Health Buzz: Hundreds Exposed to TB and Other Health News

Reader Comments
Back to article

"A SOLUTION TO RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS" is the first line of your post, but no solution is given. You only seem to insinuate that antidepressents will cure TB, which is kind of a quack theory without any evidence supporting it. In fact, because of the small MAOI effect of isonaizid, taking antidepressants simultaneously is a possible contraindaction(Int Clin Psychopharmacol 1995 Sep;10(3):197-8)

bobsmith of IA 2:34PM April 15, 2009

A SOLUTION TO RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS
In the late nineteen forties, physicians caring for tuberculotics noticed that some of their patients had increased mental and physical energy compared to others. Their charts revealed that the energized were all taking the anti-tuberculosis agents iproniazid or isoniazid, both monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Until then, no one realized that depression could be treated with pills. A new generation of MAOIs was synthesized, among them Parnate, Nardil, Marplan and Eutonyl, and introduced for the treatment of depression and high blood pressure.
In 1981, I published the first of nine reviews on the immunostimulating and antimicrobial properties of lithium and antidepressants.(1,2) and predicted that in order to stimulate immune function, an agent would need to have mood elevating actions. Immunostimulation is relevant to all infectious disorders, including the acquired immunodeficiency disorder (AIDS), primary immunodeficiency disorders, bioterrorism, pandemic influenza, and cancer. Widely claimed to be unavailable, the ability to stimulate immune function, safely, effectively, and inexpensively, has been available since 1981.
The tuberculosis bacillus is said to be resisting standard anti- tuberculosis therapy, and T.B outbreaks are forecast. Two factors have been overlooked. Isoniazid, the MAOI in use for T.B, stimulates immune function, unnoticed because immunostimulation is thought to be unavailable. Secondly, it is not uncommon for people taking antidepressants to develop immunity to them, in which case others should be substituted, which may require trial and error. All antidepressants are immunostimulants, and an enhanced immune system can perform wonders that antibiotics and vaccines cannot.
References
1.Lieb, J.”The immunostimulating and antimicrobial properties of lithium and antidepressants” J Infection (2004) 49 2 88-93
2 Additional references may be found in Medline.

Julian Lieb,M.D of VT 4:36PM April 13, 2009