Omega 3 fish oil --- anyone else on this?

I'm curious to know if any of my bipolar comrades are taking fish oil as an adjunct to their meds. I just lowered my lamictal dosage and began taking the fish oil 2 weeks ago. I'm astounded at how stable I feel, I would have never expected this so soon. Every day I keep waiting for the swings and, so far, no swings.

Any other fish tales out there?

Yes! I've been taking fish oil for a while now, off and on (now on). I've read so much about the beneficial properties of fish oil in mental disorders, so it motivates me to try to remember to take it. It seems like fish oil is a widely recommended part of treatment now -- I've read lots of conventional books on Bipolar that all mention it, along with daily vitamins, as vital to your "brain health".

I'm surprised at your fast reaction, since I've been taking it for a few years now with no really obvious signs that it's working for my mood instability. I might be on a low dose (18% EPA, 12% DHA). I do get lots of small benefits, though, like feeling more awake and clear headed, right after I start taking it.

I was amazed at the quick results. I didn't expect too much when I began taking it. I was diagnosed with BP II eight years ago and my doc put me on lithium which made my life a sluggish hell. I switched to Lamictal two years ago, which works well but is causing hair loss. I think Dr. Stoll is onto something. I'm not nearly as moody as I was before. Even on Lamictal, i've had difficulty with SAD, and this season is much easier to bear with the fish oil. It's nice to not feel overwhelmed and anxious.

I am a vegetarian but am very interested in trying this new approach to help my meds. Do you think the vege version of the oil would work just as well?
Virginia

I've never heard of a veggie version of fish oil...is it some kind of other oil that is beneficial?

I've had many friends that were vegetarians, and most turned pescatarian after a little while. They said that it made them feel better, so I don't know if this would be something that you might consider.

Virginia wrote:I am a vegetarian but am very interested in trying this new approach to help my meds. Do you think the vege version of the oil would work just as well?
Virginia

From what i've read, there's no way to tell if flaxseed oil works as well as fish oil--no studies as of yet. But there are articles about Dr. Stoll's study, including this one:http://www.mcmanweb.com/article-15.htm



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I take flaxseed oil everyday. It helped my blood profile, and I think it stablizes my moods. Flaxseed contains Omega-3 oils.
Jim S

I cannot tolerate concentrated fish oil supplements, give me headaches and makes me very spaced out.

Must the serotonin increase,

just have to rely on my consumption of omega-3 rich fish

Dave

Is the oil more helpful for the depression, is it helpful to the mania, or is it just all around helpful? My husband tends to be more manic all the time and the last thing he needs is something to make that part worse.

It acts as a mood stabilizer. According to Dr. Stoll's study on Omega 3 fatty acids, it lessened the symptoms of mania and depression. Here's a link that discusses the study.
Hope this helps.

http://www.mcmanweb.com/article-15.htmoms of bipolar disorder.