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5HTP

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Posted 3/6/2008 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Have heard good things  about this supplement but the info is so contradictory that I am confused. It's both an effective and an ineffective antidrpressant, it's harmless yet can cause nausea and serotonin syndrome. It's the natural precursor to serotonin yet my doctor dismisses it as 'quackery'.

has anyone here tried and benefited from it?

Posted 3/6/2008 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
5HTP is a naturally occuring Amino Acid in the body which is responsible for the level of seretonin within the body. If you increase it too much you can get bad side effects but increasing it to a normal level should be OK.

Posted 3/6/2008 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Darren,

Thank you for the input, I was actually wondering what that was. Guess I should of asked. Or looked it up on the net. I really appreciate knowing what it is. Is it similar to what St John's wort would do, though I know that is an herb and not a horemone. I know that you aren't suppose to take stjohnswort while taking antidepressants.
Thanks, Karen
Posted 3/7/2008 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
St Johns Wort is a difficult one... It is believed to alter Seretonin levels but the exact effects on the body are not known given the complexity of SJW.

Posted 3/7/2008 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
I bought some 5HTP supplements at GNC recently and decided to try them instead of the Lexapro for a bit, but they didn't seem too effective and I had a headache every day I took them. Maybe I didn't give them too much time to work though, I've heard it can be pretty effective.
Posted 3/8/2008 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks you guys. Much appreciated.
Posted 3/20/2008 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
I took my first 100 mg of this last night, had a great dream and woke up feeling better than I have done in years. I really hope im not still dreaming.
Posted 3/20/2008 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
That is wonderful Jae,

I hope that this continues to work well for you. Keep us posted.

Isn't it nice when you find something that helps you?

Hugs, Karen
Posted 3/21/2008 11:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thats great news jae. I hope this continues and that you have found an answer to your problems.

Posted 3/26/2008 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thankyou. I'm frankly stunned my this development. Smiles are easy to come by for the first time in years.

I would also recomment Spirulina for general health, if you're interested.

Posted 3/26/2008 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jae,

I am so happy that this is helping you. I am going to look into it myself. I hope this happiness continues for you. Keep smiling.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 3/28/2008 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
 

I'd be delighted if it helps you. Unfortunately I'm not able to vouch for its safety. Without wanting to be a downer, you may want to check out this list of potential side effects so that you can make an informed decision.

http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/ds/ds5HTP.php

Best wishes.

Posted 3/28/2008 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jae,

Thank you for the information. It sounds really promising. And something to look into. Though I am very sensitive to antidepressants. I have very low tolerance to side effects and it took me a long time to get where I am at today. I imagine, that truthfully, I should stay where I am with my medications. Though that was a very interesting read. Thanks again.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 4/1/2008 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
I have to say that I've had no side effects from it at all thus far. I'm doing a lot of fitness training right now, and i think the 5HTP is part of what's helping my motivation. It's also prevented me from having any really immobilizing depressions. Sometimes I feel a little down, but can perspectivise, pick myself up and focus on uplifting things.

So, improved mood (socialising and planning once more) and I'm fitter than I've been in years.

I wonder why this supplement is not a first line treatment for dep?

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