Exploring Nutritional Supplements for Depression: A Personal Journey

Regarding the "My Health Diary" series of nutritional supplements sold at 7-11?

I have depression and take 75 mg of Effexor three times a day.
I saw online that deep-sea fish oil, lecithin, and ginkgo biloba supplements can be quite helpful for depression.
I also found a series of small packaged nutritional products sold by Uni-President at 7-11, one of which is called "Brain Freeze." It contains a multivitamin, a fish oil capsule, and a lecithin capsule.
The fish oil capsule includes 300 mg of EPA, 200 mg of DHA, 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, 200 mg of ginkgo biloba powder, 200 mg of evening primrose oil, and 2 IU of vitamin E.
The lecithin capsule contains 1200 mg of lecithin.
I remember that when I first took it, I felt even less motivated, so I stopped after two days.
Later, I decided to try it again, and after taking it, I noticed my focus improved significantly, and my mood stabilized, with less feeling of depression.
However, a few days later, I encountered another issue: I found that it seemed to cause slight insomnia or a decline in sleep quality, but my attention remained quite focused the next day.
I also felt that my stomach was a bit off—not exactly pain, but occasionally uncomfortable and sometimes nauseous.
I read online that excessive intake of fish oil and lecithin can cause nausea, but I feel that the dosage in this package is not excessive, and I only take one package a day.
It has been certified by the Department of Health and is produced by a cGMP facility in the U.S., so I thought it should be fine.
Doctor, could this be due to enhanced brain function that my body cannot handle, or is it an adaptation issue related to my depression?

988, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/02/14

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry

You are quite attentive to your physical condition and knowledgeable about how to seek relevant information to help yourself.
It is evident that you possess some traits that make you prone to worry and anxiety, as indicated by your inquiry about the effects of deep-sea fish oil, lecithin, and ginkgo biloba on depression.
There are indeed several reports suggesting that deep-sea fish oil has a positive effect on treating depression, although it has not been fully validated.
Your clinical response seems to be favorable, so it is reasonable to continue its use.
Regarding the nausea you are experiencing, I believe it may be related to your use of Efexor.
Clinically, many patients using Efexor report gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea as side effects.
It may be beneficial to gradually increase the dosage of Efexor, avoiding rapid increases; this aspect should be discussed with your prescribing physician.
Additionally, when using both Efexor and deep-sea fish oil for treatment, it is challenging to determine whether the effects are due to the medication or the fish oil.

Reply Date: 2003/02/14

More Info

When it comes to managing depression, many individuals seek complementary treatments alongside their prescribed medications. In your case, you are currently taking Efexor (venlafaxine), which is an antidepressant commonly used to treat major depressive disorder. You have also been exploring nutritional supplements such as fish oil, lecithin, and ginkgo biloba, which have been suggested to have potential benefits for brain health and mood stabilization.

Fish oil, particularly its omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), has been studied for its potential role in alleviating symptoms of depression. Some research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve mood and cognitive function, possibly due to their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in maintaining neuronal health. However, while some individuals report positive effects, the evidence is not universally conclusive, and responses can vary significantly from person to person.

Lecithin, which is rich in phosphatidylcholine, is thought to support brain health by contributing to the formation of cell membranes and possibly enhancing neurotransmitter function. Ginkgo biloba is often used for cognitive enhancement and may improve blood flow to the brain, but its effects on depression are still being researched.

You mentioned experiencing a temporary increase in motivation and mood stability after taking the supplements, followed by issues with sleep quality and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is important to note that while some individuals may experience benefits from these supplements, others may encounter side effects. The nausea and discomfort you described could indeed be related to the combination of supplements and your current medication regimen. Efexor itself can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, especially when starting or adjusting the dosage.

The interplay between your medication and the supplements can complicate the assessment of what is causing specific symptoms. It is also possible that the initial boost in mood and focus you experienced was a result of the supplements, but as your body adjusted, side effects became more pronounced. Additionally, the stress and anxiety associated with managing depression can also contribute to gastrointestinal issues and sleep disturbances.

Given your experience, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider before continuing or adjusting your supplement intake. They can help you evaluate the potential benefits and risks, considering your current medication and overall health status. It may also be beneficial to discuss the possibility of adjusting your Efexor dosage or exploring alternative medications if you continue to experience side effects.

In terms of your concerns about whether the supplements are making your body unable to cope, it is essential to recognize that depression itself can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. The brain's chemistry is complex, and changes in mood can manifest physically. Therefore, it may not solely be the supplements causing discomfort but rather a combination of factors, including your underlying condition.

In summary, while nutritional supplements like fish oil and lecithin may offer some benefits for mood and cognitive function, they should be approached with caution, especially when combined with prescription medications. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that your treatment plan is safe and effective for your specific situation. Your mental health journey is unique, and finding the right balance of treatments—whether they be medication, supplements, therapy, or lifestyle changes—can take time and careful consideration.

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