 

 

[Freesia]

Do our hypersensitive nervous systems ever heal ? Is there more topic on this I couldn't find anything when I searched.

 

And I think I've had a couple of bouts of different types of anxiety and I'm so happy that my anxiety seems to be something I may be able to get over.

 

I don't know if there's any kind of way to join people together that want to communicate privately or is it all in post here? 

 

Thanks and I apologize if any of this is misposted.

 

[Wellbutrinsucks]

I took a B12 shot for twitching two weeks ago and it was very activating and made the twitching much worse.

[Freesia]

I read about another possible source of b vitamins which is nutritional yeast something to look into.

[Tweet]

Has anyone tried b12 shots? Looking for things that might zap me out of my severely depressive wave.

When I am this down, going on ADs again sounds really enticing. I feel so BAD!!

Maybe I willalso give the b6 a shot??

[Tweet]

Getting really close to the 1 year mark. I have been tracking depressive episodes and they generally last 3-7 days. The longest was 9 but it had a couple of odd good days mixed in. These episodes are about 5-7 days apart. In between I am feeling very normal with some hyperness. Does this sound normal? 

This last one has been 4 grueling days of hating being alive. Things that have snapped me out of it in the past:

12 oz. Mountain Dew

caffeine coffee

happy camper pills(once)

 

[DogLover]

Question about vitamin b6:

 

If one is the susceptible to over stimulation by b6, How long after ingesting it does it take to stimulate?

I would think about an hour, but I read somewhere that b6 is actually converted to p5p and then used by the body. Not sure how true this is, but it's on the internet.

[Gridley]

 

1 hour ago, DogLover said:

Question about vitamin b6:

 

This link may be helpful.  

 

Hypersensitive to B Vitamin or B-Complex 

[DogLover]

i just read that the half-life of b6 is 10-15 DAYS!

 

but now i see that it only stays in your system a short time.

[TortugaHealing]

I started vit B6  four days ago.  Worked up to 40 mg in supplement.  It seems to help my anxiety and mood markedly. It also increases my energy, and seems to help concentration. I started it because I was having involuntary movements and mild (I think) akathisia.  It has made my involuntary movements worse.  I'm going to cut down and see if that helps.  I hate to part with something that helps my anxiety and cognitive issues so much I can't believe it!

 

 

[Gridley]

@TortugaHealing

 

You might find the information in this link helpful:

 

Hypersensitive to B Vitamin or B-Complex 

Edited May 25, 2019 by Gridley

[TortugaHealing]

Hi Gridley, thanks for the info.  I started to get a bad reaction to the b6 a little while after singing it's praises.  It took a few days to build up in my system, I guess.  I've cut down to about one eighth of a 50 mg tablet.  

 

[Bee5]

I found that Vit B6 helped me with akathisia, and helped me get back to sleep after 'panic awakenings'. I take it when I start to experience symptoms after a cut. 

[Bee5]

Advice I was given by a friend, who is a doctor, is not to take multivitamins or a Vitamin B Complex supplement (one which contains all the Bs). She says that because there are so many micro-nutrients in these supplements, you don't know which are helping and which are harming. She recommends testing for deficiencies, and then supplementing those specific vitamins. I have not done the test yet, but I take Vit B6 when I'm anxious, and folate when I have allodynia. I am trying to learn to listen to my body, instead of taking a broad selection of micro-nutrients.

[GiaK]

I never found such testing to be either accurate or helpful...I've simply learned to go slow and easy and listen to my body and learn to respond to it...it's really possible to start hearing and following directions from within (for me, anyway) ...  if testing works for y'all go for it...I simply never found most labwork helpful (there have been some very rare exceptions...I never say never, kind of thing, but generally nope. 

 

I take a b12 supp since I'm not eating meat anymore...but otherwise yeah, eat well and avoid supps...that's wise for anyone with sensitivities...though on occasion supps can be helpful they need to be approached very carefully and slowly, thus minimizing them just makes sense. 

[JoJo90]

I wouldn’t see the need to take supplements if one is not low or deficient in anything. Hit and hope kind of theory isn’t going to work (especially in acute wd) with my self I have just found out I am woefully low in B6 and zinc which explains a lot over the years, minus the wd I’m still currently going through. So it would be silly for me not to supplement in something my body needs. But as always start low go slow and one thing at a time. 

[Bythegrace]

Hi....I’m new here. I’ve been completely off of Lexapro (10 mg) for 4 1/2 months. I tapered off over 8 months. I go to an Integrative Doctor and he has me on B2 (liquid), B6, B9 (Folinic acid), and B12 shots (Hydroxocobalamin).....I am progressing fairly well I guess all things considered...It’s been hard as hell, but I’m definitely heading in the right direction. Dare I stop the B vitamins to see if I am more calm, sleep better, and less anxious without them? ...or should I push through? I’ll take every bit of comfort I can get. Thanks for your reply ahead of time.

[Gridley]

17 hours ago, Bythegrace said:

Dare I stop the B vitamins to see if I am more calm, sleep better, and less anxious without them? ...or should I push through?

If you do want to see how you do without the B vitamins, I would stop one at a time and see how you do.  We recommend changing only only supplement at a time; otherwise, you won't be able to tell which supplement was having whatever effect.

 

If you want to make sure I see a question, precede your question with @Gridley and you'll see a rectangle pop up.  Click on that rectangle and I'll be notified that you've posted.

[btdt]

On 8/16/2011 at 8:31 PM, Altostrata said:

That does seem odd, about the vitamin D, btdt.

 

Maybe food sources would be better for you than a supplement? For absorption?

One thing I have learned since is that I have double the Vit D receptors which I think means my Vit D can show up low on blood tests but the amount in the blood does not always relate to how much is active in your system.  It makes sense to me that if I have extra receptors based on my genetic profile I could make half the normal Vit D do the job.  I could be wrong or right on this I can't think today so it is a toss up.  There is always more to learn and more mistakes to make onlong the way inch by inch we move forward... sometime back... 

peace all 

[xero]

On 5/13/2020 at 9:06 AM, btdt said:

One thing I have learned since is that I have double the Vit D receptors which I think means my Vit D can show up low on blood tests but the amount in the blood does not always relate to how much is active in your system.  It makes sense to me that if I have extra receptors based on my genetic profile I could make half the normal Vit D do the job.  I could be wrong or right on this I can't think today so it is a toss up.  There is always more to learn and more mistakes to make onlong the way inch by inch we move forward... sometime back... 

peace all 

i read somewhere that you had tooth problems. How did that go? i too have some bad molar issues that have been in need of removal but i haven't been to a dentist since i CT my 1st and only in November. I did it very short term (19 days) but hate the effects im getting post CT and im afraid to go to a dentist anytime soon because if the antibiotic they'll give me and idk how my gut and CNS will react to it these days. Did you ever get the teeth thing fixed? how did it go?