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Thread: 5HTP!!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    69

    5HTP!!

    Hi Everyone, its been a while since I last visited NMP [the lifesaver]
    I was first prescribed Citalopram in Sept 09 and have been on between 10-40mg over the last 22months [eek! that sounds long!]

    Anyways I tried to wean myself off from 10mg and it wasnt much of a success to be honest so about 9 days ago my sister bought me 5HTP [from Holland & Barrett]. Have been taking them every day since, and whilst dont want to get too carried away, I DO feel like they maybe making a difference??? I just wondered what everyone else's thoughts/comments are on this alternative??

    As I said I am a pessimist [well hey, I am depressed!!] - maybe its too early to tell, but the hope that maybe, just maybe I could have a natural remedy that works is giving me some mild form of optimism!!!

    Would appreciate anyone's views Am not currently taking Cit with 5HTP [I read that you shouldnt do this??]

    Cheers everyone xx

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    666

    Re: 5HTP!!

    You are right not to take the two together because both affect serotonin levels.

    My experience with 5HTP was a complete failure I am sorry to day. I took this as a last "natural" resort before going to a doctor and getting proper medication. It had no effect on me at all and the complete lack of any side effects was probably a sign it wasn't doing a lot. I can't remember how much I was taking though.

    It was a shame for me because I had read so many good things about it. I did wonder whether it was the case that my mental health had by then deteriorated to the level that I needed something pretty strong. Maybe 5HTP is more suited to other people.

    I certainly would not tell anyone not to try it and would be very interested to know about your experience on it, so do keep us informed.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    69

    Re: 5HTP!!

    Sorry to hear that it did not work for you....I dont want to get carried away by any means and think/say that i am 'fixed'... but would be interested to know if anyone has a positive experience or outcome with 5HTP????

  4. #4

    Re: 5HTP!!

    I have used 5 HTP for years and it works for anxiety and mild depression to some degree in my opinion. Helps curb my appetite too, which is a bonus.

    Not a miracle cure but definite improvement in my mood and anxiety levels when I supplement with 200-300mg a day.

    @ Ingenious - Can I see your evidence of why you can't take 5 HTP with SSRI's? I hear many people talk of serotonin syndrome, never seen an ounce of proof that 5 HTP can lead to this with or without SSRI's, St John's Wort etc - thanks!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    90

    Re: 5HTP!!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-Hydroxytryptophan

    This states that you should not combine 5htp with ssri its still not proven or unproven to have risks.....we all need to be responsible and check with our gps before starting any medication...be it natural remedies or otherwise
    __________________
    Nerves and butterflies are fine - they're a physical sign that you're mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that's the trick.

  6. #6

    Re: 5HTP!!

    Quote Originally Posted by clairabella View Post
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-Hydroxytryptophan

    This states that you should not combine 5htp with ssri its still not proven or unproven to have risks.....we all need to be responsible and check with our gps before starting any medication...be it natural remedies or otherwise

    Wikipedia?? I asked for evidence....



    My GP didn't even have a clue about 5 HTP... sent me for tests to an endocrinologist as my 5 HIAA was high on a urine test... even after I told him I use 5 HTP. My endocrinologist nearly fell of his chair laughing after I told him and was pretty disparaging of GP's when it comes to specialist nutritional supplements.

    Some GP's may know their stuff, many others for sure do not!
    Last edited by shropshire_lad; 31-07-11 at 17:29.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    69

    Re: 5HTP!!

    I havent even told my GP that I switched from Citalopram to 5HTP.....eeek!
    I keep meaning to make an appt but havent got round to that....
    These last 3 days have been finding it difficult to be honest - am now on week 3 of Citalopram replacement with 50mg of 5HTP- maybe i will increase to 100mg [i notice shropshire lad that you take 200-300mg?] Can i ask do you take your SSRI's along with the 5HTP??
    Cheers me dears

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    69

    Re: 5HTP!!

    PS what is 'serotonin syndrome'?? never heard of it!! but then again, i am a bit slow on the uptake as they say!!

  9. #9

    Re: 5HTP!!

    I have taken up to 500mg a day of 5 HTP. I currently use 200mg in conjuction with 1200mg of St John's Wort, which apparently has a similar method of action to an SSRI.

    I have used 5 HTP with Mirtazapine for a short time.

    Serotonin syndrome is:-

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004531/

    There is talk of 5 HTP damaging heart valves due to elevated blood levels of serotonin, this is purely theorotical, from what I have read, based on serotonin given intravenously to rats.

    Hundreds of thousands of people use 5 HTP daily and I've still not heard of any worrying side effects.

  10. #10

    Re: 5HTP!!

    You should ask your doctor about 5-HTP -- I had been taking Anafranil and wanted to try 5-HTP and my doctor advised against it unless I went down in dosage.

    Here is another resource on 5-HTP I found, aside from Wikipedia:

    http://www.purematters.com/herbs-supplements/5/5-htp

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