Q. I have had many episodes of depression over the past 40 years. I have been on seven antidepressants, only one of which worked without unacceptable side effects. It took two weeks to kick in.
Recently I had another bout. I read that inositol could help depression and started taking it. Within two days I was no longer suicidal and in a week I was back to feeling good.
A. Inositol is a natural compound that is found in numerous foods, especially fruit. It plays a role in several physiologic processes, including modulating the neurochemical serotonin.
Studies of inositol for treating depression have been inconclusive (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, April 19, 2004). We’re glad it helped you so quickly, though we have no idea whether it would help others as effectively.
