5-Htp

[Deleted member 1860]

I've posted before about not being able to take antidepressants because they are too "activating" and make me mood cycle like crazy!

Last week I was having another horrible depressive episode, with lots of anger. I was frustrated because I knew I didn't want to try yet another antidepressant, but I needed some relief. I "discovered" 5-HTP on another forum and decided to give it a try. I figured the worst it could do was nothing, and I'd only be out 10 bucks. And if it did work, then I would be in luck! But to be honest with you, I NEVER expected it to work since I've been diagnosed with major depression...I figured it would only work on milder forms of depression. Boy was I wrong!

The next day my mood was remarkably improved. Considering how low I was before, it was almost like night and day. I was shocked that an over the counter pill could help my mood so much! Its as if the black cloud has been lifted...

Has anyone else tried 5-HTP before? Good results? Bad results?

Oh, and I just wanted to add, that you can't take 5-HTP with SSRI's because it is a precursor to Seratonin. Taking both together could lead to seratonin syndrome.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my good experience with 5-HTP and let people know that there are alternatives to prescription medications. I know many people, like myself, are ultra-sensitive to prescription drugs, and its good to know that you have other choices.

 

[cragger65]

I tried 5-HTP before and it helped me, but now on Effexor I can't take it unfortunately. It also helps for sleep, because it is also a precursor of melatonin. Double bang for the buck :)

Glad you found something that works so well for you :thumbs-up

 

[AdamAnt]

My daughter takes 5-htp for her migraines, her neurologist was actually up on it and highly recommended it!

 

[James B.]

Seems 5-Htp Is Manufactured From L-tryptophan?

1. What is 5-HTP?

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. As a result, many people are overweight, crave sugar and other carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, get frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pain. All of these maladies are correctable by raising brain serotonin levels. (Keep looking, I think melatonin is a part of this too.) :smile:

2. Sources of Tryptophan
Whole seeds or kernels

According to the USDA,[6] one gram of pepita contains 4.31 mg and one gram of pepita protein contains 15.3 mg of L-tryptophan, whereas one cup of milk contains 183 mg. This high tryptophan content makes pepita of interest to researchers studying the treatment of anxiety disorders.[7] Some eat the seeds as preventative measure against onset of anxiety attacks, clinical depression and other mood disorders.

View attachment 3244
Have been eating Pepitas raw and roasted/salted - they're great either way. Noticed myself craving them. Have made them a regular part of my diet.

 

[Gamereign555]

I am definetly going this route if I ever decide I've had enough with the Celexa and everything else. My plan is L-triptophan with magnesium citrate and B-6. I could basically stop taking all my meds if I eventually decided to do this. No more sleep aids, no more anti-depressant prescriptions. I have read about the 5htp and am still a little reluctant, I'll be reading about it all to make sure I don't do anything retarded.

 

[NutritionNerd]

I used 5 HTP to get off Effexor after being on it for 10 years (prior to PTSD). I can't seem to take it now, I get more agressive, I think something changed in my brain.

 

[Lionheart]

Just a note: Please be careful with 5-HTP, you don't want to take this supplement while you are taking an antidepressant medication as it could cause serotonin syndrome. When combined with MAOIs or SSRIs, 5-HTP can cause acute serotonin syndrome.

 

[Gamereign555]

Well aware. Right now I'm only researching if making the switch is even worth the trouble. I am currently okay with taking the Celexa, but just looking for other options in case I am required to stop my prescription in the future...besides I will tell you one thing, the Celexa is a hell of alot cheaper than going the L-triptophan route.

As a side note, I won't be taking the 5-HTP, as the 5-HTP works slightly differently than taking the L-triptophan with the b-6. The 5-HTP has been known to be a more risky option. I described in my previous post, I will be going a slightly different route. But with just as much caution. Any changes I make will be done with doctor supervision and advice.

I have also read that you can take a very small dose of an anti-depressant combined with the triptophan therapy, it has been done before to find just the right balance in a complicated process. But this approach is not for beginners and is of course a professionally monitored ordeal.

 

[NutritionNerd]

Try taking a dose of Tryptophan before bedtime. I'm not at all sure serotonin is the key to fixing PTSD though. I saw an article yesterday that said SSRI's are not really effective for PTSD. I've seen some stuff that seems to indicate a placebo effect but my own experience is that they tend to deaden or damp down emotions. This can be a good thing when you're being overwhelmed with strong emotions but it can screw things up in terms of making effective decisions.

I was on 450 mg of Effexor and 150 mg Wellbutrin after my 2nd husband died of colon cancer. I was numb and made a lot of dumb decisions I would not have made if I could have felt my emotions. (this was prior to PTSD which I've only had 2 years now)

 

[Gamereign555]

The Celexa I believe helped me quite a lot in the beginning. A part of me wonders if I can come off the medication now, I will eventually put that to the test.

 

[lisamarie]

Thanks for sharing this information. I was checking out this stuff in the store the other day but have never taken it.

 

[OKRADLAK]

They look delicious. I am going to try to find some! Good post.