l-arginine causing depression?

I have been on an anti-depressant for more than a year, and have had good results. I began taking L-arginine in the pro-solution penis pills 4 months ago. I had no side effects til’ the last few weeks, and I no longer take pro-solution pills, but I take l-arginine 500mg capsules 3 times a day (1 500 mg capsule 3 times a day). I am severly depressed again and saw a doctor. He increased my depression dose, but I feel l-arginine may be the cause of my depression. Anyone know if l-arginine could be responsible for depression?

I have not noticed this myself.

I have been taking it for 8 months.

What are the contents of L-arginine?

I’ve talked with lots of men who use it. Nobody ever mentioned depression as a side effect.

Here is a Usenet post by Oreon. Note the listed contraindications.

I’m only speculating, but perhaps high doses of arginine interfere with the absorption of other aminos that help prevent depression. I doubt the low dose you are taking would do this.

You could drop the arginine for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference.

Another post :

Also, check with the prescribing doctor of the antidepressant you use. These drugs do not always operate seamlessly; you can go along beautiflully for awhile and then need an adjustment up or down, or a totally new drug to get the effect you had earlier.

Hi Hunglo77,

This is what I’ve found with taking L. First, after reading your post I too realized that I might have had slight depression from taking L. I ran out a little over a week ago and noticed I was in more of an upbeat mood lately. I want to mention again it was (slight depression). Secondly, I’ve noticed a significant weight loss (or lack of hunger) when on L. Weird, but that’s what I’ve noticed. I just purchased some more tonight and will be back on it due to the wonderful results seen with taking L. Hope this reply helped.

Arginine elevates nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a free radical. Free radicals can make you feel bad, tired, depressed and damage the cells in the body. Antioxidants will eliminate the free radicals in your body and supplementing with antioxidants can make you feel better. A healthy diet is always important but especially when supplementing with arginine. Fresh fruit and vegetables will protect you from the damage of free radicals. Also consider a good multivitamin/mineral. Hope this helps.

Antioxidants that work to counter free radicals are vitamins E and C. The latest issue of Time Magazine also has an article stating that taking 400iu of Vit E and 500mg of Vit C can ward off Alzheimer’s disease. So taking the E and C supplements may prove beneficial to you. I take them.

I think I would back down first to 1000mg, and see how this works for a week or two, that is unless you are desperately depressed. If you are of course then stop completely. IMHO. That would be a terrible situation if the stuff is working for you and you are too depressed reap the benefits.