5HTP Absolutely stunned

[Quest]

Hi everyone.
I'm new posting here, but have been reading for months. I would like to post my experience so that it may help anyone hoping to find hope.
I have had terrible anxiety with panic attacks with bouts of depression for most of my life, and have been through the Celexa and the Klonopin and the Xanax...the list trails on.
After kicking the Klonopin, as it was dragging me down, I was once again searching for an answer, some hope. I have studied alternatives for many years, and tried quite a few. Some work, some do not for me. However, I must say that TWO alternatives have worked far better than my expectations.
1. Sam E In THREE days I was shopping in a mall, going out to eat, and laughing again. This, after having a horrible spell of agoraphobia. I would NEVER have believed it. The only drawback for me was that I felt slightly buzzy and almost caffeineated. It stopped my fears of going out and made me feel bright and full of energy but it didnt stop some of the anxiety attacks. Sam e can actually cause anxiety so I would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with a lot of GAD or PAD. However, on a low dose of 100-200mg a day it might do the trick. Some people get slight nausea, and if you are one of them..take a ginger capsule. It should stop it in its tracks. Ive decided to use Sam e to cycle with and not on a daily basis as it aggrevates my anxiety.
2. 5 HTP The first day that I took this I was having one of those really shaky days, feeling panicky and down. After I took the first 50mg capsule I must admit that I was expecting the worst...more panic, lightheadedness, too much energy, a caffeine buzz...my kava was on hand in case. However, within 2o minutes, instead of panic, I felt calmness. Again, instead of hiding in my house, I felt like going for a walk. Mind you, Im one of those that have had fears of walking in case I faint..all the old agoraphobic weird frights. I walked, I rode my bike, I went out to eat..at a restaurant..AWAY from an exit. I felt so "normal" I cried. Not one thing, no pharmacy pill, no therapy, had ever done that for me.
So, its early days with this..only a week and i am WELL aware that it might last, might not. But, if it has worked this well for me it may just be the thing to take in a panic state. As for the depression, it helps, but not as evident as the Sam e. However, this will take a few weeks to properly judge. Since I have a horrid cold right now Im going to stop a few days to make certain that I give the 5HTP a fair shake without contributing feeling crappy from my illness to 5HTP.
Just thought I would share. I have tried St Johns Wort 3 times, but the lightheadedness it gave me triggers my panic attacks. Otherwise I cant fairly comment on it. Hope this helps some looking for some alternate views. Bless.

[syl1979]

Hi

I have just read your post about 5-HTP.

I am going through exactly the same as you described, agoraphobia, can't go out to shops, or anywhere really, or walk, as you say the fear of feeling dizzy is always there.

I have just started taking 5-HTP, first one last night.

I really hope they work as well for me

Are they still working for you

[Quest]

I am sorry to hear that you have to feel the same worries. Its a dreadful circle...always searching, hoping...waiting..on edge.
I have resumed my 5 HTP. I prefer to take mine in the morning as my anxiety is of course worse then. (If I have to go out) And yes, it seems to do something that I just cannot explain. I would swear to anyone that no way would I be standing in line in a bank (big fear of mine..lines) yet 30 minutes after an HTP I can do just that. I feel no brain fog, no fear. Its similar to a benzo feeling without all the tiredness.
I was supposed to go shopping for new furniture Sunday and told my husband that I was too frightened..I tend to get motion sick in the car, I have fear of shopping deep in stores without windows, malls ..just the stuff that scares me. He reminded me to take the HTP. In 30 minutes I was off shopping..AND enjoying it. No dizzies...no lightheadedness...no fear.
Is there a down side? Well, I have kept a journal and note that if I take 1 50 mg in the am for days in a row..that same night I will wake up usually with a caffeine type buzz. I go back to sleep but i tend to awaken with that feeling a few times. Now, from what I have read...because the HTP has worn off certainly by then, it is my body saying "Hey, I need more serotonin" Naturally that says for me to take another HTP at night. However, to be certain I will wait on this and see if that side effect disappears before I take a nightly dose. Also, I know that I will not take it daily as I tend to still feel calm the morning after (even if the night before had me slightly jittery)
Let me be sure to mention that I am a HUGE frightful scardy cat LOL. I hate taking pills, I look for ANY and all horrible side effects and I definately wont take it if I feel worse then what I am trying to treat. In my opinion so far, I would definately take the HTP if I needed to go out, but I am not able to give a long term opinion. The SAM e works much quicker and better, but there is way more of a scary buzz for me after a few days. Again, that is something I could only take every other day at as low as a 100-200 mg dose.
If you DO feel dizzy-ish, off balance, and you are fearful of these supplements..you could try a simple ginger capsule. OR drink 8 oz of gingerale...with REAL ginger only. It does work amazingly for that but wont cure you of any depression or panic. Let me know what happens. Hugs

[Quest]

Just want to add an update..
In my case, it seems like my serotonin pump (LOL) needs to be filled occasionally like a car needs fuel. I find that if I take the 5HTP for a few days, I dont have to take it again for 4 more. Then, like something running low on batteries..I get the familiar "ick" feeling. A sort of "cant be bothered feeling" a "not looking forward to the day" feeling. Then the worries start, the small obsessions and the panics.
I stop and think "Good grief, NOTHING will get me out of this. I feel down, almost empty." Then I think..hmm I guess its time for HTP again. AND when I take it in my own mind Im thinking that it wont work, it cant work, Im too blah and jittery. Yet again, it does.
Today, I went from not wanting to face the day...to pulling weeds and walking in the sunshine an hour after a 50mg capsule. Nope, I cant explain it. I just know that SOMETHING in that lil Natrol pill changes my mind for the better.
Hugs to you all.
My only drawback is that it might give me jitters after it wears off later. Lets hope not. And oh, if you take a 550mg Ginger capsule from GNC with the HTP, it not only enhances the HTP by increasing blood flow to the brain..it COMPLETETLY blocks any nausea you might get.:spin:

[surfmike]

My name is Michael. I'm a 35 year old mortgage banker that got fed up with corporate america about 2 years ago.

I got so depressed. I have always been alittle bit on the funny side. Things got so dark. It was not in my nature. I went from the most social person to somebody that wanted to hide from the world.

As we know, Seritonin can be decreased at any age. My level dropped huge esp during the winter.

I'm one of those guys that would never trust medical advise, however I went to a doc. Keep in mind, I'm a easy going happy guy two years ago.

The doc said I had add so put me on speed. It slowed me down, and made me stupid.

After that experience with speed slowing me down I really thought ADD might be my problem.

After six months of the Ridolin I started my own business that failed to extreme. I was not calm, and my mind felt worse.

After sleeping in for months my friend told me I might be depressed. I already knew this, but it was obvious to others. I could not hide. I wanted to hear this. Time to research.

I did my research and found 5-HTP. I have only been on it for 5 days, however I sleep great, wake up feeling great, and feel I can get on to my career that took a huge bend due to depression.

I dont have a panic disorder, things just get dark with me.

If I dont feel like i'm worth anything, job, ext i hide.

The benefits to 5-HTP so far: I will post the end result in a month. 2 good to be true.

1. Self Worth
2. I sleep all night and dont wake up 3 or more times.
3. I feel like my skills and self worth will pay off.
4. I dont get dark feelings of wanting to sleep to ignore the world. I wish I did drugs, seems like the easy way out hee hee
5. I want to clean my house again, and be involved in the world. I use to be a clean freak.
6. Little things dont get me down.
7. I can relax and watch a movie and not worry.

Ok, let me post in a month. blah blah blah. I just cant believe this stuff works. Even for now.

The downsides.

1. I woke up and took 200 mg. way extreme. I got very sick for about 1 hour. Not bad. Kindof like going in circles on a bad ride at a theme park. I lowered my dose to 50 mg. a day. perfect! hint (make sure you eat.) my opinion is 1/2 hour after the dose.

I feel great, and I hope it last. blah blah blah. here is my 10 cents! hope it helps. I think public opinion is the best advise ever. Any docter could tell you to take anything, and on with the next patient. For them it's all about a heard of people. not the docs fault, but the money man. ceo at the top of the hospital., for me it's all about my mind and feeling the way I use 2.

[Quest]

Michael, I am so glad that you are feeling better!

One of the things that really stood out to me was when you said that you could enjoy a movie again. I NEVER am able to sit still enough to watch something..even if I really want to see it...yet with the HTP in my system I am able to again.

Of course every other fantastic thing stands out as well, but your movie comment was one that Id recently discovered to stay true for myself too.

As an update, yes..I am still on the 5HTP every other day to every two days. And if I were to take over 50mg, I too get more jittery. The 50mg mark is where I do my best. The sometime bouts of slight nausea have even stopped. But if they do come about, my trusty ginger erases them completely.

I have no side effects other then an increase in smiling and laughing again, with an interest to do things. It scares me when I think about all the dark mornings I would awaken, not wanting to face another empty day. Since the HTP, it hasnt been that way at all. I take a multi as well with extra B, for me adding Tyrosine is a no no..as it makes me much too jittery. So far, still so good. I will dread the day that it might stop working, but my fingers are crossed that it shall keep me feeling like I should have years ago. Bless all..and ps I am studying naturopathy and no way would I recommend something for anxiety or depression honestly if I didnt try it myself.

[surfmike]

Wow, I woke up with a smile. First time in months. Is htp for reals. Unreal. My confidence is coming back, and have you noticed the deep sleep you get? No alarm, and up at 7 am. wow.

[Quest]

Wow, I woke up with a smile. First time in months. Is htp for reals. Unreal. My confidence is coming back, and have you noticed the deep sleep you get? No alarm, and up at 7 am. wow.

My sleep is very peaceful now and sound. I used to wake up at around 1am with heart palps and panics a lot. Not anymore. I must add though that I do not take the HTP at night, just a dose at around 10 or 12 during the daytime works brilliantly for me. Its a very strange feeling when Ive had anxiety and depression for over 20 years, and FINALLY I find an answer. If the straight HTP stops for me, I will go to straight Tryptophan and then switch back after a month. But so far, no problems or any feelings of it not working.
I must add that I went Christmas shopping today alone..ME! In lines, and smiling, and talking to strangers. It is not a manic happiness, its just a pleasureable relief. I wish everyone could find something that worked this well. I did want to reiterate that the SAM e was just as brilliant, BUT NOT for people with anxiety side issues. It builds up and does make one hyper and panicked if they already have panic disorder. As for SJW, it made me dizzy, which sets off my panic...so I could not handle it so well.

[Help]

Hi everyone.
I'm new posting here, but have been reading for months. I would like to post my experience so that it may help anyone hoping to find hope.
I have had terrible anxiety with panic attacks with bouts of depression for most of my life, and have been through the Celexa and the Klonopin and the Xanax...the list trails on.
After kicking the Klonopin, as it was dragging me down, I was once again searching for an answer, some hope. I have studied alternatives for many years, and tried quite a few. Some work, some do not for me. However, I must say that TWO alternatives have worked far better than my expectations.
1. Sam E In THREE days I was shopping in a mall, going out to eat, and laughing again. This, after having a horrible spell of agoraphobia. I would NEVER have believed it. The only drawback for me was that I felt slightly buzzy and almost caffeineated. It stopped my fears of going out and made me feel bright and full of energy but it didnt stop some of the anxiety attacks. Sam e can actually cause anxiety so I would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with a lot of GAD or PAD. However, on a low dose of 100-200mg a day it might do the trick. Some people get slight nausea, and if you are one of them..take a ginger capsule. It should stop it in its tracks. Ive decided to use Sam e to cycle with and not on a daily basis as it aggrevates my anxiety.
2. 5 HTP The first day that I took this I was having one of those really shaky days, feeling panicky and down. After I took the first 50mg capsule I must admit that I was expecting the worst...more panic, lightheadedness, too much energy, a caffeine buzz...my kava was on hand in case. However, within 2o minutes, instead of panic, I felt calmness. Again, instead of hiding in my house, I felt like going for a walk. Mind you, Im one of those that have had fears of walking in case I faint..all the old agoraphobic weird frights. I walked, I rode my bike, I went out to eat..at a restaurant..AWAY from an exit. I felt so "normal" I cried. Not one thing, no pharmacy pill, no therapy, had ever done that for me.
So, its early days with this..only a week and i am WELL aware that it might last, might not. But, if it has worked this well for me it may just be the thing to take in a panic state. As for the depression, it helps, but not as evident as the Sam e. However, this will take a few weeks to properly judge. Since I have a horrid cold right now Im going to stop a few days to make certain that I give the 5HTP a fair shake without contributing feeling crappy from my illness to 5HTP.
Just thought I would share. I have tried St Johns Wort 3 times, but the lightheadedness it gave me triggers my panic attacks. Otherwise I cant fairly comment on it. Hope this helps some looking for some alternate

views. Bless.


Hello im new here and i need help fast i have panic attacks for about 2 years i was on medication then i was ok and got off them now there back but i gain so much weight from the meds about 50 pounds i don't want to go back on them i just want to know is SJW good for panic attacks i feel so bad that i can not go outside with out having one can you please help Kelly or someone who is in the same state im in i feel like im going to die when i have them please get back let me know if it is ok to take SJW.

Help Pleasehttp://www.sjwinfo.org/forums/graphics/emoticons/frown.gif
Susan
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[Quest]

Hello im new here and i need help fast i have panic attacks for about 2 years i was on medication then i was ok and got off them now there back but i gain so much weight from the meds about 50 pounds i don't want to go back on them i just want to know is SJW good for panic attacks i feel so bad that i can not go outside with out having one can you please help Kelly or someone who is in the same state im in i feel like im going to die when i have them please get back let me know if it is ok to take SJW.

Help Pleasehttp://www.sjwinfo.org/forums/graphics/emoticons/frown.gif
Susan
<!-- / message -->

Susan
Sometimes something will help one person and not another. It depends on WHY you have panics. If your serotonin is low, like mine is, it causes anxiety AND a touch of depression. Sometimes though, serotonin isnt an issue. It could be blood sugar, thyroid, low magnesium... One has to know before they have any idea what might help. St Johns Wort can alleviate some anxiety and depression..but initially it can also aggrevate anxiety. Personally, I could not take it because of the anxiety issues and dizziness it gave me...but that isnt the case with everyone. Unfortunately, you have to try these things to see what works for you...and most of all you have to try and be patient. These alternatives are not like conventional prescriptions. If you have taken scripts before, do not expect quick prolonged relief like they can give you. There have been a lot of positive stories here on many different alternatives. I wish you the best

[netsync]

question for Quest: did you take the SAM-e and 5HTP at the same time?

[Quest]

question for Quest: did you take the SAM-e and 5HTP at the same time?

Absolutely no.
Thats because if I did, then I wouldn't be able to tell which, if either, were helping or hurting. If one would be doing well and I felt the need to supplement..then I would possibly try a combination.:smile:

[Quest]

Still taking the 5HTP. Usually keep the every other day regimen.
The only way that I can describe it is like someone opened the shades over my eyes.
My pdoc is now going to be recommending it to his patients before SSRI treatment if they so chose to try it.
:smile:

[joanie d]

Hiya Quest

You take 50mg in the morning for a few days and then leave it off for a few days, yes?

I used to take 100mg per day, just cut down to 50mg to see if there was a difference. Not sure there is, so I'm going to try the 100mg again for a few days to compare.

Just interested in what works for you. I've not really experimented with dose til now and I'm thinking maybe I should.

joanie x

[Quest]

Hiya Quest

You take 50mg in the morning for a few days and then leave it off for a few days, yes?

I used to take 100mg per day, just cut down to 50mg to see if there was a difference. Not sure there is, so I'm going to try the 100mg again for a few days to compare.

Just interested in what works for you. I've not really experimented with dose til now and I'm thinking maybe I should.

joanie x

I started with 50mg around 10am every other morning...worked like a charm. Then after about a month..a week off...then back on. But now Im just taking 25mg every other morning and it helps just as much. In my case I need that build up of serotonin..its like my "pump" LOL is low. The 5HTP seems to give the courage to get out and do things that the panic normally would hold me back from. If I feel happy then Im likely to be brave and venture out...even when Im slightly scared and agoraphobic.
Im actually working with my pdoc to get others in his practice to try the alternatives before he prescribes SSRIs etc. Sometimes a combo works even better for many.

[Chuzzle2006]

Hey guys.

I think I like this 5-htp stuff too. I'm going to try out your regiment if it stops working. I've only been on it for a week now. I take one at night around 11:30 pm and then one around 11:30 am the next day.

I have found that at night, I wake up a lot earlier than I normally would. When this happens, I don't feel like my groggy "can't wake up until I'm in the shower" old self. I feel totally alert..like I've been up for awhile. I'm kind of questioning why this is. Perhaps I'm getting a much better deep sleep than I normally would. It scares me a bit because I normally sleep a lot more. It's not a bad feeling though. Other than that everything is okay pretty much. I do sometimes a feeling like you're on speed..just slight. Hands are just a bit shaky..nothing major and I have a slight go go go feeling sometimes.

Has anybody had these kind of reactions?

Chad

[Quest]

Hey guys.

I think I like this 5-htp stuff too. I'm going to try out your regiment if it stops working. I've only been on it for a week now. I take one at night around 11:30 pm and then one around 11:30 am the next day.

I have found that at night, I wake up a lot earlier than I normally would. When this happens, I don't feel like my groggy "can't wake up until I'm in the shower" old self. I feel totally alert..like I've been up for awhile. I'm kind of questioning why this is. Perhaps I'm getting a much better deep sleep than I normally would. It scares me a bit because I normally sleep a lot more. It's not a bad feeling though. Other than that everything is okay pretty much. I do sometimes a feeling like you're on speed..just slight. Hands are just a bit shaky..nothing major and I have a slight go go go feeling sometimes.


Has anybody had these kind of reactions?

Chad


Hi there. I get that slight jitter only if my body doesnt need the HTP...which is why I cant take it everyday at a high dose. When the dose and timing is right it works perfectly! (For me anyways)

[Quest]

Hi all..
Still, the HTP is my best bet.
25mg is about where Im my best at if I take it daily or every other day. After awhile I didnt need the full 50mg. And 100 would make me feel jumpy.
Also adding flax oil has cut my need for more HTP.
HTP is still my winner!

[webcat63]

What brand do you use? Do you have to split 50mg, or is there 25mg available too?

[Quest]

What brand do you use? Do you have to split 50mg, or is there 25mg available too?

I split a Natural factors tablet in half. Ive tried other brands...but some give me a headache and some tend to make me a bit dizzy.
This brand is my favorite (personally)

[Quest]

Its been a LONG while and I thought that it might be important to post this update as so many people read this thread.
I still highly believe in the HTP. After taking it regularly at only 50mg, then 25, then 25 every other day there came a time where I didnt need it anymore. I still take 1 tablespoon of Flax as maintenance every morning...and with that I find that i do not need the HTP. RARELY, I feel the need for it...and if I do, yes it still works for me.
In the beginning I was very nervous and depressed, agitated, down.
That is when I took the 50mg. Sometimes a second one later in the day. But after the positivity came back in my life I could cut back. It took months for me to be able to finally be off of it regularly, but it did happen.
When there is enough serotonin in your body after taking it awhile i found the HTP will make you feel more jittery then relaxed. Htp isnt the type of pill that i could take 50mg everyday indefinately like a vitamin. It depends on how one feels. Eventually when the serotonin builds up and you are calm and happy you can cut down...but it could take weeks, months. This is just how it has all worked out for me. And yes, i did this under a doctors supervison...one that gave me the shot to prove HTP before he put me on Paxil. He never had to. : ) All my best to you

[analea21]

Quest,
How long have you taken 5htp? I took it for 2 months and it wore off. Is it to be taken on a needs basis, or do you take it every other day always?

[Quest]

Hi there,
Every other day for a month...then a week off where id take Gaba.
But as I took it and my anxiety lessened I was braver, happier and didnt need it much anymore anyway. I rarely take it now at all. Thus it works when i do. I do take fish oil daily AND Flax and thats kept me on an even keel.

[analea21]

Hey Quest,
I just read through this thread. I have been taking 5htp for a month at 50mg. I took it for 2 weeks every other day, and then I took for 2 weeks everyday. I was feeling really good and sleep was so great. However, now I feel a little bit jittery. I was thinking that I need to go off of it for a week like you have. However, when I stop the 5htp, shouldn't there be some withdrawal symptoms? Also, when you took Gaba for a week, did you feel any significant change? What did the Gaba do for you?

[Quest]

Hi analea
If you get jittery, it could be just that it is too much. You could just cut back. I was taking 25mg a day, then every other day because I didnt need 50 after awhile. I did take a weeks break after after 4-5 weeks, then back to what worked for me. My maintenance dose at 25mg every other day is where I was comfortable for months...yet some people find they need 50, or even 100mg. If you are not jittery, calm, feeling easy going, not so stressed and generally smiling...thats your target dose.
Gaba made me feel calmer, but in no way does it equal the calm of a tranquilizer. However, it can take the edge off, which can be enough.
Since I have been taking the Fish Oil, I rarely ever even need the HTP anymore...but if I do, since I havent taken it in a long period...Id start back at 50mg, and slowly drop from there if I take it daily.
In my experience, when I was taking too much HTP...I was actually getting more prone to jumpiness and even motion sickness so I always knew when I needed to cut back. :rosiecheeks:

[analea21]

Thank you so much for the information. When we're feeling good, it's easy to forget this forum exists. So, I'm glad you gave us an update.

Yesterday I made myself so anxious trying to research about what to take when I take a break for 5htp. Today is the second day I skipped the htp and I felt great all day! I think you are right that it may have been too much for me. It was working great for a month, and then this past week it was not so great anymore. So, I guess I'll wait for a week and start back up at 50mg. I decided to take Passion Flower or Valerian for the anxiety during the break. I researched on Gaba and could not find very much information on it. I guess it's an amino acid, but do you know if it works like anti-anxiety herbs, or does it actually increase serotonin?

I am also taking 600mg of SJW as well. I cannot take anything higher in regard to dosage because the SJW does not help with anxiety which is one of my main issues. Sometimes I wonder if the SJW is even working since I've been on it for several months now.

So...I guess I'll just have to wait and see if 5htp works again for me after a week off. I'm crossing my fingers.:rolleyes:

[Quest]

Gaba increases...well, gaba. And yes, it is a neurotransmitter. It exerts a calming influence. However, there is MUCH talk about how or if gaba can cross the blood brain barrier when taken as a simple supplement. Some say yes, some no. Yet I have hoards of books where when tested, Gaba does seem to increase a calming aspect in supplement form. Gaba is not serotonin, nor does it increase it.
A REALLY excellent book to read..if you are pulling out your hair and wondering about amounts, and substitutes and even withdrawal is The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. It reads easy and you just dont have to be a mad scientist or doctor to decode it. It may help your questions.
I have never had any withdrawals from HTP BTW.
If you are taking SJW along with HTP you may indeed need even less. (HTP) Thats an iffy line there...where you can get an overload easier (of serotonin) Some people, when on an HTP break take Rhodiola or even sam E. Its all so dependent on what works for you though. Ive read so many posts about people having opposite reactions that I really do see that we are all test subjects here. The one thing I CAN tell you though, that rings true with everyone..is to watch what you mix, watch your amounts, and be patient. Hope this helps a bit. Be well and happy.

[robertz]

Regarding GABA... you should try L-theanine instead because as Quest said GABA doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine on the other hand is known to increase GABA levels. L-theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Regarding 5-HTP... i ran out of Solgar's brand and ordered Nature's way one. All I can say is it just doesn't work. Solgar is more expensive but it is a VERY good brand. I don't know if it's because it is enteric coated or what...

Another supplement i've recently tried is L-Tyrosine (NOW brand). This one is very very good. I lost hunger and i was feeling very tired before i took L-Tyrosine. It improves your mind much more than 5-HTP (at least for me).

Now I'm on L-Tyrosine, omega3, multivitamins and some 5-htp, and i'm thinking of ordering some L-Theanine to reduce anxiety further. Anyway this combination works as expected for me.

[Quest]

Regarding GABA... you should try L-theanine instead because as Quest said GABA doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine on the other hand is known to increase GABA levels. L-theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Regarding 5-HTP... i ran out of Solgar's brand and ordered Nature's way one. All I can say is it just doesn't work. Solgar is more expensive but it is a VERY good brand. I don't know if it's because it is enteric coated or what...

Another supplement i've recently tried is L-Tyrosine (NOW brand). This one is very very good. I lost hunger and i was feeling very tired before i took L-Tyrosine. It improves your mind much more than 5-HTP (at least for me).

Now I'm on L-Tyrosine, omega3, multivitamins and some 5-htp, and i'm thinking of ordering some L-Theanine to reduce anxiety further. Anyway this combination works as expected for me.


LTyrosine gives you a real get up and go...but you DO NOT want that if you have anxiety. Tyrosine can bring on panic attacks if you are prone to them. I think Analea posted that she had anxiety, so tyrosine would have to be carefully considered before buying it. It can wire you to a point of a frenzy if you are already in an agitated state.
As for L Theanine...yes, it has some really good reviews. For me, it relaxed me, but made me dizzy...so i couldnt take it. Again, trial and error.
People say that when 5htp poops out...IF it does for them...to take L Tyrosine with it. I have even read this. But for me, it brought on anxiety. Tyrosine was a big no no since my anxiety overides depression.

[analea21]

I took a week break, and this week I went back up to 50mg every other day. I have felt very tired during the day. If my anxiety was high, I would not be complaining. I would feel relieved if I was tired a lot, but I am not under a lot of pressure right now so my anxiety is lower. So, I am wondering if I should take 25mg 5htp since I am on SJW at 600mg. Also, does anyone take 5htp only when they feel like they need a boost. Does it work like this, taking it twice a week when you feel anxious or depressed?

About the tyrosine, anxiety is an issue, so it would not be good for me. Then again, if the 5htp only works with it, then maybe I need to take it.

[robertz]

I wouldn't be that afraid of L-Tyrosine. I suffer from anxiety and depression and L-Tyrosine doesn't make me more anxious at all. Maybe I lack dopamine and that's why it works so good for me, relieving my depression. Since I started the tyrosine i haven't had a "bad day". I take 500mg in the morning and 50-100 mg of 5-HTP at night and this combination works for me. I don't want to lie though, i'm not a new person, but I no longer get so irritated that my own voice makes me angry... and it's been just a couple of weeks.

P.D: If you wanna try L-Tyrosine and are afraid of getting anxious, take it in the morning one day when you don't have to work and see what happens. Start at a low dose (500mg seems to be safe).

Best wishes,

Robert.

[DW23]

My heartrate got really fast on tyrosine, too much to deal with. Tyrosine and Dl-phenylalanine are basically the same thing they just have some kind of minor difference. Anyway Dl-phenylalanine works fine for me and no heart palpitations.

[analea21]

Thanks for the advice. I think since I'm also taking SJW at 600mg, perhaps the 5htp is too much for me at 50mg. I've had to stop taking it the last two days. However, I see that it would work at this dosage if I am facing high stress which usually causes anxiety. If I was anxious this last week, I would welcome being tired no problem. We'll see what happens on a lower dose.

[Quest]

Everybody truly responds differently. One recommendation might not be best for everyone. I think this is all about a gathering of what worked for us as individuals. None of us can say.."IF you do this and take this you will be completely cured, guaranteed"
However, in different sitautions...cures can indeed be found.
I am in my second year of studying for my naturopathy degree, and I am always learning more. I can give opinions, but not promise the magic cure bullet for anyone. In my case, I did try many routes in treating this anxiety and depression..for me..the HTP does work...and yes..I can take it occasionally and it still works. The only thing I have noticed is a slight headache if I havent been on it regularly. Personally, i couldnt take 50mg htp and SJW...but that does not mean that it wouldnt work for someone else. Just be careful of TOO much serotonin when you combine supplements. As for the Tyrosine, for me...it made my heart want to jump out of my chest...yet for others...their body needs it to work with the HTP. There isnt really a right or wrong here...it depends on your symptoms, your deficiency. My answer was HTP...and HTP alone. I could not take Tyrosine, Theanine was a bit too weak, Sam e made my anxiety spike dangerously, SJW made me feel odd, and B vitamins, even at 50mg daily are too much for me. Yet...if you research, read, ask...all of these things, along with those I have not tried like Rhodiola, can help and will help if they are right for you.
There are cases where all of these have worked, and cases where they have not...those who read should never be discouraged...they should try it for themselves. Just remember to give whatever you are taking TIME to work, patience is key. Obviously though, if you have a horrible reaction, stop taking it. Try not to combine at first...or you wont know whats helping you, not helping you, or is making you worse. Keep a daily journal. It really, really helps to go back and read how you felt, and keep track of dosages and amounts. It really can be a delicate science here. We are tweaking brain chemistry, not trying a new shampoo. LOL :smile:
I know how awful it is, how impatient one can be, how hopeless,...just keep fighting on....give yourself time. And remember, in some cases one might need to rely on conventional medicine. It wont make anyone a failure, it will make them hopefully better. Hugs to everyone.