5-htp and alcohol

[relieved]

The question I had was not whether drinking alcohol would effect 5-htp, or visa-versa but rather taking 5-htp before or after a couple of drinks. Does anybody know if it is safe. Would it affect the liver or any other part of the body that would make it harmful?

[mrs banadinovich]

The question I had was not whether drinking alcohol would effect 5-htp, or visa-versa but rather taking 5-htp before or after a couple of drinks. Does anybody know if it is safe. Would it affect the liver or any other part of the body that would make it harmful?

Hi Relieved !
Glad I saw your post. I must admit I didn't condsider any serious problems with alcohol and 5HTP. I had a few glasses of red wine on Saturday night, then took my 5HTP as usual. I probably slept more soundly than usual, I woke up with the headache from hell, painkillers couldn't touch it. I then started to be violently sick, this lasted for about 6, 7 hours, I then still felt weak, shaky and kept alternating between shivering and hot sweats.
I can't prove a direct correlation between the two, but I always have red wine at the weekend and never have more than an occasional mild headache the next day. I wasn't taking any other medication. If I were you I would avoid the 5HTP altogether at the times you know you are going to be drinking, I certainly wouldn't have them both within say, 10-12 hours ? I took my usual dose last night and have had no repercussions.
Take care ! :smile:

[OffTheRadar]

hi there,

In contrast to the above...I took 5HTP for 2 months and had a moderate to heavy consumption every night. Never had any bad reaction...mind you i also wasnt too sure if the 5htp worked either. I've just started a re try of 5HTP on much reduced alcohol intake.

With 5HTP and alcohol I guess it depends on how you are wired.

Good Luck!

OTR

[mrs banadinovich]

I don't think you get the full anti-depressant effects of any supplements or medications if drinking heavily because of the depressive effect of drinking. Please don't get me wrong, I drink more than I should and sometimes on medication, so I'm not lecturing :smile: ! Hope you have more luck this time round.

[relieved]

I read some info. about 5-htp and alcohol and it said that you should not drink alcohol 6 hours before or after, because it could affect the way the 5-htp would be metabolized. I realize that it's recommended to take 5-htp at night and that is the time most people consider drinking alcohol. What I decided to do was, since I take it for anxiety and mild depression, is to take it during the day. After getting used to it, it doesn' t necessarily cause drowsiness (a few weeks or so), so I would be able to drink later in the day if I chose to do so.

[mrs banadinovich]

That's worth thinking about ! I certainly don't get knocked out by 5HTP anymore (I've taken it for over 2 weeks now).