Depression Induced by Oral Contraception and the Role of Vitamin B6 in its Management

The Use of Nicotinic Acid and Pyridoxine in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

“…Its clinical utility is less clear in homocystinuria, and mood disorders related to antifertility preparations [Leeton, 1974], Pyridoxine has only infrequently been employed in the treatment of schizophrenia. While the preliminary report of this study [Ananth et al, 1974] reported equivocal, possibly therapeutic results, the final analysis was unable to substantiate a favorable effect from the addition of pyridoxine to nicotinic acid in chronic schizophrenic patients.…”

The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Psychiatry

“…Blood levels of neurotransmitters are also typically normal in psychiatric patients. Vitamin B6 and folic acid 43,44,45,46,47,48. have been used successfully for depression.…”

“…It appears to have enough of an antidepressant effect to warrant further research 101,102,103. Other B vitamins have been examined for a role in depression as well, in particular vitamin B6 and folic acid 104,105,106,107, 108,109. One third of depressed patients have low folic acid levels, with treatment improving their depression 110.…”

Adverse Psychiatric Reactions to Modern Medication

“…A number of substances including anticonvulsants, cholestyramine, anti-tuberculous drugs, levodopa, anti-neoplastic drugs and, most importantly, oestrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives may affect vitamin levels in the body. Pyridoxine deficiency and its effect on the metabolism of tryptophan as a cause of depression have been discussed by Leeton (1974). Oral contraceptives a,ppear to cause the greatest number of vitamin deficiences in that they affect folate and vitamin B 12, pyridoxine, riboflavine, thiamine and ascorbic acid.…”