I don't think it's just because they are a drug, but they are also powerful chelating agents and if used in the wrong manner can cause a person to get worse, sometimes MUCH worse.

When used safely and correctly, they can be wonderful for helping mercury toxic people, but perhaps they are a bit harder on the body than other things. But again, so is mercury so if the mercury is moved into worse areas (gut being one), then you will definitely get side effects.

I had redistribution from using DMSA in the wrong manner, which pushed it straight into my gut area and I was in AGONY for a LONGGGG time. I had nausea and all. I had the same reaction when I took 2 garlic capsules too and in a way even worse and ended up in emergency. It was all from redistribution of metals into worse areas I believe.

Natural methods may be better for you, but garlic is also natural and look what it did to me? It depends on how you use the more powerful chelating agents and also depends on what natural methods you use to detox mercury. They can be no better in many circumstances.

Cilantro, chlorella, garlic, methionine, cysteine, NAC supplementation etc have all in some cases caused horrific side effects. All backfire results from redistribution of mercury. Having DMPS IV injection can do the same thing and has in cases almost crippled people.

Again I think it depends on the person and the protocol. If you feel you simply do not do well on DMSA or DMPS no matter how you use them, then skip them. THey are not essential, they are optional (according to andy cutler). They are used in the early stages of mercury poisoning following amalgam removal to help clear the blood/tissue levels of mercury out faster and more effectively than if you let the body do this by itself.

It is not worth it however if it makes you miserable and makes gut situations worse. stick to what you have found is helpful to you and is not going to hurt you.

By the way, alpha lipoic acid is extremely powerful for mercury chelation, moreso than DMSA. It can be used, as long as you are 3 months or longer post amalgam removal. It should not be used any earlier when blood levels would still be too high. ALA chelates organs and brain and is apparently (again according to cutler) essential.

But should be used according to the safer frequent dose protocol to avoid redistribution of mercury, and possible irreversible damage!

When i had my massive backlash from DMSA after using it incorrectly, the only way I reversed my symptoms was going on the candida diet. The symptoms began to ease after a while of doing that. I gather I must have caused a massive yeast overgrowth from pushing metals into the gut!

But again I'd say symptoms can reverse after time. When I was able to use DMSA again, I used it at a much lower dose and did it according to Cutler's protocol. I was ok then and I believe treating candida and keeping it at low levels also helped me to be able to chelate properly too.

Chlorella messed me up anytime I took it, as did using anything else that mobilised mercury uncontrollably.