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Vitamins for sciatica nerve pain are used in the treatment of many types of diseases and health disorders. Vitamins may be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of major medical disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and psoriasis.
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vitamins for schizophrenia
Vitamins for sciatica pain have been used for years to relieve the discomfort and pressure in the lower back, buttocks and legs caused by nerve damage. These vitamins can be taken with other vitamins to promote speedy recovery from sciatica. There are certain vitamins specifically for nerve pain relief that are less common than others but just as effective.
Vitamins can help with many different health issues. One of those is sciatica nerve pain. Sciatica is the medical term for pain that radiates down your leg, often causing extreme pain that makes it difficult to walk or stand without assistance. If you have recently been diagnosed with sciatica symptoms or if your symptoms are getting worse, there are some natural supplements you may want to consider taking.
Severe nerve pain can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, especially as it is not always obvious. However, there are certain vitamins that could help alleviate this type of nerve pain.
vitamins for sciatica pain
B vitamins may improve schizophrenia symptoms
As schizophrenia does not yet have a cure, the standard treatment options available focus on eliminating the symptoms. A new, large-scale review of existing research suggests that B vitamins can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.
New research suggests that vitamin B supplements may significantly reduce schizophrenia symptoms.
Schizophrenia affects around 1 percentTrusted Source of the population worldwide. Most of those affected are men.
The debilitating mental health condition includes severe symptomsTrusted Source such as hallucinations and delusions, but also cognitive dysfunction and agitated body movements. Additionally, so-called negative symptoms range from not taking pleasure in daily activities anymore, to reduced speaking, reduced emotional expression, and the inability to engage in activities.
Available treatment options focus on eliminating the symptoms rather than the disease, as what causes the condition remains unknown. Antipsychotics, together with psychosocial treatments, are commonly prescribed to schizophrenia patients.
Antipsychotic drugs appear to be effective within the first few months of treatment, but long-term outcomes seem to be poor. Nearly 80 percent of patients experience a relapse of symptoms such as hallucinations and delusional thinking.
A new – and first of its kind – meta-analysis of current research suggests that in addition to these standard treatments, a high dose of B vitamins may be more helpful in reducing schizophrenia symptoms than conventional treatments on their own.
The new research was led by Joseph Firth, from the Division of Psychology and Mental Health at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom – and was published in the journal Psychological Medicine.
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Early, high-dose of B vitamins reduces schizophrenia symptoms
Firth and colleagues reviewed all of the randomized trials available that examined the effects of supplemental vitamins and minerals in schizophrenia patients. This amounted to 18 clinical trials and a total of 832 psychiatric patients that were under antipsychotic treatment.
The research indicates that taken in high doses, B vitamins – such as B-6, B-8, and B-12 – can significantly reduce schizophrenia symptoms. Additionally, a combined dose of several vitamins was shown to have the same beneficial effect. However, low doses of the vitamins were revealed to be ineffective.
Furthermore, the analysis showed that vitamin B supplements are most effective when taken early on in the development of the disease. The studies reviewed showed B vitamins to be most beneficial in patients whose illness lasted the shortest amount of time.
Joseph Firth comments on the study he led:
“Looking at all of the data from clinical trials of vitamin and mineral supplements for schizophrenia to date, we can see that B vitamins effectively improve outcomes for some patients. This could be an important advance, given that new treatments for this condition are so desperately needed.”
However, Firth cautions that the studies reviewed yielded significantly different results. He also adds that “there is some indication these overall effects may be driven by larger benefits among subgroups of patients who have relevant genetic or dietary nutritional deficiencies.”
Jerome Sarris, a professor of integrative mental health at Western Sydney University in Australia and co-author of the review, also weighs in on the findings:
“This builds on existing evidence of other food-derived supplements, such as certain amino-acids, [being] beneficial for people with schizophrenia. These new findings also fit with our latest research examining how multi-nutrient treatments can reduce depression and other disorders.”
The researchers note that more studies are needed to understand exactly how nutrients impact the brain and how they can improve mental health, cognitive functioning, and metabolic health.
Does CBD oil help schizophrenia?
Does it help?
Benefits
Risks
Alternative treatments
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the ingredients in the cannabis plant that contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There is emerging research that CBD may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, but a person should not use the compound as an alternative to medical treatment.
Emerging research suggests that it may reduce some symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, and smoking cannabisTrusted Source with a high potency of THC may worsen schizophrenia symptoms or increase the risk of psychosis.
Cannabidiol is one of the ingredients in cannabis. CBD oil contains little or no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that causes euphoria, or a “high.”
While the research on CBD for schizophrenia shows promise, many studies are very small or low quality. Additionally, no research has shown that CBD can cure schizophrenia or that it is a better treatment method than antipsychotics.
It is important to treat schizophrenia with the remedies a doctor recommends, such as antipsychotics, to prevent the condition from worsening — and to improve long-term outcomes. If a person wishes to try supplementing their treatment with CBD, it is important to first discuss this with a doctor.
This article discusses the research behind CBD oil and schizophrenia, the potential benefits and risks of using this compound, and other alternative treatments.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
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Does CBD oil help schizophrenia?
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Emerging evidence suggests that CBD products may help schizophrenia. However, the studies are generally low quality and inconsistent in terms of dosing and study design.
Additionally, people should not use CBD products without first contacting a healthcare professional. A person should not use CBD as a substitute for medical treatment.
Importantly, many studies of CBD for schizophrenia do not use CBD oil. Because CBD oil is a supplement, dosing and strength vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. This means a person might get a different result each time they use it.
A 2022 review emphasizes that CBD has low oral bioavailability. This means that consuming CBD oil may be less effective than other forms of this compound.
Evidence CBD helps schizophrenia
A 2021 review highlights the potential benefits of CBD in early-stage schizophrenia. The researchers state that CBD may change the levels of various brain chemicals that have an association with psychosis. For example, CBD may raise anandamide levels in the brain, which may reduce symptoms of psychosis.
Another recent systematic review found slight evidence that CBD might reduce schizophrenia symptoms at high doses. The review notes that a 4-week trial of 800 milligrams (mg) of CBD led to similar results to amisulpride, an antipsychotic medication, in relieving psychosis and improving cognition.
In two 6-week trials of people on antipsychotic drugs who also took CBD, the compound performed no better than a placebo did at 600 mg per day. At 1,000 mg, it reduced symptoms of schizophrenia. However, that sample did not exclude people who used cannabis recreationally or those who had a cannabis addiction.
Evidence CBD does not help schizophrenia
However, research also suggests that CBD may not have any benefits for schizophrenia. For example, in a 2018 study, researchers gave either 600 milligrams per day of CBD or a placebo to a group of 36 people with schizophrenia for 6 weeks.
The placebo group showed more improvement than the CBD group, and those who took CBD developed more symptoms of sedation.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
Potential benefits of CBD for schizophrenia
Research on the benefits of using CBD for schizophrenia is still ongoing. However, there is some evidence that CBD may have potential benefits when managing this condition.
CBD may be effective during the early stages of psychosis, as it has anti-psychotic effects. The compound affects the brain chemistry with minimal side effects, such as diarrhea.
Additionally, there is some evidence that CBD does not interact with antipsychotic medication. People who take CBD alongside antipsychotic medication are unlikely to experience any additional worsening of mood, suicidal thoughts, or changes in movement.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Click here for more links and local resources.
Risks
A risk specific to those with schizophrenia is that a person might replace standard treatments, such as antipsychotic drugs, with CBD.
Research suggests that treating schizophrenia early may improve long-term outcomes, such as preventing the condition from progressively worsening. People who delay treatment in favor of CBD may find that schizophrenia symptoms become less manageable.
Other, more general, risks of using CBD may includeTrusted Source:
liver damage at high doses, or if a person takes CBD alongside drugs such as lomitapide, mipomersen, pexidartinib, leflunomide, teriflunomide, or valproate
fatigue or low energy
an increased risk of suicidal thoughts
drug interactions
While CBD may ease symptoms of schizophrenia, THC, another ingredient in cannabis, may exacerbate them. For example, a 2019 studyTrusted Source found that users of high-potency cannabis had a more than fourfold increase in the risk of developing psychosis.
However, it is important to note that scientists have not found that THC or cannabis cause psychosis. There are other factors that may play a part.
Other alternative schizophrenia treatments
Scientists have not proven that any alternative schizophrenia treatments work. It is important to remember that any alternative remedies, including CBD, are not a suitable substitute for medical care.
However, a holistic approachTrusted Source that incorporates lifestyle support, education, and medication may help improve schizophrenia symptoms. Healthcare professionals may recommend the following in addition to antipsychotic drugs:
therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
meditation, mindfulness, or exercise such as yoga
cognitive rehabilitation
family supportTrusted Source, such as family therapy
Summary
Recent research suggests that CBD may have some potential benefits for managing schizophrenia symptoms. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is necessary.
A person who is interested in trying alternative treatments, such as CBD, should contact a doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks. People should not use any alternative remedies as a substitute for medical care.
How effective is Risperdal at treating schizophrenia?
Can it treat schizophrenia?
How to take
Dosage
Risks and side effects
Alternative treatments
Summary
Several placebo-controlled clinical trials suggest that Risperdal, the branded version of the drug risperidone, can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia in both the long term and the short term. However, individual responses to the drug vary.
The above information comes from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risperdal is a standard first-line treatmentTrusted Source for schizophrenia. It is an atypical antipsychotic, which means it can treat psychosis, the main symptom of schizophrenia.
However, Risperdal does not work for everyone, and some people stop using the drugTrusted Source because of side effects.
Read on to learn more about Risperdal for schizophrenia.
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Can Risperdal treat schizophrenia?
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The FDA has approved RisperdalTrusted Source, a brand-name version of risperidone, to treat schizophrenia.
It is part of a group of second-generation antipsychotic drugs that doctors usually choose as the first option for treating schizophrenia. It is available in both injectable and pill forms.
Research
Several studies have found that Risperdal is effective at treating schizophrenia, though the effectiveness varies from study to study.
For example, a 2019 review found that risperidone could offer greater improvements than a placebo in treating schizophrenia. However, in one of the included studies, risperidone had a higher dropout rate than other treatments.
The authors of a different 2019 reviewTrusted Source compared risperidone with other schizophrenia treatments. They concluded that risperidone, clozapine, and olanzapine are significantly superior treatment options to other second-generation antipsychotics.
Efficacy
Risperidone does not work right away. A person taking the medication may not notice symptom improvement for several days or even weeks. As a result, it is critical to complete the course of risperidone treatment.
Second-generation antipsychotics work byTrusted Source affecting chemical signals and signal receptors in the brain. A 2019 study suggests that a person’s genes might influence their response to Risperdal.
The researchers found that the KCNH7 gene correlated with how well Risperdal worked. KCNH7 is a gene that primarily expresses in the brain, so it may affect a person’s mental health and treatment response.
How to take
A person should discuss the ideal dosage with their doctor.
The safest way to take risperidone is to start with a relatively low dose and then gradually increasing the dose based on how well a person responds.
Food does not affect Risperdal absorption, so a person can take the drug with or without eating.
A person who chooses injectable risperidone must visit a healthcare professional every 2 weeks to get their medication.
Dosage
For oral Risperdal, the effective dose varies among age groups.
Adults with schizophrenia will require 4–16 milligrams (mg) per day. The target dose is often 2–8 mg per day. Doctors may start a person with 2 mg daily before increasing the dose by 1–2 mg based on the person’s response to treatment.
For teenagers with schizophrenia, the dose is slightly lower, at 1–6 mg per day. Doctors may initiate treatment at 0.5 mg daily and titrate the dose up by 0.5–1 mg daily.
The injectable form is a long-acting injection that a person can receive only under the direction of a doctor. A person cannot self-administer it at home. The typical dose is 25–50 mg every 2 weeks. A person should try oral Risperdal first to ensure that they can safely take the drug.
Risks and side effects
Risperidone causes several side effects, includingTrusted Source:
Elevated prolactin: Increases in this hormone level may decrease fertility and sperm count, cause sexual dysfunction, decrease vaginal lubrication, and cause pain during sex. Around 45–80%Trusted Source of males and 30–80% of females experience this symptom.
Weight gain: Risperidone may affect a person’s metabolism and thyroid, causing them to gain weight.
Movement issues: Risperidone may cause uncontrolled movements, shaking, or tremors. It may cause the movement disorder tardive dyskinesia.
Sedation: Risperidone makes some people feel tired or experience brain fog.
Blood glucose issues: Risperidone may elevate blood glucose, causing diabetes or symptoms of insulin resistance.
Mortality increase: Among older people with dementia, risperidone may increase the risk of dying from any cause.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: This life threatening complication can cause fever, confusion, high blood pressure, rapid breathing, and physical rigidity. It requires emergency medical care.
Starting with a low dose and then gradually increasing the dose based on how well a person responds to treatment can reduce the severity of side effects.
People should discuss any side effects they experience with a healthcare professional, especially if those side effects mean that they want to stop taking Risperdal.
Alternative treatments
Antipsychotic drugs are the standard treatment for schizophrenia.
If a person does not do well on Risperdal, their doctor may suggest adding another antipsychotic or replacing Risperdal with another antipsychotic.
Other antipsychotic drugs that can treat schizophrenia includeTrusted Source:
aripiprazole
quetiapine
olanzapine
asenapine
zipradisone
paliperidone
clozapine
If these drugs do not work, a doctor may recommend switching to an earlier developed antipsychotic such as:
fluphenazine
haloperidol
sulpiride
chlorpromazine
haloperidol
Learn more about the different antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia here.
Other treatments
A person may need other medications to treat schizophrenia symptoms.
Benzodiazepines, a group of antianxiety drugs, may help treat schizophrenia-related anxiety and manage some behavioral issues.
Non-medication treatments can complement medication, helping a person further reduce symptoms and better manage their schizophrenia.
Some additional schizophrenia treatment options areTrusted Source:
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy
family and social support
education about living with schizophrenia
Summary
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that has no cure. However, treatment can help a person reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Risperdal is one of several second-generation antipsychotic drugs that can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.
However, everyo