To 5-HTP or not to 5-HTP?

The Lumie forum is for general discussion of Seasonal Affective Disorder and all things light therapy. To join in you'll need to register.

We do not monitor this forum every day. If you want to reach Lumie please go to our contact us page.

Summer
joined 27 Nov 2007
31 posts

send a pm

Posted by Summer, 15:37 9 November 2008

Hi Guys. I need some advice and hope that some of you can help.

I'm trying to do this year off the AD's to prove to myself that I can do it. I've been out excersising as much as I can, taking Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex and Omega oils. I also have a Bachs flower remedy to help me with the anxiety. However, I'm now (over the last week or so) beginning to struggle. I don't want to run back to the AD's and SJW doesn't really work for me so I've been reading up on 5-HTP. I know that some of you have/ are taking it and would like your thoughts. I've read that it is supposed to be just as good as Prozac (which I usually end up taking) and it can also help with the bad dreams I have at this time of year especially. Are there any major side effects I should know about?

Me
joined 29 Oct 2007
414 posts

send a pm

Posted by Me, 11:45 10 November 2008

When i have got 5htp from the health food shops they have never given me any warnings apart from do not use with antidepressants etc.

However, i took the opportunity to look at a number of websites on 5htp and came to my own conclusion that there could be risks (but then there are with other supplements.) The only problem was that there was no one to turn to for help if I needed it and therefore it was a bit hit and miss. You dont get this with prescibed medicaton from a doctor to hand!!!

My doctor said that it worked similar to Prozac but was more direct!?!?!?!? I think she meant that it doesnt need converting from one brain chemical to another - but look it up.

The decision is yours. I find it works beautifully for me if I take a lower dose for a short period. I do however only have the classic SAD symptoms not complicated by other medical issues.

If you read through some of the other threads here you will find others though who struggled with it. So its seems as if its a bit hit and miss.

I took it the first time because I was desperate, if I wasnt so desperate I would have thought thrice.

Good luck

Me x

Sando
joined 10 Nov 2008
1 posts

send a pm

Posted by Sando, 17:28 10 November 2008

Hi Summer ....

I used 5-HTP on and off for about 8 months or so after gradually weening myself off the anti-depressants a few years back. I found they did really seem to help, no magic cure but it certainly took the edge off the depression which was enough at the time. The only negative point I found is that i've tried starting a course of them a few times after that and I now find that they bring on panic attacks after a day or two. Don't let that put you off though as everyone is different and they certainly seemed to help for a good length of time before that.

All the best ......... x

Post a reply

home > forum