hi. ok, so dl-phenylalanine (DLPA) is a mix of amino acids. I don't know tons about it, just...it kinda helps concentration, my mood is even...but even on a slightly -brighter- note...and its super cheap (did I mention the sale? and free shipping?). like any other amino acid...try to take on an empty stomach, give it 30mins-1 hour before you consume food, etc.

taurine is another amino acid. small studies indicate that it may help psychosis, when used with an antipsychotic. the dosage used in those studies was...4 grams/daily, maybe? to put that into perspective, I think there's 1 gram or so in a Red Bull (I could easily be wrong). it does lots of things, and is apparently quite safe...has some antioxidant properties, seems to help me calm down a bit, and a dermatologist told me it probably helps hair loss, somehow (true story...does something to keep those follicles healthy).

niacinamide (B3) is a form of niacin that does not lower cholesterol (bummer) and also does not cause a ridiculous, hi-intensity flush (good thing). shrinks in the 50-70s made use of it to help anxiety, agitation, stress, depression...all the way up to The Schizophrenias (under their diagnostic criteria, most "severely Bipolar" people would have a form of Schizophrenia). niacinamide has some antioxidant effects...ideally, any form of B3 in high doses should be taken with hi-dose vitamin C, according to 'alternative health' people...this is supposed to reduce the risk of liver problems.

so, i ditched the B3, ramped up my vitamin C intake, and then added in DLPA, because...well, I need a bit of help in staying on task. I tried mixing in taurine because a) I have 3 bottles or so, just lying around and b) the data for its use in more severe psych issues is becoming more and more promising, so...probably a good idea.

and there you go. :-)