Can Chromium Curb SSRI-Induced Weight Gain?

Hi Dr. McLeod,
I have read a lot of information regarding weight gain with long term
use of ssri’s. Do you believe that taking chromium with an
antidrepessant, such as prozac or zolft,helps with such weight gain?
Thank you
M.G. Read more

Must I Be Overweight to Have Atypical Depression?

Dr. McLeod

I have many of the symptoms of atypical depression you describe, but I am not overweight. Does that mena I can’t be considered to have atypical depressio.

C.P.

Dear C.P.

Many underweight people, especially when young, are underweight and yet have atypcial depression.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight as they age.

Please let me know of your experience.

Malcolm McLeod MD

Can an Underweight Person Have Atypical Depression?

Dear Dr. McLeod

Is it possible to be both underweight and have the atypical depression
that you describe that would be helped by chromium supplements? I know
that I have erratic blood sugar problems (glucose testing), depression
beginning in childhood, severe social sensitivity and anxiety, and
issues with being underweight. Would chromium be worth a try?

Thanks,
JJ

ANSWER

Yes indeed, JJ.  In many people atypical depression begins when they are young and trim.  They do have excessive appetites and tend to gain weight over the years.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Difference Between Chromium and Chromium Picolinate

Hi Dr Mcleod,
Loved your book. I’m a bit confused with aussi doses tho. Read more

Are SAD and Atypical Depression the Same?

Dr. McLeod,

Are Seasonal Affective Disorder and Atypical Depression the same disorder?  My psychologist tells me I suffer from SAD, but as I was reading your book, it sounds like I have Atypical Depression.  Confused. Help. Thanks.

CR

ANSWER

Dear CR,

Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD and winter blues) and Atypical Depression (AD) share many of the same symptoms.   These include depression, cravings for carbohydrates, a tendency to gain weight,  loss of energy, oversleeping, heightened sensitivity to rejection, social isolaltion, and difficulty concentrating.  SAD and Atypical Depression are different, however.  In SAD depression usually begins in the the late fall or early winter months, and lifts when spring arrives, whereas AD can occur at any time during the year. People with AD often complain of a heavingess of their arms and legs, referred to as leaden paralysis. AD often starts in the teenage years.

What causes these disorders? An imbalalce of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) are thought to play a role in causing AD. If you have a biological family member with AD or alcoholism, you may be more suspectible to AD. Childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. and loss of a parent may predispose a person to AD.

The causes of SAD are not known for certain, but SAD is thought to be caused by a reduced amount of light which changes

• your biological clock (circadian rhythm) and lowers mood
•  serotonin levels, and  
• melatonin levels, which play a role in sleep regulation and mood.

What is the treatment for these conditions?

Phototherapy (light therapy) and medications (including melatonin) are often used to treat SAD. Psychotherapy and medications are used to treat AD. 

Based on a small amount of data, I think that chromium, as chromium picolinate, might be helpful in these disorders.  The FDA has not reviewed this claim.

I would be pleased to receive a followup from  you.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Chromium’s Help with Mood and Concentration

Hi Dr. Mcleod,

This is a comment and a question. But first, I want to say I’m very
happy you have done this research on chromium. I have known about the
benifits of this mineral for years. Read more

Chromium Plus Prozac: Serotonin Syndrome?

Dear Dr. McLeod,

I am taking 40mg of prozac a day. Can this safely be combined with
Chromium Pico without inducing seretonin syndrome. I worry about this?
Thanks I suffer from atypical depression and panic disorder.

Thank you.

KK

ANSWER:

Dear K

Some of my patients take chromium with Porzac. They report that chromium boosts the efficacy of Porzac.  Infrequently, however,  antidepressant medications can cause serotonin syndrome, and the addition of chromium may increase this possible adverse event.

 If you believe you are developing serotonin syndrome, immediately contact your primary physician or go the the emergency room.

Please write to me with a follow-up report.

Maalcolm McLeod, MD

APOLOGIES

Dear Readers:

Please accept my apologies for not responding to your mail during the past several weeks. Just recently, I realized I was not receiving mail. Reason: I switched publishing platforms and somehow the contact form link fell into cyberspace. That has been corrected and I look forward to trying to answer your questions.

Malcolm McLeod, MD

Chromium, Moodiness and Atypical Depression

Dr. McLeod,

I have just had a moment that I believe I have suffered from atypical depression most of my life (since I was a kid). Read more

Chromium for Pre-Diabetes?

hi Dr.McLeod
i have a big worries bout something related to chromax

i am possible to be….pre-diabetes patient Read more

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