Hey friend,

Let me share how a fish tank cleaner might change depression treatment.

I know it sounds crazy...

But I'm talking about methylene blue—a synthetic dye with astonishing therapeutic benefits for cognition, memory, energy, and mood!

It was only recently repurposed as a fish tank cleaner, and now the media has made people seem crazy for using it… forgetting all about its remarkable medicinal properties!

Here’s the real story.

Methylene blue was first synthesized back in 1876 by German chemist Heinrich Caro.

Originally, it was created as one of the first synthetic dyes of the Industrial Revolution. [1]

It’s what gave blue jeans their original iconic color!

Soon after its creation, scientists Paul Ehrlich and Robert Koch (famous for “Koch’s Postulates” linking microbes to diseases) discovered methylene blue’s potential as a powerful antimicrobial agent.

Most notably as a treatment for malaria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. [2]

What’s remarkable is that methylene blue became the first drug approved by the FDA, marking a pivotal moment in modern medicine as one of the earliest synthetic chemicals used therapeutically!

Even more incredible is that new therapeutic benefits of methylene blue are coming to light.

Such as its ability to enhance memory [3], focus, and mental energy and protect the brain against neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. [4][5]

But methylene blue isn’t just a powerful cognitive enhancer—it’s also showing incredible potential in treating psychiatric disorders like depression!

Methylene blue and depression

Since the 1970s, methylene blue has proven to be an effective antidepressant in numerous studies.

In a 1986 clinical trial, 13 women with severe depression were given 15 mg of methylene blue daily, while 15 others received a placebo.

The placebo group saw no improvement, but the women on methylene blue showed marked progress.

Within just one week, their depressive symptoms significantly improved compared to the placebo group. [6]

In another study, 24 participants with chronic or severe depression, 19 of whom also had bipolar disorder, were treated with 200-300 mg of methylene blue daily. About 60% showed “definite improvement.” [7]

How does methylene blue work?

Methylene blue acts as a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), blocking the enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine [8], resulting in higher levels of mood-boosting chemicals in the brain!

Plus, methylene blue influences the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, by inhibiting NMDA receptors, boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.

This surge in nerve growth factors enhances neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and heal itself.

This mechanism mirrors the neuropharmacological benefits of psychedelics like ketamine—without the consciousness-altering effects. [9]

How to source methylene blue

As medical costs soar, with newer antidepressants running hundreds of dollars each month, older, off-patent medications offer effective and affordable alternatives for those battling psychiatric illnesses.

Methylene blue is one such option.

But don’t go chugging fish tank cleaner!!!

Fish tank methylene blue is only about 2% pure and is loaded with impurities and heavy metals like aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.

Methylene Blue must be pharmaceutical-grade for safe consumption—so look for the label USP.

The safest and most effective dosage range of methylene blue is 1–4 mg per kg of body weight. [10]

For example, for a person weighing 75 kg, the dosage range of methylene blue at 1-4 mg per kg would be 75 mg to 300 mg.

Even when sourcing methylene blue USP, the only product I trust is from Troscriptions.com.

They offer it as a troche—a small lozenge that dissolves between your cheek for faster onset, better absorption, and direct access to the brain!

How to safely incorporate methylene blue into your depression treatment

Methylene blue has an impressive safety profile, with the most common side effect being blue urine—so you might just turn into a Smurf!

Given methylene blue’s MAOI activity and the risk of serotonin syndrome, never mix it with SSRIs, SNRIs, or any serotonin-boosting drugs unless supervised by a healthcare provider.

And I often dive into psychedelics here, so my apologies to my fellow psychonauts! Since LSD and psilocybin boost serotonin levels, it’s crucial to exercise caution!

Always wait at least 24 hours before combining methylene blue with any psychedelic substance to avoid the risk of serotonin syndrome!

Honestly, methylene blue is one of the most underrated antidepressants out there, packing numerous medicinal and nootropic benefits!

Unfortunately, it has been unfairly tarnished by the media… giving methylene blue a bad rap.

But don’t worry—there are ways to find high-quality methylene blue without resorting to guzzling fish tank cleaners for depression treatment!

I’m curious—have you ever heard of or tried methylene blue? Did you know it boasted such impressive antidepressant effects?

Hit reply and let me know.

Also, if you have any questions, just send them my way.

I’ll be keeping an eye on my inbox all day—let’s chat about saying goodbye to the ‘blues’ with methylene blue!

Thanks for reading and see you next Saturday,

Onjae

References:

[1] Schirmer, R Heiner et al. “"Lest we forget you--methylene blue...".” Neurobiology of aging vol. 32,12 (2011): 2325.e7-16. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.12.012

[2] Schirmer, R Heiner et al. “Methylene blue as an antimalarial agent.” Redox report : communications in free radical research vol. 8,5 (2003): 272-5. doi:10.1179/135100003225002899

[3] Rodriguez, Pavel et al. “Multimodal Randomized Functional MR Imaging of the Effects of Methylene Blue in the Human Brain.” Radiology vol. 281,2 (2016): 516-526. doi:10.1148/radiol.2016152893

[4] Bonda, David J et al. “Novel therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease: an update.” Current opinion in drug discovery & development vol. 13,2 (2010): 235-46.

[5] Atamna, Hani, and Raj Kumar. “Protective role of methylene blue in Alzheimer's disease via mitochondria and cytochrome c oxidase.” Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD vol. 20 Suppl 2 (2010): S439-52. doi:10.3233/JAD-2010-100414

[6] Naylor, G J et al. “A controlled trial of methylene blue in severe depressive illness.” Biological psychiatry vol. 22,5 (1987): 657-9. doi:10.1016/0006-3223(87)90194-6

[7] Narsapur, S.L., and G.J. Naylor. "Methylene Blue: A Possible Treatment for Manic Depressive Psychosis." Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 5, no. 2, 1983, pp. 155-161, https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(83)90008-3. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

[8] Ramsay, R R et al. “Methylene blue and serotonin toxicity: inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) confirms a theoretical prediction.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 152,6 (2007): 946-51. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707430

[9] Lv, Shiyun, et al. "NMDA Receptors As Therapeutic Targets for Depression Treatment: Evidence from Clinical to Basic Research." Neuropharmacology, vol. 225, 2023, p. 109378, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109378. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

[10] Oz, Murat et al. “Methylene blue and Alzheimer's disease.” Biochemical pharmacology vol. 78,8 (2009): 927-32. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2009.04.034