Niacin and Schizophrenia

[Ironjustic]

<<snip>> absent response to niacin skin patch was specific to
schizophrenia <<snip>>

Psychiatry Res. 2007 Aug 30;152(2-3):181-7. Epub 2007 Apr 24.
Links Absent response to niacin skin patch is specific to
schizophrenia and independent of smoking.Liu CM, Chang SS,
Liao SC, Hwang TJ, Shieh MH, Liu SK, Chen WJ, Hwu HG.
Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University
Hospital and National Taiwan University College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical
Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine,
Taipei, Taiwan.

This study investigated the differences in niacin skin flush
responses between patients with schizophrenia, bipolar mania,
and normal controls. We applied niacin patches of three
concentrations (0.001 M, .01 M, and 0.1 M) to the skin of 61
patients with schizophrenia, 18 patients with bipolar mania,
and 40 normal controls for 5 min. Flush responses were rated
at 5, 10 and 15 min after application. Flush responses were
significantly different among three groups at the
concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.01 M at all of the three rating
time points. The use of nicotine did not have significant
influences on the flush responses. Absent response was
significantly more prevalent in the schizophrenia group than
in the other two groups, but was not significantly different
between the bipolar and the control group. The greatest
degree of differentiation in flush responses among groups
occurred at the 0.01 M concentration, and the rating time
point of 10 min with 49.2% of schizophrenic patients but only
7.5% of controls and
11.1% of bipolar patients not showing a flush response.
The niacin skin test for schizophrenia had 49.2%
sensitivity and 92.5% specificity compared with
controls. This study found that absent response to
niacin skin patch was specific to schizophrenia and
independent of smoking status.

PMID: 17459487 [PubMed - in process]

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[Coryschulz]

I've found that Picamilon helps me a lot. Picamilon is a
molecule made of GABA and Niacin combined. Niacin (Vitamin B3)
activates the nicotine acetylcholine receptors, which have
been shown to improve negative symptoms in schizophrenia.GABA
lowers dopamine and should help lower anxiety and paranoia.
Picamilon activates both receptors and is relatively cheap and
has been shown to be very effective with very few side
effects. Low doses cause relaxation, and higher doses cause a
slightly stimulated feeling from the niacin. It is easily able
to cross the blood brain barrier, and I consider it to be a
priceless addition to my list of medications. When taken in
the evening, it does a good job of relaxing me and helps me go
to sleep. Also lowers stress at work.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picamilon

I'd highly suggest trying it. Nothing to lose other than
maybe $20.