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Tyrosine seems wrong. It activates dopamine, which is excitory and high during mania.

Are you sure it's not taurine?

Give me a few days and I'll try to find some articles.

Brian

Daughter 7 BP/violent rages. Unsuccessful with multiple meds. Now reasonably stable (with a few regressions) on Risperidone + Intuniv + Restrictive diet + EMPowerPlus + AminoPowerplus + NAC + Q10 + low dose lithium + melatonin + inositol
Son (5) Normal
Wife (CathyK now also on TBMF) BP, & trying to wean off the meds.

Hi Brian,

This is Dr. Chris Holder (the naturopath I mentioned to you). He felt that tyrosine (the amino acid behind melatonin and dopamine) would help him fall asleep. I haven't purchased it yet so yes, please get me the info. Did you ever meet with Dr. Shaw?

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bshec22@gmail.com
Adam: 16 years; 11th grade; Private alternative school
MEDS: Risperdal, Lithium, Concerta, Wellbutrin, Neurontin, Vit D3, Source Naturals MegaFolinic, Country Life Superior B-12, Melatonin
DIAGNOSIS: Bipolar NOS, Anxiety, ADHD
Me: 47; Single Parent; Zoloft

Brenda,

We just sent an email that my wife and I typed up this morning.  We see Dr. Shaw on Tuesday.

Brian

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Daughter 7 BP/violent rages. Unsuccessful with multiple meds. Now reasonably stable (with a few regressions) on Risperidone + Intuniv + Restrictive diet + EMPowerPlus + AminoPowerplus + NAC + Q10 + low dose lithium + melatonin + inositol
Son (5) Normal
Wife (CathyK now also on TBMF) BP, & trying to wean off the meds.

Brenda, 

Here a few things from searching the web:

http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics/life/sleep.html:  "Some sleep laboratories encourage people to avoid such tyrosine-laden foods as fermented cheeses (cheddar is about the worst; cottage cheese and yogurt are OK), ripe avocados, some imported beers, and fermented meats (bologna, pepperoni, salami). Also avoid red wines, especially chianti. "

http://books.google.com/books?id=KJPk5d34vTwC&pg=PA233&lpg=PA233&dq=tyrosine+bipolar+sleep&source=bl&ots=ne4aZMYsKe&sig=F0psfZvhX_0bC_ahxV23B6phh_0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=jI0JT5ujEsajiQKT9ej9CQ&sqi=2&ved=0CGkQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=tyrosine%20bipolar%20sleep&f=false:   "This amino acid is needed to make norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, all of which are neurotransmitters that are involved with promoting upbeat moods, wakefullness, and feelings of excitement. It is also used in the manufacture of thyroid hormones. L-tyrosine can be a potent natural upper...."

http://nutritional-supplement-bible.com/benefits-of-l-tyrosine.html:  "Persons who are pregnant, lactating, or if the women suspects she's pregnant, as well as those who suffer from a bipolar disorder or other mental disorders should not take L-Tyrosine."

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/press/pressreleasearchive/pr397.aspx:  "The symptoms of mania are thought to be due to overactivity of dopamine, one of the brain's chemical messengers, which is made from the amino acid tyrosine. ...    A previous study in people with mania showed that a single dose of a tyrosine-free amino acid drink significantly reduced symptom severity". (mania)

 In other words, I woud not touch it with a 10 foot pole.  Maybe only with lab work showing low dopamine or if depression was really bad.  But, a second opinion may be in order. 

Have you read   Naomi's article http://itsnotmental.blogspot.com/2009/03/abnormal-sleep-as-cause-of-mental.html

Brian

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Daughter 7 BP/violent rages. Unsuccessful with multiple meds. Now reasonably stable (with a few regressions) on Risperidone + Intuniv + Restrictive diet + EMPowerPlus + AminoPowerplus + NAC + Q10 + low dose lithium + melatonin + inositol
Son (5) Normal
Wife (CathyK now also on TBMF) BP, & trying to wean off the meds.

Thank you Brian. I will shoot you an email response.

Brenda

--

bshec22@gmail.com
Adam: 16 years; 11th grade; Private alternative school
MEDS: Risperdal, Lithium, Concerta, Wellbutrin, Neurontin, Vit D3, Source Naturals MegaFolinic, Country Life Superior B-12, Melatonin
DIAGNOSIS: Bipolar NOS, Anxiety, ADHD
Me: 47; Single Parent; Zoloft