Anti-depressent effects of B-vitamins

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I've heard about some of the effects of the B vitamins, specifically B6, so after experiencing a week of particularly bad depression, I bought a B-complex supplement. I'm now two days into it, and feel an enormous difference.

I'd like some feedback on what kind of experience other people have had on these.

Its possible yes I have heard b-6 can aid the conversion of amino-acids to
neurotransmitters. I used it 16 years ago. I remember its a diuretic and midway
in my run I would have to urinate in a wooded area.

I had a book from a Dr who treated Phobic disorders and he suggested all his
patients take Thiamine (along with a MAO-inhibtor drug)

Your body can convert tryptophan to niacin and tryptophan is usually in low supply
so getting plenty of niacin frees that tryptophan up for neurotransmitter production.

Subjectively I noticed in the past that a mega-dose b-complex gave me more energy.

One thing to watch out for with megadoses of B6 (pyridoxine) is peripheral neuropathy (e.g., tingling in your fingers). Promoters of B6 megadosing often don't warn about the risk of B6 toxicity, or dismiss it as extremely rare. I don't know how rare it really is, but it happened to me, and cleared up as soon as I stopped taking the B6. If you notice those symptoms, stop the B6 right away.

"The ingestion of megadoses (1 to 6 g/day) of pyridoxine ... may cause peripheral neuropathy with deficits in a stocking-glove distribution, including progressive sensory ataxia and severe impairment of position and vibration senses. Senses of touch, temperature, and pain are less affected. Motor and central nervous systems are usually intact. Diagnosis is clinical; treatment is to stop taking vitamin B6. Recovery is slow and, for some patients, incomplete."
(http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch004/ch004i.html)

Also:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/quer ... ds=2162644

Several therapist I know have recommended B100 complex for depression.I think it's worth trying.I have used it off and on but I am so bad at taking "pills" they get caught in my throat and I hate the choking feeling,so I havent been able to stick with it for long.

I occasionally take B complex supplements (not mega doses) with caffeine. Alone they don't help mood, but can help decrease weariness. With caffeine I feel alert and happy. Caffeine by itself only wakes me up. Only in large doses can caffeine make me "happy" and/or alert.
eg RockStar or that Mountain Dew version
Emergen-C is a powder that you mix in water.

While i have never heard of B6 being used as an antidepressent, i do take it after it was reccommended when i was depressed as i was very lethargic and spent a lot of time in bed or sleeping. i found that it improved my energy levels, though not necessarily my mood.

If you drink alcohol, your body will need more Vitamin B, fyi for those drinkers

I went on birthcontrol pill at 16 and that is when my depression and dissocialtion became it's worse.I have heard a corilation between the pill and lower level of B vit.Not sure how it works but,they also recommend that you take a suplient if your on the "pill".

I'm not megadosing at all (it has 12.5 mg), so I don't think there's too much risk, but I'll keep that in mind.

[quote="gsilver"]I'm not megadosing at all (it has 12.5 mg), so I don't think there's too much risk, but I'll keep that in mind.[/quotI actually think that is to low to feel much effect.Try the B complex100's.
It is still well below the toxic level and cost only a little more.It will just be urinated out if your body doesnt need the extra.

What is B-Complex exactly?

It just means the whole B family...b1,b2 b6,B12...I think folic acid and niacin.Sorry to not be more scientific,but I have memory problems and no bottle of Bcomplex in front of me.

Which just illustrates the problem with the medical field. Couldn't they include the vitamins in the pill itself?

WOW, I thought I responded to this. B is VERY important, ESPECIALLY B6. They ALL deal with many things, including the BRAIN. Among other things, N6 helps properly breakdown protien so you can use it. So a DEFICIENCY could cause everything from slow healing/depression to DEATH. It isn't surprising some feel better when taking it.

BTW Krex is right. B is water soluable, so you just urinate any excess. You aren't likely to get hurt at all by REALLY over doing iy. well, your kidneys might EVENTUALLY from all the excessive work, etc.... Just cut back if you start urinating more, or more than 4 times a day(whichever is more), or if your urine comes out a MUCH brighter shade of yellow.

You CAN get hurt by deficiencies.

Steve