Many people take medication for all kinds of health problems, and antidepressants and nutrients are a topic that comes up more and more often. Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medicines, and for many people they are an important part of treatment.
Some people report that they notice new symptoms while taking these medicines, or that they feel worse when they try to stop taking them. Maybe you have heard about this from someone close to you.
Some people say they noticed changes in memory and concentration after they began taking the medication. Others say that when they tried to stop, they felt worse than before the treatment started.
Doctors often explain this as a return of the patient’s anxiety and depression, or as the effect of stopping a medicine too quickly.
However, some patients say that their symptoms came together with other symptoms they did not have before.
Important: never stop or change a prescribed medication on your own. If you have concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor, who can adjust the treatment safely.
So, What Might Be Happening?
One explanation that some researchers discuss is “drug-induced nutrient depletion.” The idea is that some medicines may lower the levels of certain nutrients in the body through different mechanisms.
These include changes in digestion, increased excretion of nutrients, and changes in the absorption and storage of nutrients.
Over time, this may contribute to low nutrient levels, which may add to the side effects a person feels and bring additional symptoms. In some cases, what looks like a side effect of a medicine may be partly related to a nutritional deficiency.
This matters because nutrition is one of the many factors that play a role in mental health. Low levels of important nutrients may make a person feel worse, and this topic does not always get much attention.
Since any change in nutrient levels would happen gradually, new symptoms might appear months or even years after starting a medicine. This is why patients and their doctors may not always see a connection between the new symptoms and the medication.
Sometimes new symptoms are managed with additional medication, without looking at nutrition at all.
Taking several medicines at the same time is something that should always be reviewed regularly with a doctor or pharmacist.
So, a patient on antidepressants may sometimes be prescribed other psychiatric medications as well.
Here are the main nutrients that are often mentioned in connection with psychiatric medication. It is good to know about them, so you can ask your doctor whether your levels should be checked.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Each cell of your body contains the molecule Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is important for the production of energy. It is also an antioxidant, which means it helps protect the brain and the rest of the body from free radical damage.
Studies conducted on rats have looked at the relationship between this antioxidant and mood. This is related to research which suggests that oxidative damage caused by free radicals may play a role in depression. Results from animal studies do not always apply to people.
Some sources report that antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other psychiatric medications may lower the levels of this antioxidant. Low levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been associated with mental fatigue, brain fog, memory lapses, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and low mood.
Other symptoms that have been linked to low CoQ10 levels include muscle cramps, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and high blood sugar.
Magnesium
This is one of the most important minerals in our body, as it takes part in over 300 biochemical reactions. It is involved in enzyme activity, nerve signaling, and hormone activity – factors that have a big effect on brain function and mood.
Magnesium has been studied in relation to anxiety, irritability, and depression, which is why it is considered important for brain health. However, many people do not get enough magnesium nowadays, and some of the main symptoms of a deficiency include:
- Muscle weakness, tremors, cramps, and spasms;
- High blood pressure;
- Insomnia;
- Nausea;
- Headaches and migraines;
- Low mood;
- Weaker bones;
- Heart arrhythmias.
As you can see, some of these symptoms are similar to the side effects listed for many psychiatric medicines.
Some research also suggests that certain antidepressants may contribute to magnesium deficiency.
Low levels of this mineral have been studied in connection with a number of problems, including insomnia, anxiety, depression, ADHD, irritability, premenstrual syndrome, pain, and problems with short-term memory.
Some studies have also found lower magnesium levels in people with major depression, although this does not show that one causes the other.
Therefore, if you have a mental health condition, or you take medication for it, you can ask your doctor whether magnesium supplements make sense for you. Supplements can interact with some medicines, so do not start them on your own.
Moreover, you can consider adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet, such as almonds, avocados, Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, spinach, beets, and halibut.
B Vitamins
Psychiatric medication has also been linked to lower levels of several B vitamins, like vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B6, B12, and folate.
Vitamin B2 Deficiency
Lack of vitamin B2 has been linked to low energy levels and skin problems. This is because this vitamin is important for energy metabolism throughout the body.
Some antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anticonvulsants may interfere with the absorption of riboflavin, which may increase a person’s need for this vitamin.
Some researchers have found that people with depression often have low levels of vitamin B2. This is one more reason to pay attention to nutrition during long-term treatment.
Food sources of this vitamin include leafy vegetables, pastured eggs, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, almonds, and beef liver.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Another important B vitamin often mentioned in connection with psychiatric medication is vitamin B6. Its roles include supporting the nervous system and affecting sleep and mood. This vitamin takes part in the production of many brain neurotransmitters, like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.
Psychiatric medications act on these same neurotransmitters, so vitamin B6 levels may be affected. Some doctors recommend checking B6 intake during treatment with antidepressants.
Some researchers report that benzodiazepines and antidepressants may lower the levels of this vitamin.
The main symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency are mental confusion, weakness, insomnia, low mood, and stronger PMS symptoms. You can find this vitamin in foods such as bananas, potatoes, and chicken.
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency
Folate and vitamin B12 are important B vitamins that take part in the methylation process in the brain and body. This process is important for the normal function of the nervous system, as well as for energy levels.
People with depression often have low vitamin B12 and folate levels, and the reverse is also observed: those with low levels of folate and vitamin B12 appear to have a higher risk of depression.
Benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics have been reported to affect the levels of vitamin B12 and folate in some people, so it is reasonable to raise this question during a check-up.
Insufficient levels of these vitamins can lead to higher levels of homocysteine and less efficient methylation. This may add to existing fatigue, low mood, confusion, irritability, and forgetfulness.
You can find vitamin B12 in animal-based foods, such as beef liver, whereas folate is found in leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, strawberries, and cauliflower.
Conclusion
The medicines people take to improve their health may, in some cases, affect the levels of important nutrients in the body and brain. Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals may also be one of the factors behind how a person feels.
A balanced diet and, where needed, restoring the missing vitamins and minerals under medical supervision may support overall well-being alongside the treatment your doctor has prescribed.
Many people who take psychiatric medication have never heard about this topic.
The best thing you can do is remember this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist about it at your next visit, and share it with anyone you think may find it useful. Do not stop or reduce any prescribed medication unless your doctor advises it.
Source The Guardian | NCBI | NCBI | NCBI | NCBI | NCBI | Penn State Hershey | Optimal Living Dynamics; Image Source The Financial Express
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.