HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Depression And Memory Loss

default
Posted on Tue, 16 May 2017
Question: I have been prescribed n-acetyl cysteine at 500 mg twice daily and methionine 250-300 mg daily as part of a "detoxification" process for folic acid buildup. I have a heterozygous genetic mutation on A1298C to AC--a normal C677T of CC--and a homozygous variation of COMT of AA. In addition to the NAC and methionine, I been prescribed L-5 methylfolate at 1 mg daily. I have been advised to eradicate folic acid from my diet from food and supplements which I have done for four weeks. I have started from this journey because I have had a significant "environmental" factor of doubly ruptured, 34 year old liquid silicone implants which I had surgically removed last December 2016. I was sick for 7 months prior to the surgery--literally from head to toe. I had tests for everything ordered by my primary care MD. Finally, my red petechiae/edema ankles were diagnosed by a arterial/veinal surgeon as enlarged lymph system in my groin that was interfering with blood flow. He advised me to the implants removed. I am now experiencing depression and apathy and significant loss of short term memory and attention span. Unusual for me. Am usually very energetic and task oriented. AT LAST the question. Before I begin the above medications, would these types and levels be harmful as an alternative to regular folic acid in my system? NO CELL TOWER WHERE I LIVE. NO XXXXXXX RECEPTION EXCEPT WHEN AWAY FROM HOME.

I am obviously a FEMALE not male as listed above.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

There is no scientific evidence from any randomized placebo-controlled trial that shows this course of action is necessary. Folate is not dangerous in your situation. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and methionine are not harmful in and of themselves, so you are certainly welcome to take these, though there is no evidence they will be of any benefit apart from placebo effect. Further, supplements are unregulated, so you never know if they have any active ingredient in them, and they also contain other substances such as mercury that can be harmful. I would advise not taking these supplements.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Depression And Memory Loss

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. There is no scientific evidence from any randomized placebo-controlled trial that shows this course of action is necessary. Folate is not dangerous in your situation. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and methionine are not harmful in and of themselves, so you are certainly welcome to take these, though there is no evidence they will be of any benefit apart from placebo effect. Further, supplements are unregulated, so you never know if they have any active ingredient in them, and they also contain other substances such as mercury that can be harmful. I would advise not taking these supplements. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers