Here are a few types of medications used to treat depression and some of the nutrients they deplete:

  • SSRIs – fluoxetine / Prozac or Sarafem; escitalopram / Lexapro; fluvoxamine / Luvox
  • Depletes: CoQ10, Magnesium, Melatonin, B2, B6, b12, folate
  • SNRIs – duloxetine / Cymbalta; venlafaxine / Effexor XR
  • Depletes: CoQ10, Magnesium, B2, Melatonin, B6, b12, folate
  • TCAs – amitryptiline, doxepin
  • Depletes: CoQ10, B6, b12, folate

B2 (riboflavin) –

  • Helps your body produce energy by breaking down calories
  • Helps produce red blood cells (which in turn deliver oxygen to every cell of your body)
  • Supports skin and eye health
  • Supports the nervous system (including helping with anxiety)
  • Deficiency: bloodshot eyes, sensitivity to light, inflammation of the mouth, sore tongue, seborrheic dermatitis, dull or oily hair, split nails, improper functioning of the adrenal glands

B6 (pyridoxine) –

  • Important for regulating mood and preventing mental fatigue
  • Needed for the brain to produce serotonin
  • Helps the body make hemoglobin, which is the part of your blood that carries oxygen to other organs including the brain, and thus may help with memory and attentiveness, and decrease confusion
  • Deficiency: anemia, itchy rashes, scaly skin on the lips, cracks at the corners of the mouth, swollen tongue, fatigue and weakness, mood changes

B12 –

  • Protects the brain, enhances nerve repair, memory, concentration, focus
  • Helps the body make mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin
  • Converts homocysteine to SAMe, a nutrient that can help to address depression
  • Deficiency: palpitations, fatigue, loss of balance, numbness, tingling, sore and red tongue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Folate –

  • Reduces risk of heart disease
  • Breaks down homocysteine – if homocysteine remains elevated it can increase blood pressure and the risk of coronary artery disease or strokes
  • Promotes healthy functioning of the brain, reduces oxidative damage to brain cells, stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain and can enhance the action of medication used to treat depression
  • Deficiency or low levels: depression, epilepsy, cognitive decline, psychiatric conditions

If you are looking for a more natural approach to digestive issues, anxiety, and depression, schedule an appointment by:

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