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Mental health

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Flip

Original poster

5-HTP anyone?

10 replies

tgisue · 07/06/2011 14:57

The last few months I have been suffering with depression and anxiety.

I have come across references to 5-HTP and was wondering if anyone has used it?

Thanks

Sue

OP posts:

madmouse · 07/06/2011 18:40

No, and I wouldn't either. Most recent studies show that the risks and side effects are worse than those of conventional anti-depressants and the benefits less. It's just as chemical as ADs so you may as well go to the doctor and discuss well controlled and relatively safe ADs.

or try St johnswort if you are not on any medication that it can interfere with such as the pill.

Chocattack · 07/06/2011 21:36

No I haven't but am interested after a friend loaned me a book a while back("Food is better medicine than drugs" by Patrick Holford - incidentally he founded The Institute of Optimal Health www.ion.ac.uk/index.htm).

madmouse do you have any further details of the recent studies showing the risks and side effects worse than ADs? I'm genuinely curious.

madmouse · 07/06/2011 21:48

this is a short overview there are many reference articles at the bottom.

The main risk is serotonin overdose because the drug is not regulated in the UK and you cannot be sure that the dose you take is correct. This can be fatal. There are also risks to blood pressure and potential problems with heart valves.

Chocattack · 07/06/2011 21:50

Thanks madmouse - I'm off to read now!

Chocattack · 07/06/2011 21:53

Sorry brain dead didn't think of Wikipedia

hiddenhome · 12/06/2011 18:27

I found 5htp to be great for about two years, then it stopped working. I stopped taking it and the depression got worse and I'm on citalopram now and feeling much better.

nicevideoshameaboutthesong · 12/06/2011 18:28

i also used it for a year or so. then i switched to SJW.

topsi · 15/06/2011 18:24

I take SJW and tryptophan for depression and insomnia. Think tryptophan is similar to SJW but has less side effects as 5HTP can cause nausea etc. I found taking 5HTP makes me drowsy.

swanny1969 · 30/06/2011 22:20

Posted this elsewhere so have copied and pasted it. Dont know what to think now!

Hi I was recommended 5-HTP in the healtth shop today to help with the low feeling, tearfullness, anxiety, lack of sleep general rubbbish feeling I have! Has anyone else tried thhem? I have search net and cannot find many reviews.
Thanks.
Dont want to visit GP yet as I am hoping to stay on top of mood, but yesterday was horrible and I haven't really stopped crying since monday! My kids are 7 and 10 so its not PND.

Julie

topsi · 03/07/2011 12:05

Don't know why I wrote that as tryptophan and SJW are not similar. Think I meant 5HTP and tryptophan. If you can get hold of tryptophan it is better tolerated than 5HTP. From a personal perspective I would try a good quality SJW before the tryptophan as I think it is more effective.
Don't be tempted by less expensive brands. I would use Kira or a brand available from USA called perika. Also investigate the dose as one a day is not usually enough and 3 a day is the starting dose in countries such as Germany where it is the most commonly prescribed AD.

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