Hi, Pois_Dick, and everyone,
As a pharmacist, I would like to make an IMPORTANT WARNING regarding possible major, and potentially fatal, interactions of methylene blue with many prescription drugs boositng serotonine level, with tryptophane supplements, and also with tyramine-containing food.
Most likely, the benefits of ingested methylene blue you have seen may come form the fact methylene blue is a potent monoamine oxydase inhibitor (MAOI), so it increases serotonin level. I would like to point out that ANYONE WHO WANTS TO INGEST METHYLENE BLUE MUST BE VERY CAREFUL !!!! IT CAN BE VERY TOXIC, AnD EVEN DEADLY IF INTERACTIONS OCCUR WITH DRUGS ALSO BOOSTING SEROTONINE LEVEL AS WELL AS WITH FOOD CONTAINING TYRAMINE !! See
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoamine_oxidase_inhibitor#Dangers .
With tyramyne containing food, like aged cheese, wine, Bovril/Marmite\Vegemite meat extract, a severe hypertensive crisis can occur, possibly fatal. See a list of fod containing tyramine here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyramine#Occurrence . If you take MB, you must avoid them, unless you will trigger a massive norepinephrine release in yout body, leading to hypertension, anxiety, etc...
BUT there is an even worst risk - IMAO like Methylene blue interacts with Tryptophane supplements and with many drugs POISers on this board are taking. From Wiki?dia:" MAOIs should not be combined with other psychoactive substances (antidepressants, painkillers, stimulants, both legal and illegal etc.) except under expert care. Certain combinations can cause lethal reactions, common examples including SSRIs, tricyclics, MDMA, meperidine,[30] tramadol, and dextromethorphan.[citation needed] Agents with actions on epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine must be administered at much lower doses due to potentiation and prolonged effect."
Form wikipedia again: "The most significant risk associated with the use of MAOIs is the potential for interactions with over-the-counter and prescription medicines, illicit drugs or medications, and some supplements (e.g., St. John's Wort, tryptophan). It is vital that a doctor supervise such combinations to avoid adverse reactions. For this reason, many users carry an MAOI-card, which lets emergency medical personnel know what drugs to avoid. (E.g., adrenaline dosage should be reduced by 75%, and duration is extended.)[27] The risk of the interaction of MAOI medications with other drugs or certain foods is particularly dangerous because those on the medication who would have to restrict their diets often are depressed patients who "don't care if they live or die."[28]
Tryptophan supplements should not be consumed with MAOIs as the potentially fatal serotonin syndrome may result."
So, DO NOT USE METHYLENE BLUE WITHOUT MEDICALAND PROFESSIONNAL SUPERVISION, AND WITHOUT CHECKING FOR POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS AND WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT FOODS TO AVOID !!
And, if you still want to use it, be very careful and go with minimal dosage (as with any treatment, go for the minimum efficient dosage), though i recommand not to use it at all.
I do not want to scare anyone, but want you to stay safe !
Quantum