I've been taking 5-HTP 50 mg which I purchased at my local drug chain for $18.00 I have heard so many confusing opinions about it. I read that it should be taken on an empty stomach 2 hours before a protein meal. Or taken with a carb like orange juice...I'm not doing that! Or it should be taken with vit B6 & 12 and C in order for it to work....but I can't have a multi on an empty stomach???????????????????????????? I heard it should be taken 2 x a day but also heard 100 mg are dangerous.

I decided to chalk off the loss ($18.00) and see a Doc for a prescription antidepressent but I haven't had any luck in the past with any of them.

Anyone here have any luck with taking 5 HTP??

Hi,

I've had a really good response with HTP. I used to be on cipramil and a couple of other anti-depressants and this time when the old symptoms came back, i decided that I didn't want to take them again and would try 5HTP once more.

I take 50mg in the morning and 100mg at night (and just when I wake up and half an hour before I go to bed, just with a glass of water and nothing else). I am sleeping better and am just generally far more relaxed. These things take time tho. Just as an anti-depressant can take a week or so to get going, so does HTP. The only side effect is some pretty intense dreams. There are quite a few pages on the web about it - altho some rather foolishly suggest it can cure everything! I'd suggest taking the ones that you have bought and then if nothing seems to have shifted moodwise, see your Dr. Of course, if you are in a bad way, crying lots, feeling really blue and down - see your Dr now without waiting.

Have a look here for some more info

http://www.5-htp.org/

I hope you feel better soon

Margeme: I'm going to copy and paste some info into the next couple of posts for you. Its taken from my own personal files, so I cannot just give you a link. I hope all this helps. I've struggled with depression (I believe related to hormone imbalances) since I was a kid. I had a hysterectomy this year and feel like a new person. I, however, am still taking the 5HTP.

BTW you can get it much cheaper at Wal-Mart.

5-HydroxyTryptophan (5-HTP)

What do depression, insomnia, anxiety, suicide, migraines, PMS,
obsessive/compulsive behavior, stress, obesity, and addiction have in
common? All of these conditions are manifestations of low levels of
serotonin. Many of the new prescription drugs that have become available
since the absence of L-Tryptophan are designed to regulate brain serotonin
levels (called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs).

Now, a natural and safe alternative to these drugs is available in the form of
5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP, a compound synthesized in the
body from the amino acid tryptophan is ten times more active than
L-Tryptophan and is the immediate precursor to serotonin (5-Hydroxy
typtamine or 5-HT) which is found in the brain, blood platelets, and
duodenal mucosa cells of the gastrointestinal tract, Since serotonin is found
in the brain and central nervous system it has many implications on mood,
behavior and sleep patterns (1).

The function of Prozac®, and many other antidepressant drugs, is to
increase the availability of serotonin in certain brain synapses.
Unfortunately, these drugs can produce many unpleasant and dangerous
side affects (2). Since 5-HTP cannot be patented, drug companies have no
interest in supplying this compound to the public.

Now that tryptophan is restricted by the FDA, researchers have clinically
investigated 5-HTP in comparison to antidepressant drugs. The results of
the studies were astounding. Using the standard depression scale, both the
drug and 5-HTP groups displayed identical reduction in depression.
Depressed patients who received 100mg of 5-HTP, three times daily, showed
at least a 50% improvement in their symptoms, without any reported side
effects(3). Similar studies with depressed children demonstrated equal
benefit(4).

Subsequent studies were performed using 5-HTP for anxiety, panic disorder,
sleep difficulties and obesity. In his research R.S. Kahn observed an obvious
decline in anxiety symptoms when supplementing with 5-HTP (5), and
patients with panic disorder noticed a feeling of relief after receiving 5-HTP
(6). Melatonin, which helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, is a metabolite of
serotonin. Early research studies show that supplementing with 5-HTP may
have positive effects on sleep patterns (7). In a six week clinical study with
obese patients, those supplemented with 5-HTP were able to reduce
carbohydrate intake, and experienced a feeling of early satiety, which
contributed to significant weight loss(8).

This product is an extract from a natural plant seed (Grafonia Seed) and
not from fermented Tryptophan.

Do not use with MAO inhibitors or other antidepressants

Here is some information that I had regarding dosages.




Vitamin B-6 is a cofactor for the enzyme that degrades toxic
tryptophan metabolites. Since B-6 is also needed by the
enzyme that converts 5-HTP into serotonin, this vitamin should
regularly be taken on the same day as 5-HTP, but at least 6
hours before 5-HTP consumption. This preliminary use of B-6
before 5-HTP both helps to prevent the accumulation of toxic
tryptophan metabolites and delays somewhat the rise in
plasma levels of serotonin (from 5-HTP). No additional B-6 is
needed beyond that obtained in a typical B-vitamin pill or a
minimum of 10 mg per day

It should not be taken by
persons who have previously experienced either flushing of the
skin or diarrhea with it use. If nausea is induced by 5-HTP, the
dosage should be reduced or, if symptoms persist, its use
discontinued entirely.


One of the titles of this article ìListening to 5-HTP" is a parody
of the title of the book ìListening to Prozacî. The author of
"Listening to Prozac" generally extols the virtues of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs, like Prozac, especially
underscoring their marked improvement over previously
developed types of anti- depressants. Yet ironically, one six
week study of 69 subjects that compared another SSRI to
5-HTP found that both compounds have equal antidepressant
capabilities. Moreover, 5-HTP had one-half as many
moderate-to-severe side effects as the SSRI. One article which
reviewed the results of 17 clinical trials which used 5-HTP -
mostly for depression - concluded that "oral administration of
5-HTP. - is associated with few adverse effects". Two other
facts surrounding 5- HTP are ironic vis-#-vis Prozac. For one,
the efficacy of Prozac and other SSRIís are still dependent
upon the brains availability or serotonin precursors like
tryptophan or its derivative, 5-HTP. When patients receiving
SSRIís were fed a special diet devoid of tryptophan, a relapse
into depression was experienced, despite the continued
presence of the SSRI. Tryptophan supplementation restored
the antidepressant effects of the SSRI. Finally, 5-HTP is an
amino acid and is available without a prescription.

Warning: Dosages of 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan ( 5-HTP ) greater
than 100 milligrams per day should be taken only under the
guidance of a physician. 5-HTP use at doses greater than 100
mg per day should be taken with the prescription drug
carbadopa to prevent excessive levels of serotonin production in
the peripheral blood circulation. 5-HTP can increase the effect
of tranquilizing drugs and can impair the ability to drive an
automobile.

The usual dosage range of 5-HTP is 150-300mg. per day in divided doses. A conservative starting
dose is 50mg., then boosting by 50mg. every five days. A majority of responders notice a favorable
mood effect within three days of beginning supplementation. In one study, of those who did respond,
80% did so within one week of therapy. Side effects are rare but may include mania, anxiety, and
dermatitis.
For some people, 5-HTP has a very narrow therapeutic window; the proper dosage may lie within a
range as small as 10-25mg. per day. If its antidepressant effects fade after a few weeks, it may be
necessary to supplement 5-HTP at a different time of the day with a low dose of the complementary
amino acide L-Tyrosine, to further raise the norepinephrine levels, or to eat more meat or other
Tyrosine-rich foods.

5-HTP is able to pass the blood-brain barrier more easily than tryptophan, but to maximize its
effectiveness it should not be taken along with protein food. One product manufacturer suggests
taking it 45 minutes before or three hours after a protein meal.

_______

The general guideline for treating depression with 5-HTP is to start with
a dosage of 50 mg three times per day. If satisfactory results are not
obtained after two weeks, the dosage can be increased to 100 mg three
times per day. The maximum dosage recommended for depression is
150 mg four times daily (total daily dose 600 mg) for two weeks. 5-HTP
is usually taken at the beginning of a meal, or about twenty minutes
before. This will reduce the incidence of mild nausea that may be
experienced in the beginning of treatment.

The synergistic effect of herbal medicines combined with 5-HTP may be
helpful and formulated products are available in stores. Ginkgo biloba, a
circulatory tonic is recommended for elderly people. ST.-John’s-wort
(hypericum), a well-known herbal remedy for depression may be taken
in combination with 5-HTP. If the benefits of 5-HTP seemed to diminish
after one month, it may be beneficial to take 500 mg of L-tyrosine or 100
mg of D,L-phenylalanine three times daily. Do not take 5-HTP in
conjunction with a prescription antidepressant, especially a MAO
inhibitor, without first talking to the prescribing physician (Murray, 1998).

Wow randisue! Good information.

I take 5-htp and have been for awhile. I take 50mg in the morning and in the evening most weeks. The week before and first day or two of TOM I also take a 50 mg dose in the afternoon. I suffer from depression and it really helps. It also helps me control my appetite and relatioship with food. Some people need 100 mg two to three times a day. Just a like any medicine, herbal or otherwise, each individual is different.

The reason you need to take the B vitamins is to help your liver expel toxins caused by your body. If you take a multi vitamin, you are fine. I take 5-htp on an empty stomach. I think drugstore.com has the best prices. I also occassionally, as needed take Sam E for a week to a month at a time if my mood is slumping with just the 5 htp.

The key difference between taking 5 htp and a pharmacuetical anti-depressent are the side effects. Many anti depressents cause weight gain which does not occur with the 5htp which actually promotes weight loss proven in several studies easily accessable on the net. Some of the pharms that don't cause weight gain (i.e. effexor) have side effects that include seizures which did not make me comfortable at all.

I almost always take 5htp on an empty stomach and give it 15 minutes to 30 minutes before eating anything. It really helps reduce cravings and binges.

Not quite as technical as randisue's response, but I hope it has been helpful.

Good luck!

This is interesting - I was going to try 5HTP for my SAD this winter, at the moment I take St John's Wort and use a light box.
Anyone used St John's wort before and can compare how effective the StJ's is compared with the 5HTP?
BTW an article I read in a magazine (Human Givens, Volume 9, no4) suggested you shouldn't take StJ's and 5HTP together since St J's works by blocking serotonin breakdown and 5HTP leads to you making more serotonin, so the two together could result in too high levels of serotonin which is quite nasty apparently.

I have never really been diagnosed with depression. I do think I suffer from it though, I have been going through a 6-9 month period with the following symptom:
trouble sleeping
fatigue
no sex drive (my poor dh)
irritable
very blue in general

My Dr. has run tests to see if it is something else, nothing showed up, she suspects depression. She gave me the option of seeing if it works itself out, or starting meds. I chose no meds. I really don't want to take meds unless I HAVE TO. I am interested in trying this 5HTP. Would you suggest it for someone who does not take any other anti-depressants?

I use 5HTP 100 mg at bedtime along with calcium/magnesium supplements and it really helps me sleep. I also take DL Phenylalanine in the morning before breakfast. I have been off Celexa for three months now and feel much better . As well as the aminos I take omega 3,vits C,B,and E, and eat low-carbs of course...

I had great success with 5-HTP. I am cured of depression. I took 5-HTP 175mgs per day, a very strong multi B supplment (not timed release). Niacin B3 100mgs - 200mgs and Omega 3 (cod liver oil). After one month I dropped the doses slightly and the same again another month. Now I just top up around TOM. It is vital to eat regularly and stay away from anyone or anything that is having a negative effect on you. Always look on the bright side of things. It is hard but if you try you can do it! I did! Read Optimum Nutrition for mental health by Patrick Holford, he has a whole section on depression. Also have someone you trust you can talk to, so that you don't believe in the depression.

I just bought some 5HTP; and I was wondering if it would help my anxiety/depression symptoms. I have been struggling with both of these for about 15 years; and it seems that the only thing prescription anti depressants do is make me sleepy...

Can anyone help me?? I'm really afraid to take anything.. Any advice will be helpful. Thanks so much...

Jennifer

hey there - i have always found that 5htp calms me down. helps me sleep and generally makes me feel more relaxed. What i have never found is it to cure everything.

It may help to make things more bearable whilst you consider your next step - it can help with the insomnia that sometimes goes with depression, it can also have the effect of supressing your appetite and i have generally found it to be less toxic to my body than normal anti-depressants.

That said i have now found after long useage of both that i am now down to taking 100mg of 5HTP in the morning and 100mg at night for two days and then one cipramil at 20mg on the third day. 5htp has helped me reduce my reliance on cipramil to taking it every third day - however, this has only been achieved after I found cipramil to control almost all my depressive illness - only once i was fully in control was i able to try and cut down on the dose and go back to 5HTP.

I fully recommend that you speak to your Dr about trying 5HTP - it can be bad if you have taken certain types of anti-depressants recently and isn't recommended. I have had some hard times whilst i juggled and I wouldn't recommend it to someone who had not got proper medical backup and had found a prescription drug that "agreed" with them either.

I send you blessings and good wishes.