Call Mon-Sun:
1 (800) 301-3753

Alternative to Meds News & Blog Articles

»

Seroquel Alternatives

Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Diane Ridaeus

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

By the time someone in crisis gets into a doctor’s office, the situation has reached a point where the urgency of the situation makes conversations about Seroquel alternatives impractical.

Even if a powerful neuroleptic was valid at a time of demonstrable crisis, a lifetime of being medicated is not necessarily warranted.5 Yet people often find themselves trapped for years on antipsychotics, and burdened by so many side effects that they have a whole new set of problems.

Looking for safe passage back to mental wellness?


successful quetiapine seroquel alternatives
Alternative to Meds has been the expert on antipsychotic alternatives and safe Seroquel cessation for nearly 2 decades. Please take time to watch Lyle’s informative video and review the published evidence regarding our success. We have found that a wide range of culprits such as poor diet, cannabis use, genetic vulnerabilities, life crisis, and often medical issues may have been at the root of the problems, but were completely overlooked in the attempt to bring the situation under control. Alternative to Meds Center skillfully introduces drug-free options that may provide another solution other than taking Seroquel for a lifetime and suffering from this medication’s often crushing side effects.

15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Up to 87 ½% Long-Term Success Rate.
Click to Call7 Days a Week

Join Our Information ARMY AND STAY INFORMED
  • By completing this form, you will be added to our mailing list. You may opt out at any time.
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Natural Alternatives to Seroquel

It may be time to consider natural alternatives to Seroquel® (aka quetiapine) where long-term antipsychotic medication did not yield the results that were hoped for. Many have difficulty tolerating side effects, and many find the drug becomes ineffective after some time has passed. Alternatives to Seroquel may be helpful to assist the slow and successful and gradual transition out of a drug-based regimen over time. Never abruptly stop taking antipsychotic medication.63

Natural Alternatives to Seroquel
  • evidence-based holistic alternatives to seroquelOpen Dialogue and CBT are two forms of effective psychotherapy 11-15
  • Changes in diet 16-19
  • Test for food allergies and correct the diet 20,21
  • Support a healthy microbiome 22-25
  • Avoid neurotoxic food additives such as MSG 26,27
  • Control blood sugar 28,29
  • Check for and resolve nutritional deficiencies 30
  • Supplements including tryptophan, omega-3 fatty acids 31-36
  • Niacin, Lithium Orotate, Vitamin C in combination may be beneficial 37-44
  • Orthomolecular vitamin therapy 45,46
  • Do not use neurotoxic products in the home or in the workplace 47-52
  • Regular exercise, exposure to sunlight and fresh air 53,54
  • Natural sleep aids for improved quality of sleep 4,55
  • Caffeine, alcohol, cannabis and any type of stimulant should be avoided 8,9,56-59

Talk Therapy as an Alternative to Seroquel

open dialogue talk therapyThere is a residential approach to the treatment of psychiatric symptoms such as schizophrenia called Open Dialogue. This mode of treatment was originally introduced in Finland and has become popular in other parts of the world as well. Benefits have been reported as less need for medication, fewer symptoms of psychosis, less frequent hospitalizations, and increased numbers of persons being able to re-enter the workforce.11

Studies have found that CBT (talk therapy in private or group settings) can be as or even more effective in resolving psychiatric symptoms when medication may not help. There are many forms of talk therapy, including EMDR (eye-movement desensitization & reprocessing therapy) and exposure therapy that may be useful in treating PTSD symptoms.12-15

Correcting the Diet as a Seroquel Alternative

the power of organic food for good moodAlternative to Meds Center uses organic, clean food to design a diet that is not only crafted to be delicious but conducive to the reduction of sensitivities, balancing blood sugar, restoring needed nutrients that support a healthy microbiome, and stabilizing neurochemistry.

A diet that omits sugars, refined carbs, caffeine, gluten, MSG, and other chemicals has been proven effective as an alternative to medication for the mitigation of psychiatric symptoms.16,8,20,30

Diet has been often overlooked in the past but much research has shown it can be a highly effective strategy for building a foundation for mental and physical health.

A corrected diet can result in many positive improvements such as a better energy level, a greater feeling of well-being, and a reduction of symptoms of bipolar, schizophrenia, psychosis, and other conditions. The other benefit is these changes can occur without having to endure the troubling side effects that can accompany antipsychotic medications.

Modifying the diet in treating psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia is a 5-star pillar in our Seroquel alternatives treatment plan at Alternative to Meds Center.16

Testing for Food Allergies, Nutrient Deficiencies

There has been research done that demonstrates a link between mental health symptoms and food allergies, and even in cases of delayed food reactions. These are often completely overlooked especially in a crisis where a diagnosis is likely to be made under the pressures of time.64

Deficiencies in certain nutrients can also be overlooked, yet can be key to a full recovery. Testing for these and correcting what needs to be changed can offer an effective, drug-free alternative to Seroquel where the option of safe withdrawal is deemed appropriate. The best news is that these issues can be tested for and resolved in strategic and informed treatment choices.

Microbiome Support

good mental health with healthy microbiomeA link has been discovered between the gut and neurologic function.  This link is termed the “gut-brain axis.”65

While more research will continue to enlighten how this link can affect our mental health, research has demonstrated  inflammation and the wrong kind of bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal tract can interfere with synaptic brain activity. This inflammation can also result in malabsorption of nutrients, and a host of neurologic symptoms such as depression and Parkinson’s.  A link between gut health and mental health is strongly suggested in research studies on the subject.66

Where gut health is compromised, probiotics can help restore the proper balance of healthy microorganisms in the gut. According to Clapp et al’s 2017 study, probiotics may assist treatment and possibly prevention of psychiatric symptoms.25

Other research by Bonaz et al shows a relationship between the vagus nerve and the CNS and how a restored microbiome can be highly beneficial to balancing these functions.60

Blood Sugar Control as an Alternative to Seroquel

For efficient function, the brain needs an adequate blood sugar supply. An overabundance or lack of this nutrient can cause symptoms that can be (and often are) mistaken for psychiatric disorders. Blood sugar can be rebalanced without the need for heavy medication, and doing so will help maintain proper CNS function and support mental health naturally.28,29

Supplements Used as Seroquel Alternatives

Tryptophan

Tryptophan has various functions in a healthy body. One is that it is a precursor for serotonin. A condition known as ATD (acute tryptophan depletion) has been linked to psychiatric symptoms such as aggression, low mood, and suicidal behavior or thinking, and some symptoms found in schizophrenic persons. This condition can be mitigated with supplementation, and with diet. Foods high in tryptophan include meats, dairy, fruits, and seeds. Consuming these foods in an adequate supply can act as a powerful alternative to Seroquel or other antipsychotic medications.31-33

Lithium Orotate

Toxic side effects are linked to Lithium Carbonate. However, lithium orotate is a trace mineral available in an over-the-counter supplement that can mitigate manic and depressive bipolar conditions. Lithium orotate is the trace mineral form of lithium and is another alternative to Seroquel that can be considered.37-44

Vitamins as a Natural Alternative to Seroquel

antipsychotic alternative orthomolecular medicineVitamins are essential for both physical and mental health. Each vitamin has numerous effects on the beautifully complex physical body. For example, vitamin E protects cell walls. Niacin is important for energy metabolism and the digestive tract (gut).10 Deficiencies can wreak havoc.

Important work by Dr. Abram Hoffer in the 1950s demonstrated the effects of high Vitamin C and niacin (vitamin B3) in his various studies done on groups of schizophrenia patients. The patients achieved a high remission rate and significant reduction or elimination of their psychiatric symptoms without the need for medication. Alternative to Meds Center uses effective orthomolecular treatments, such as these, to give our clients the opportunity to achieve success with natural alternatives to Seroquel.45,46

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to be effective as an alternative to Seroquel and other medications in some studies. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is found in omega-3 fish oils and is thought to have beneficial effects in mitigating psychiatric symptoms such as those found in patients with schizophrenia, a safe alternative to Seroquel.34-36

Cleansing Toxic Accumulations

Neurotoxins such as chemicals used in cleaning, construction, home furnishings, foods, dentistry, and a host of other sources can be endocrine disruptors that contribute to psychiatric symptoms. Getting rid of them can support healthy neurochemistry making this an effective Seroquel alternative.47-52

Exercise, Fresh Air, Sunshine as Alternatives to Seroquel

Exercise, especially done out of doors in the fresh air and sunshine is probably the most underused alternative to Seroquel that there could be. Many studies have shown the positive benefits to mental well-being of getting oxygen into your lungs, sunshine on your skin, and getting your circulation going.

A fascinating study by Mittal et al suggests that there is a link between this moderate to intense cardio exercise and healthy neurochemistry. Positive effects on cognitive function and mood were reported in persons with conditions such as schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.53,54

Quality Sleep

Sleep disturbances and sleep deficiencies occur quite often where mental health issues exist. As Seibum et al’s research shows, The ongoing strain of poor sleep can worsen symptoms a person may be suffering from. There are natural alternatives to Seroquel that can support better quality sleep that may help, such as relaxation routines, better sleep hygiene, CBT, melatonin, amino acid therapy, and many others.4,55

Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, Cannabis, Other Stimulants

A person may turn to alcohol, cannabis, or stimulants including caffeine in an attempt to manage troubling symptoms. However, doing so may actually increase symptoms over time. For example, psychosis is more likely to occur in persons using cannabis, as is shown in a clinical study by Ganesh et al.7 Caffeine can have a devastating effect when consumed in large quantities, and can induce psychiatric symptoms such as psychosis and manic symptoms. Persons with panic disorder and anxiety are apt to be more sensitive to stimulants such as caffeine.56-59,7,9

Alcohol consumption is also connected to numerous health adverse effects, including negatively affecting the microbiome, according to Engan et al’s study on alcohol and its effects on the microbiota.61,8

Seroquel Alternatives vs Antipsychotic Medication Side Effects

If you have suffered debilitating Seroquel (aka quetiapine) side effects, or if this medication is not providing satisfactory results, discussing Seroquel alternatives would be worth the inquiry. There are many safe and well-lit avenues of holistic treatments, including various types of therapeutic counseling, and orthomolecular treatments that don’t cast the dark shadow of medication side effects. While counseling by itself, or regular acupuncture sessions1 alone cannot instantly replace the medication, such therapies can be blended to add vital components to a comprehensive, and carefully designed antipsychotic alternative treatment plan.

Do not despair if “alternative drugs” are the only other option you have been offered. Antipsychotic medications — and there are many of them — are likely to present the same or very similar adverse reactions. Seroquel belongs to the class of drugs called atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics. The FDA licensed this type of drug to “treat” schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and are commonly prescribed “off-label” for a plethora of other psychiatric symptoms.. Alternatives to drug-based treatment have been found to be highly effective in reducing such psychiatric symptoms, without inflicting the debilitating effects that long-term prescription drug treatments are known for.

Particularly disturbing are the findings of Vita et al concerning the loss of gray matter in persons with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics (worsening with the length of treatment with antipsychotic medications).2 Such tragic side effects can be avoided with safe and proven alternatives to Seroquel.

Substituting Other Drugs as Seroquel Alternatives

You may have tried other prescription drugs offered as alternatives to Seroquel. It is a common practice to substitute or switch atypical antipsychotics, typical (first-generation) antipsychotics, and mood stabilizer drugs for one another. Conventional medicine doctors are likely to recommend substituting other drugs when symptoms are not being adequately controlled by Seroquel. This is the way conventional medicine often works, through an exhaustive process of trial-and-error trying a series of different drugs either when they “stop working” or fail to work at all.3,5

We believe that there is a better way to tackle mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. When antipsychotic medication is not working, it may be time to consider natural Seroquel alternatives. Natural therapies are always aimed at putting you one step closer to reaching your desired state of mental health.

Why Do Prescription Drugs Often Fail?

alternatives to prescription drugsEven the drug companies admit that drugs stop working due to building tolerance to them over time.3,5

Instead of exploring drug-free alternatives to Seroquel, some medical experts simply call their patients “treatment-resistant,” a term the psychiatrists and drug-makers have cleverly borrowed from the biologists that originally meant the immunity that pathological bacteria develop to antibiotics. Maybe you were told (with a straight face) you have “treatment-resistant schizophrenia,” or “treatment-resistant depression”? 62

Do not worry. All it means is that the drugs didn’t work, and please know it wasn’t your fault.

The bottom line is that prescription drugs, beyond some attempts to promote theories that the drug companies try and push as factual, are not designed to address or resolve what the actual underlying problems are. So while you may feel a little relief from numbness while you are on the drug, the underlying condition continues and often worsens. The most successful antipsychotic alternatives to Seroquel need to include finding the underlying reasons for the original symptoms. We need to assess vital things like nutritional deficiencies, sleep deprivation,4 accumulations of environmental neurotoxins, a poor diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, genetic factors that can act as barriers to wellness, or an unsupportive or stressful surrounding. Then we can work to change the circumstances of those underlying reasons.

Please note: Antipsychotic withdrawal must be done extremely carefully as part of a controled transition over to holistic treatments. We recommend you learn more about Seroquel withdrawal. Getting to the bottom of the cause(s) of symptoms, rather than focusing solely on numbing the symptoms with prescription drugs, can create happiness and success that is long-lasting and best of all, less reliant on prescription drugs.

Alternatives to Seroquel at Alternative to Meds Center

seroquel quetiapine treatment sedona drug rehabWe have helped many of our clients who had an initial psychotic or bipolar episode to gradually reduce or eliminate their antipsychotic medications successfully. We use a thorough, gentle, and comprehensive approach that allows enough time to adjust, and heal which is greatly helped by utilizing natural alternatives to Seroquel and other harsh drugs.

Please remember that when it comes to stopping antipsychotics, slow proves the best and safest way forward.63

Natural mental health is not a quick fix. We have been down that road ourselves and found it doesn’t provide long-term stable relief of symptoms. Rather, we take the time to investigate the root causes and then address what is found. If we can get a reduction in symptoms, this is a good point to launch a gentle Seroquel tapering while at the same time providing support in holistic ways and alternatives to Seroquel that continue to capitalize on these gains.

Please contact us for more information, as there is a lot to discover about the protocols we use, length of program, costs, insurance coverage, and of course the successes of our clients. Our staff roster includes not only holistic psychiatrists and medical doctors but also caregivers and therapists, some of whom have suffered similarly in the past. Through overcoming these challenges they have developed a passion to help others who not only need expertise but compassion on the journey back to natural mental health. We look forward to talking with you about our Seroquel alternatives programs delivered inpatient-style in our beautiful, tranquil, well-staffed facility.

1 (800) 301-3753 for Seroquel Quetiapine Alternatives Help

1. Sun H et al., “Effects of Electroacupuncture on Depression and the Production of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Compared with Fluoxetine – A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [Internet] 2013 Sep PMID 23647408 [cited 2021 Feb 2]

2. Vita A et al, “The Effect of Antipsychotic Treatment on Cortical Gray Matter Changes in Schizophrenia.” Biological Psychiatry Journal of Psychiatric Neuroscience and Therapeutics Archival Report 2015 September [Internet] from Volume 78 Issue 6, P403-412 [cited 2021 Feb 2]

3. Lynch S, “Tolerance and Resistance to Drugs.” from Merck’s consumer manual, Reviewed 2019 August [cited 2021 Feb 2]

4. Waters F et al., “Severe Sleep Deprivation Causes Hallucinations and a Gradual Progression Toward Psychosis With Increasing Time Awake.” Frontiers in Psychiatry PMID30042701 [Internet[ 2018 Jul10 [cited 2021 Feb 2]

5. Horowitz M, Murray R, Taylor D, “Tapering Antipsychotic Treatment.” JAMA Psychiatry 2020 Aug 5 [Internet] [cited 2021 Feb 2]

6. Jenkins TA, Nguyen JC, Polglaze KE, Bertrand PP. Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis. Nutrients. 2016;8(1):56. Published 2016 Jan 20. doi:10.3390/nu8010056 [cited 2021 Feb 2]

7. Ganesh S, Cortes-Briones J, Ranganathan M, Radhakrishnan R, Skosnik PD, D’Souza DC. Psychosis-Relevant Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Mega Analysis of Individual Participant-Data from Human Laboratory Studies. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2020 Dec 3;23(9):559-570. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa031. PMID: 32385508; PMCID: PMC7710917. [cited 2021 Feb 2]

8. Engen PA, Green SJ, Voigt RM, Forsyth CB, Keshavarzian A. The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Alcohol Effects on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota. Alcohol Res. 2015;37(2):223-36. PMID: 26695747; PMCID: PMC4590619.[cited 2021 Feb 2]

9. Lara DR. Caffeine, mental health, and psychiatric disorders. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S239-48. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2010-1378. PMID: 20164571. [cited Feb 2]

10. “Vitamins: Their Function and Source” Fact Sheet published by Government of BC Health Link [online] [cited 2021 Feb 2]

11. Freeman et al., “Open Dialogue: A Review of the Evidence.” published in Psychiatryonline 18 Oct 2018 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

12. Morrison AK. Cognitive behavior therapy for people with schizophrenia. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2009;6(12):32-39. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

13. Wilson G, Farrell D, Barron I, Hutchins J, Whybrow D, Kiernan MD. The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-A Systematic Narrative Review. Front Psychol. 2018;9:923. Published 2018 Jun 6. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

14. Frueh BC, Grubaugh AL, Cusack KJ, Kimble MO, Elhai JD, Knapp RG. Exposure-based cognitive-behavioral treatment of PTSD in adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: a pilot study. J Anxiety Disord. 2009;23(5):665-675. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2009.02.005 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

15. David D, Cristea I, Hofmann SG. Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is the Current Gold Standard of Psychotherapy. Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:4. Published 2018 Jan 29. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00004 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

16. Aucoin M, LaChance L, Clouthier SN, Cooley K. Dietary modification in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review. World J Psychiatry. 2020 Aug 19;10(8):187-201. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v10.i8.187. PMID: 32874956; PMCID: PMC7439299. [cited 2021 Aug 4]

17. Aucoin M, LaChance L, Cooley K, Kidd S. Diet and Psychosis: A Scoping Review. Neuropsychobiology. 2020;79(1):20-42. doi: 10.1159/000493399. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30359969.[cited 2025 Feb 18]

18. Beyond The Gut: The Relationship Between Gluten, Psychosis, And Schizophrenia May 16, 2018 by James Greenblatt, MD & Desiree Delane, MS [cited 2025 Feb 18]

19. Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional therapies for mental disorders. Nutr J. 2008;7:2. Published 2008 Jan 21. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-7-2 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

20. Hidese S, Nogawa S, Saito K, Kunugi H. Food allergy is associated with depression and psychological distress: A web-based study in 11,876 Japanese. J Affect Disord. 2019 Feb 15;245:213-218. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.10.119. Epub 2018 Oct 26. PMID: 30408639. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

21. Dickerson F, Stallings C, Origoni A, Vaughan C, Khushalani S, Yolken R. Markers of gluten sensitivity in acute mania: a longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res. 2012 Mar 30;196(1):68-71. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.11.007. Epub 2012 Mar 3. PMID: 22386570. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

22. Kraeuter AK, Phillips R, Sarnyai Z. The Gut Microbiome in Psychosis From Mice to Men: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:799. Published 2020 Aug 11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00799 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

23. Tanya T. Nguyen, Hugh Hathaway, Tomasz Kosciolek, Rob Knight, Dilip V. Jeste, Gut microbiome in serious mental illnesses: A systematic review and critical evaluation, Schizophrenia Research, 2019, Aug 26, ISSN 0920-9964 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

24. Emily G. Severance, Robert H. Yolken, William W. Eaton, Autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and the microbiome in schizophrenia: more than a gut feeling, Schizophrenia Research, Volume 176, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 23-35, ISSN 0920-9964, [cited 2025 Feb 18]

25. Clapp M, Aurora N, Herrera L, Bhatia M, Wilen E, Wakefield S. Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis. Clin Pract. 2017;7(4):987. Published 2017 Sep 15. doi:10.4081/cp.2017.987 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

26. Ronald Walker, John R. Lupien, The Safety Evaluation of Monosodium Glutamate, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 130, Issue 4, April 2000, Pages 1049S–1052S [cited 2025 Feb 18]

27. Khalil RM, Khedr NF. Curcumin Protects against Monosodium Glutamate Neurotoxicity and Decreasing NMDA2B and mGluR5 Expression in Rat Hippocampus. Neurosignals. 2016;24(1):81-87. doi: 10.1159/000442614. Epub 2016 Aug 17. PMID: 27529496. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

28. Acute Hypoglycemia Presenting as Acute Psychosis Tanveer Padder MD, Aparna Udyawar MD, Nouman Azhar MD, Kamil Jaghab MD From the Department of Psychiatry, Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow NY 11554 USA.First Published December 2005. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

29. Brady WJ Jr, Duncan CW. Hypoglycemia masquerading as acute psychosis and acute cocaine intoxication. Am J Emerg Med. 1999 May;17(3):318-9. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(99)90140-7. PMID: 10337905.[cited 2025 Feb 18]

30. Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses Indian J Psychiatry. 2008 Apr-Jun; 50(2): 77–82. T. S. Sathyanarayana Rao, M. R. Asha, B. N. Ramesh, and K. S. Jagannatha Rao [cited 2025 Feb 18]

31. van der Heijden, F., Fekkes, D., Tuinier, S. et al. Amino acids in schizophrenia: evidence for lower tryptophan availability during treatment with atypical antipsychotics?. J Neural Transm 112, 577–585 (2005). [cited 2025 Feb 18]

32. Young SN. The effect of raising and lowering tryptophan levels on human mood and social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2013;368(1615):20110375. Published 2013 Feb 25. doi:10.1098/rstb.2011.0375 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

33. van der Heijden, F., Fekkes, D., Tuinier, S. et al. Amino acids in schizophrenia: evidence for lower tryptophan availability during treatment with atypical antipsychotics?. J Neural Transm 112, 577–585 (2005). [cited 2025 Feb 18]

34. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Fat consumption and schizophrenia O. Christensen M.D., E. Christensen First published: November 1988. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

35. McNamara R K, “Mitigation of Inflammation-Induced Mood Dysregulation by Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Journal of American College of Nutrition [Internet] 2015;34 Suppl 1(0 1):48-55. DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2015.1080527 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

36. Malcolm Peet, Eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of schizophrenia and depression: rationale and preliminary double-blind clinical trial results, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, Volume 69, Issue 6, 2003, Pages 477-485. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

37. LOW-DOSE LITHIUM: AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR MOOD DISORDERS Naturopathic Doctor News and Review by Tolle Causam Nicole Cain, ND, MA. Published 2020 Mar 2 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

38. “Trace elements in human health.” book and PDF authored and published 1996 by the World Health Org, [Internet] [cited 2025 Feb 18]

39. LOW-DOSE LITHIUM: AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR MOOD DISORDERS Naturopathic Doctor News and Review by Tolle Causam Nicole Cain, ND, MA. Published 2020 Mar 2 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

40. H.E. Sartori, Lithium orotate in the treatment of alcoholism and related conditions, Alcohol, Volume 3, Issue 2, 1986, Pages 97-100, ISSN 0741-8329.[cited 2025 Feb 18]

41. “Understanding the Differences Between Lithium and Lithium Orotate,” Amen Clinics, December 17, 2019 By Melissa Quinn, MD. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

42. Kling MA, Manowitz P, Pollack IW. Rat brain and serum lithium concentrations after acute injections of lithium carbonate and orotate. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1978 Jun;30(6):368-70. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1978.tb13258.x. PMID: 26768. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

43. Schrauzer, G.N., Shrestha, K.P. Lithium in drinking water and the incidences of crimes, suicides, and arrests related to drug addictions. Biol Trace Elem Res 25, 105–113 (1990). [cited 2025 Feb 18]

44. Lithium in the prevention of suicide in mood disorders: updated systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ 2013; 346 (Published 27 June 2013) Andrea Cipriani, lecturer in psychiatry, Keith Hawton, professor of psychiatry, Sarah Stockton, senior information scientist, John R Geddes, professor of epidemiological psychiatry. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

45. Hoffer A, Osmond H. TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH NICOTINIC ACID. A TEN YEAR FOLLOW-UP. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1964;40(2):171-89. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1964.tb05744.x. PMID: 14235254. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

46. Orthomolecular Treatment of Orthomolecular Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain; London, England, September 28-30, 1971. A. Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.P.A. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

47. Arinola G, Idonije B, Akinlade K, Ihenyen O. Essential trace metals and heavy metals in newly diagnosed schizophrenic patients and those on anti-psychotic medication. J Res Med Sci. 2010;15(5):245-249. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

48. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 1974, 37, 954-958 Psychiatric aspects of methylmercury poisoning H. I. MAGHAZAJI From the Department of Medicine, Medical College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq[cited 2025 Feb 18]

49. Aschner, M., Walker, S. The neuropathogenesis of mercury toxicity. Mol Psychiatry 7, S40–S41 (2002).[cited 2021 Feb 2]

50. The American Journal of Psychiatry Mercury Poisoning: A Case of a Complex Neuropsychiatric Illness Xuebing Huang, M.D. Samuel Law, M.D., F.R.C.P.C. Dan Li, M.D. Xin Yu, M.D. Bing Li, M.D.[cited 2025 Feb 18]

51. Environmental Exposures and Depression: Biological Mechanisms and Epidemiological Evidence Annual Review of Public Health Vol. 40:239-259 (Volume publication date April 2019) First published as a Review in Advance on 2019 Jan 11 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

52. Collaborative on Mental Health and the Environment Mental Health and Environmental Exposures from the Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative, November 2008. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

53. Mittal VA, Vargas T, Osborne KJ, et al. Exercise Treatments for Psychosis: A Review. Curr Treat Options Psychiatry. 2017;4(2):152-166. doi:10.1007/s40501-017-0112-2.[cited 2025 Feb 18]

54. Mead MN. Benefits of sunlight: a bright spot for human health [published correction appears in Environ Health Perspect. 2008 May;116(5):A197]. Environ Health Perspect. 2008;116(4):A160-A167. doi:10.1289/ehp.116-a160 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

55. Siebern AT, Suh S, Nowakowski S. Non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia. Neurotherapeutics. 2012;9(4):717-727. doi:10.1007/s13311-012-0142-9 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

56. Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: A Review Psychiatric Times, Vol 34 No 7, Volume 34, Issue 7July 14, 2017 Ruby S. Grewal, MD , Tony P. George, MD, FRCPC. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

57. Arendt M, Rosenberg R, Foldager L, Perto G, Munk-Jørgensen P. Cannabis-induced psychosis and subsequent schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: follow-up study of 535 incident cases. Br J Psychiatry. 2005 Dec;187:510-5. doi: 10.1192/bjp.187.6.510. PMID: 16319402. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

58. Rottanburg D, Robins AH, Ben-Arie O, Teggin A, Elk R. Cannabis-associated psychosis with hypomanic features Lancet. 1982 Dec 18;2(8312):1364-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(82)91270-3. PMID: 6129463. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

59. Leonardo Tondo, Nereide Rudas, The course of a seasonal bipolar disorder influenced by caffeine, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 22, Issue 4, 1991, Pages 249-251. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

60. Bonaz B, Bazin T, Pellissier S. The Vagus Nerve at the Interface of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Front Neurosci. 2018 Feb 7;12:49. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00049. PMID: 29467611; PMCID: PMC5808284. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

61. Engen PA, Green SJ, Voigt RM, Forsyth CB, Keshavarzian A. The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Alcohol Effects on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota. Alcohol Res. 2015;37(2):223-36. PMID: 26695747; PMCID: PMC4590619. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

62. de Sousa RT, Zanetti MV, Brunoni AR, Machado-Vieira R. Challenging Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder: A Roadmap for Improved Therapeutics. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(5):616-35. doi: 10.2174/1570159×13666150630173522. PMID: 26467411; PMCID: PMC4761633.[cited 2025 Feb 18]

63. Keks N, Schwartz D, Hope J. Stopping and switching antipsychotic drugs. Aust Prescr. 2019;42(5):152-157. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2019.052 [cited 2025 Feb 18]

64.  Feng C, Kim JH. Beyond Avoidance: the Psychosocial Impact of Food Allergies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019 Aug;57(1):74-82. doi: 10.1007/s12016-018-8708-x. PMID: 30171460. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

65.  Ohara TE, Hsiao EY. Microbiota-neuroepithelial signalling across the gut-brain axis. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2025 Jan 2. doi: 10.1038/s41579-024-01136-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39743581. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

66.  Banaszak M, Górna I, Woźniak D, Przysławski J, Drzymała-Czyż S. Association between Gut Dysbiosis and the Occurrence of SIBO, LIBO, SIFO and IMO. Microorganisms. 2023 Feb 24;11(3):573. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11030573. PMID: 36985147; PMCID: PMC10052891. [cited 2025 Feb 18]

Originally Published Oct 30, 2018 by Diane Ridaeus


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Social Profile: LinkedIn

View Bio

Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.

We Accept Most PPO Insurance Plans for Partial Coverage of Fees

Call Now to Verify BlueCross BlueShield Cigna Aetna

Our Success Stories

Medication Withdrawal Success Stories

Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!

Read All StoriesView All Videos