Tryptophan or 5htp??

I read that people suffering from lyme don't convert tryptophan to serotonin very well. Would 5htp make a better option? All this info on it's effect on the heart makes me very reluctant to give it another go.

I think tryptophan helps me sleep but doesn't do much for my mood. Would 5htp during the day and tryptophan during the night be a viable solution? I'm still on the fence about how well tryptophan works for me. Previously on lowest dose, both tryptophan and 5htp gave me restless leg and heart palps, with tryptophan more apt at making me drowsy the next day. I'm currently taking a sliver of tryptophan at bedtime. Maybe it would be a good idea to supplement rhodiola in there too?

What does it mean for me when tryptophan does promote sleepiness. Am I still getting "toxin-ed" to death? lol. 5htp doesn't help me sleep what so ever! I thought I found my holy grail in tryptophan. Is it normal to feel worse when starting 5htp?

I never did well with Tryptophan but do great with 5htp. I've been taking 5htp for a long time. When I got Lyme, I raised the dose I take. I now take 400 mg of 5htp. I love the NOW brand and they have a 200mg dose. I take 2 in the evening. If you really want it to kick in and start making you drowsy, maybe take it an hour before you'd like to go to sleep. I take it more for mood. I also hear good things about melatonin for sleep, but have never taken it. If you boost your serotonin level, that will also boost your melatonin level. From what I read, your serotonin converts to melatonin in the evening. More serotonin = more melatonin. I have been very happy with all NOW brand supplements if you want to give that a try. Sometimes weak adrenals will cause you to have high cortisol evens in the evening and keep you up. Lyme can wear out adrenals. Another thing to think about. Adrenal support supplements can help with that.

Hope you find a way to resolve your sleep issue!

bump..

thanks! you are right...I just got to do a slow trial and error.