Drug-Induced Nutrient Deficiencies

Brain Health

Table of Contents

Brain Health medications include those that are prescribed for mental health, seizure, brain disruptions, and diseases that affect how we think and function on a daily basis. Each of these Brain Health drugs are used based on an individual's requirements, how their brain is functioning in relation to other organs and system-structures, and base cause that has been identified that may be creating these short- or long-term issues.

ATTENTION: The medications listed below, whether available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription only, and their associated information presented are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional about supplementing any medication and the possible artificial nutrient deficiencies they may create.

Anxiety Medications

Anxiety medications help people better manage their anxiety on a short-term basis, while applying themselves to longer care treatment in some chronic anxiety protocols. Anti-anxiety drugs are suggested as another option to help when stress and worry stop you from functioning regularly on a daily basis. These medications do have habit-forming potential, and have been reported to create unwanted side effects while tolerance-building may require higher doses to maintain their effectiveness.

Common Names:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Common Deficiencies:
Calcium | Melatonin

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are commonly applied to help support anti-seizure and nerve regulation protocols that deal with pain. The nerve-stabilizing aspects of anticonvulsants help over-excited cells to reduce their excessive firing. That's why these medications are being suggested for issues with fibromyalgia, and their positive effects on the brain in cases of bipolar disorder. Anticonvulsants are known to create appetite and digestion issues as well as promote fluid retention when taken.

Common Names:

  • Fioricet
  • Fiorinal
  • Phrenilin
  • Tegretol
  • Phenobarbital
  • Dilantin
Common Deficiencies:
Omegas | Calcium | Vitamin B9 | Vitamin B12 |
Vitamin D | Vitamin K | Vitamin E

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are used to help people adjust their experience of a chronic depressive state by rebalancing the chemicals responsible for their everyday mood. Most of these medications require daily use for 1-2 weeks before beginning to receive any benefits, and many patients are expected to follow a long-term treatment plan of multiple years or more once they begin to see results. Antidepressants are associated with sexual health issues, sleep disruption, and some gastric disturbances.

Common Names:

  • Elavil
  • Thorazine
  • Adapin
  • Cymbalta
  • Lexapro
  • Paxil
  • Prozan
  • Zoloft
Common Deficiencies:
Melatonin | Vitamin B

Anti-Parkison's Drugs

Anti-Parkinson's agents are introduced to help increase and regulate dopamine as a way to help people have better control of their body's movements. These drugs help reduce the associated tremor, muscle stiffness, and over-excitation of nerves that is common for people presenting Parkinson's symptoms. While anti-Parkinson's medications provide relief for many, they are also associated with mental confusion, hallucinations, and a feeling of disorientation created by their actions.

Common Names:

  • Carbidopa
  • Levodopa
Common Deficiencies:
Potassium | Vitamin B

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics block the effect of dopamine in the body, and act as a tranquilizer to reduce and control psychotic symptoms by slowing down the messaging in your brain. These medications can take 1-2 weeks to realize any differences in behavior, and are often applied on a long-term basis. Antipsychotics are known to create issues with digestion, sexual health, and uncontrollable movements of the jaw, lips, and tongue. Some research has also associated a higher risk of developing diabetes when taking these medications.

Common Names:

  • Abilify
  • Haldol
  • Risperal
  • Seroquel
  • Zyprexa
Common Deficiencies:
Vitamin B | Vitamin C

Continue Your Journey

Keep learning about drug-induced deficiencies to help yourself and others stay nutrient sufficient.

Learn More