I saw a client recently that contact me after trying many different medications over the past 20 years for trichotillomania, depression and anxiety, including several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – like citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) – as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is a selective norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. She was on some of these medications for years, but found that they “quit working” and she was either given another medication or an additional medication. Eventually, she found that none of them worked for her and that she was feeling worse than ever.
Reuptake inhibitors make the problem worse
I explained to her that reuptake inhibitors simply shuffle around neurotransmitters in the brain, giving the illusion of better health. You may feel better for a time, but at a price. Since the reuptake inhibitors don’t actually provide any raw materials, but artificially increase certain neurotransmitters in the brain, they actually cause a decrease in or further imbalance between neurotransmitters with time.
This occurs because the reuptake inhibitors work by preventing the reabsorption (the “reuptake”) of neurotransmitter into the pre-synaptic vesicle, thereby raising the synaptic levels of neurotransmitter. This provides the benefit of the drug. However, neurotransmitters in the synapse are not protected for degradation enzymes (like monoamine oxidase and COMT enzymes), which destroy them. As there are no additional raw materials coming in, over time, this causes a depletion of neurotransmitters.
Eventually, there aren’t enough neurotransmitters left for the reuptake inhibitors to shuffle around, and the drug “stops working”. Once more, the person is in a more depleted state at this point, as the use of the reuptake inhibitor has caused further neurotransmitter imbalance.
Raising neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters themselves do not cross the blood-brain barrier. When neurotransmitters in the brain become depleted (by reuptake inhibitors or other causes) the only way to restore proper function is to increase neurotransmitter levels by taking the appropriate amino acid precursors for the necessary neurotransmitters.
Serotonin and dopamine are synthesized from the amino acid precursors 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), respectively. L-dopa is synthesized from L-tyrosine. These precursors do cross the blood-brain barrier and can be freely made into their respective neurotransmitters. When the levels are high enough and in the proper balance, a resolution of symptoms is achieved.
If you’d like more information and references about how reuptake inhibitors decrease neurotransmitter levels, here are a couple places to get started:
I’m so interested in this… would love to find someone in Ireland who works with amino acids.. I’m interested as to how you can decide on the correct dosage over the phone?
Jo
Hi Jo,
I don’t know of anyone outside the US that is working with amino acid therapy at this time; however, we have over a dozen clients from the UK and may be able to help.
Typically, when we work with someone remotely, we use a standard protocol we’ve developed for trich; if that doesn’t get us the results we need, we can send you a test kit which you complete and send via Fed Ex to the lab. We then follow up with the results over the phone. This helps us dial in the correct amino acid dosing to achieve a resolution of symptoms.
If you are interested in this please send us an email or give us a call. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Trichotillomania and Amino Acid Therapy, my daughter who is 17 is suffering 3 years with this condition, nothing works can you tell me abit more about your trials and the details please can you email me thanks
Hi Debra,
Thanks for your inquiry. We have been working with people suffering from neurotransmitter based disorders for over 12 years, and specifically with trichotillomania for over 5 years. We’ve seen thousands of people and get referrals from all over the United States and the United Kingdom.
In regards to trich, our approach involves determining the right combination of amino acids and cofactors each person needs to correct the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances that lead to the urges to pull. Once that is achieved, we focus on modifying the dietary, lifestyle and behavioral factors for long term success.
To get started, simply give us a call and set up an initial phone consultation so we can briefly discuss your daughter’s history and goals so I can make some recommendations to get started. Follow up consultations and/or testing will depend on how she progresses, but the end point is the complete elimination of the urges to pull.
I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you and to help your daughter eliminate her urges to pull.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Thanks! Have to save a bit of money first, but might email for more info. Jo