Topic Title: 5htp
| |  "5htp"
, Wed 20 Jun 07:02
I've been taking 500 mg of 5htp daily for about 1.5 years, along with vitamins B6 and C. For anxiety Kava Kava. I hated the side affects from prescription antidepressants, and I felt numb all the time, emotionless. 5htp has given me my life back, I feel great. No side affects, and I feel all emotions.
Posts: 0 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| |
| |  "Re(1):5htp"
, Thu 4 Oct 18:07
I have had a long struggle with anxiety. I am very interested in trying a natural approach.
I have tried different prescriptions off and on over the last 7 years and I have a lot of trouble with the side effects.
It sounds like you have a good thing going. Can you tell me how you take the Kava Kava and the 5HTP? Do you take any other supplements? I am intereted in the 5HTP for depression and especially weight loss. (I need to lose about 15 to 20 pounds.
I have heard a lot of good things about Kava Kava.
Your help would be appreciated.
PS- I have had a lot of concern over dosages and taking different supplements at once.
Posts: 0 | | Registered: Thu 4 Oct 2001 17:59 |
| | |  "Re(2):5htp"
, Fri 12 Oct 09:47
Hi Interested, I take 5 HTP and ST Johns Wort. They work very well for me for depression. I do have to say that the 5 HTP seems like it isn't doing much for me anymore but the St Johns Wort still works real good. I still take them both but if I skip 5 HTP I don't notice the difference but If I miss the SJW then I really notice a big difference. I would also like to tell you that if you tried many different precriptions in the past for depression then you will be all set on these two but if you took medication for anxiety like Valium, Xanex, etc. Kava is a lot weaker than them. Kava did take a slight edge off my anxiety but it didn't work like Xanex so I stopped taking it. I do drink tea at night with Kava and Valerian in it and that seems to relax me a bit. I do still take Xanex though. Kava doesn't work half as well as Xanex although it is very adictive. If the Kava works for you, stick with it. Good Luck and let us know how you make out.
God Bless You,
Vanna
Posts: 29 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(3):5htp" , Fri 12 Oct 09:53
Hi, It's me again, I forgot to say that the 5HTP did relax me at first but now it doesn't seem to relax me at all. I do only take 200mg because I take SJW but now when I take the 5HTP it is like taking a vitamin. I don't get tired or relaxed at all from it.I'm not trying to discourage you because these herbs do work and I would definately take them If I were you. They Do work. I just like SJW better than 5 HTP for depression but i still take the 5HTP.
Vanna
Posts: 30 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | |  "Re(2):5htp"
, Fri 5 Oct 04:37
A good place to start is this forum and reading some of the posts. Also I suggest the following website http://www.smart-publications.com/books/5htp/toc.html
Kava Kava works great for anxiety, I take about 1000 mg when I'm feeling anxious. It is not something I take everyday.
I use the Nature's Way brand of 5htp that is enteric coated and also has vitamins b6 and c included. I take 250mg 2x/day.
I also take on a regular basis Gingko Bilbo for concentration and memory (the recommended dosage on the bottle).
Then I add a multi vitamin, I use Focus Factor.
Recently, I've added essential fatty acids a combination of Omega 3,6 & 9 nutritional oils. I picked up the book "Depression-free, naturally" by Joan Mathews Larson, Ph.d., yesterday, and it has a lot of good nutritional advice, but doesn't recommend 5htp. It seems Dr.s are still divided on whether 5htp is safe or not.
I know that 5htp has been recommended for weight loss, but my weight has stayed the same. I'm having my thyroid tested and should have the results next week.
As you probably know exercise and talk therapy are an important.
Another good book on depression is "Breaking the Patterns of Depression" by Michael d. Yapko, ph.d.
I hope this helps.
Take Care
MJ
Posts: 78 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | | "Re(3):5htp" , Fri 5 Oct 04:50
Thank you so much!
That is a great start for me.
Posts: 1 | | Registered: Thu 4 Oct 2001 17:59 |
| |  "Re(1):5htp"
, Thu 21 Jun 14:28
Did you start with a lower dose in the beginning? I read Dr. Murray's book on 5HTP and he usually recommends about 300mg/day.
Dr. Sahelian advises even less.
btw I tried 2 brands of kava for insomnia and so far it didn't work for me.
catelea
Posts: 4 | | Registered: Sat 26 May 2001 20:26 |
| | |  "Re(2):5htp"
, Thu 21 Jun 16:55
I did start with a lower dose, just 250 mg in the morning. I felt immediate results, but it didn't last all day. I added 250 mg in the afternoon to keep me feeling good ALL day. The book I have "5-htp the Natural Alternative to Prozac" by John Morgenthaler and Lane Lenard Ph.D. has some dosing guidelines. The book recommends If you are taking 5htp to enhance sleep, it is best to take the entire 300 mg dose at bedtime. For migraines 400 mg, 100 mg 4 times a day. As an appetite suppressant 900 mg, 300 mg 3 times per day. For depression 300 mg, 100 mg 3 times per day. The book also says these doses should be adjusted to a level that provides adequate releif without causing daytime sedation. The 5htp doesn't make me drowsy at all, but Kava Kava does. Maybe it is the combination of the 2 that makes me tired. I also find Kava Kava, helps me realx in times of high stress and anxiety, but again that is in combination with the 5htp.
Posts: 3 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | |  "Re(3):5htp"
, Sun 7 Oct 14:39
Hi. ive looked for 5htp (i live in the UK) and i cant find it, however i can get KAVA KAVA and SAM-E, i am only 17 and i get very anxious- do you think i should try it? SJW did not work for me.
Thankyou
Posts: 13 | | Registered: Sun 9 Sep 2001 14:41 |
| | | "Re(4):5htp" , Fri 12 Oct 11:28
Hi Lizard, I think Kava Kava and SAM-E will work for you but SAMe is very expensive. If you want to try 5HTP there is a web site that sells it at a good price. The site is www.iherb.com
If you want to buy off the computer, I find them to be the cheapest. SAMe should help you although I never took it but it is expensive. Just thought I would let you know. Who knows, maybe SAMe will work better for you with the Kava. iherb also sells SAMe for cheaper prices also. I don't know if you like to buy over the computer, but I thought I would let you know.
God Bless You,
Vanna
Posts: 34 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(4):5htp" , Mon 8 Oct 10:28
Lizard,
I was waiting for SweetPotato to answer you. She has more experience in using SAM-e. I guess she must be busy. My son takes SAM-e in the morning for depression and 5htp for insomnia before bed. According to Dr. Richard Brown, author of Stop Depression Now, you should also take 1000 mcg of B12 and 800 mcg of folic acid to make SAM-e work. You should read that book if you want to try SAM-e. How much SAM-e would work for you depends on the severity of your anxiety/depression. According to Dr. Brown and all the natural supplement websites, you should not take SAM-e if you are bi-polar, it may make you too manic. Good Luck!
Posts: 13 | | Registered: Wed 22 Aug 2001 13:2 |
| | |  "Re(5):5htp"
, Mon 8 Oct 15:19
Thanx alot for your reply- i really appreciate any info, so for sam-e to work i should take b12 and folic acid, ok does KAVA KAVA work better and is there anything i should take with that. I just want something to work!!
take care
Posts: 16 | | Registered: Sun 9 Sep 2001 14:41 |
| | | "Re(6):5htp" , Mon 8 Oct 18:07
lizard,
I suppose you should try Kava Kava first since Sam-e is expensive. Dupond is more experienced in Kava Kava, I guess she can help you with that. Sam-e can be use for more sever depression. My son is only 15, his depression is sever enough to cause him to miss school. Just in case if you want to try Sam-e, you need to be careful on what brand to use, some brand doesn't even contain Sam-e. Nature Made is what my son takes. Please keep posting so we know if natural medicine work out for you. Take care!
Posts: 14 | | Registered: Wed 22 Aug 2001 13:2 |
| | | "Re(7):5htp" , Fri 12 Oct 10:06
Hi estmom, I don't take SAMe and I never have but I have noticed that they do carry different brands now. They are slightly cheaper. I was wondering how they worked compared to the Brand I have seen in stores for years. I'm not going to take it, but I was curious, Thank you for telling us about the other brands not working as well, just in case someone wanted to try it. Thanks again.
Just call me curious Vanna, LOL
Posts: 31 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(4):5htp" , Mon 8 Oct 04:20
Yes, try Kava Kava for your anxiety. I don't know much about sam-e. But Kava, Kava works for me. You should also be taking a good multi vitamin, and since you can't get 5htp you could try amino acids, make sure it contains tryptophan. The book "Depression-free, naturally" by Joan Mathews Larson, Ph.d., has a lot of good nutritional advice.
Posts: 81 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | |  "Re(3):5htp"
, Sun 24 Jun 10:38
Hi, I thought when a person starts to take 5HTP, they start with 50 mg for two weeks. Then if you need more, you up it to 100 mg. How come you are taking 200 or 300 mg a day. If I take 5 HTP with St. John's Wort, don't I have to take 50 then go up to 100? I think I misunderstood before. Please let me know, If you know.
God Bless, Vanna
Posts: 8 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(4):5htp" , Sun 24 Jun 12:22
I don't take sjw just 5htp. Sjw did not work for me 5htp does. I take 500 mg per day. I started at 250 mg per day. I would recommend starting with a low dosage and then gradually increase until you feel better.
Posts: 6 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | |  "Re(5):5htp"
, Sun 24 Jun 16:38
Hi, I am so sorry, I thought you were taking that dosage with SJW and I was told not to take high dosages with it. So SJW didn't work for you? Well, I'm so glad that 5 HTP helped you. I have been reading about 5 HTP and it does sound like it works real good. I was going to take it with SJW until I just finished reading about it. 5 HTP is a wonderful product and so is St. John's Wort. SJW works for a lot of people and yet it doesn't work for some. I have heard that before. 5 HTP must be the same way but I really don't know as much about it. I do know that it has to work from what I read, but I won't take it with SJW. I did read that it can be taken with it, and some products have the two mixed together. I figured that I would feel real happy if I took both of them, LOL. How can you go wrong, but I just read an article that listed all the medications and the Herbs that you shouldn't take while taking St. John's Wort and 5 HTP was one of them, so I read why. The article said that if you do take it with SJW be very careful because it can be dangerous.Well, that did it for me, I'm going to stick with just SJW because it is working for me now. % HTP is not dangerous, but it said with St. John's Wort it can be. Imagine they mix the two together and sell them in one bottle. Well, thanks for answering me. I thought you were taking a lot of 5 HTP with St. John's Wort but you aren't taken to much. You know what you're doing, I just read it and I thought that I didn't write down enough or you were taking to much. I really did want to know because like I said I was all ready to go and buy it. I know that you don't have to read the article I read, but If anyone is taking SJW and 5 HTP together, go to www.CVS.Com and there is an article about mixing the two, so whoever is doing that, be careful. Please read the article. Dupont, I'm sorry that I bothered you, you keep up the good work and May God Always Bless You, Thanks again, Vanna
Posts: 10 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | |  "Re(6):5htp"
, Sun 8 Jul 16:45
From what I've read in the book 5htp the natural alternative to Prozac, the concern in using 5htp and sjw together is because of the possibility of serotonin overload. The book says “Cautions: Although basic dosing of 5-HTP is fairly straightforward, it becomes significantly more complicated if you are currently taking other drugs that affect serotonin levels such as an SSRI (eg, Prozac, Livox, Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft), a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, Elavil, Tofranil, Pamelor), or St. John’s Wort. If you are taking one of these and want to switch to 5-HTP, it is recommended that you first consult with your physician, because taking them together can cause a potentially dangerous elevation of serotonin levels. Never attempt to combine 5-HTP with any of these drugs without the help of a physician. Discontinue if you experience any symptoms of serotonin overload such as confusion, fever shivering, sweating, diarrhea, muscular incoordination, exaggerated reflexes, or violent muscular contractions, the dose of one or both agents can be easily and safely adjusted until the symptoms disappear.”
Posts: 9 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | | "Re(6):5htp" , Sat 7 Jul 07:43
I have never heard to not mix SJW and 5HTP. I have been taking both for quite a while now- no known side effects and I have found the combination to be better than SJW on it's own. I have not tried 5htp on it's own. I tried to access the article on CVS.com but didn't find any such info. Do you recall anything further about why they said not to combine it? That doesn't sound logical. Do you recall if there was some long term bad thing? I have also told my Drs. that I am taking both and no one has ever stated a concern. Thanks very much.
Posts: 1 | | Registered: Sat 7 Jul 2001 7:34 |
| | | "Re(7):5htp" , Thu 26 Jul 09:20
You say you take both SJW and 5-HTP. Can you tell me how much of both you take, please? I'm curious as I've been on 3 X 300 mg of SJW a day for nearly eight weeks now, and I have yet to experience any sygnificant change in my mood. I have brought some 5-HTP and am considering trying the two together. Did you find that the SJW alone didn't help, but the combined two did?
Hoping for Happiness!
Posts: 2 | | Registered: Thu 14 Jun 2001 16:30 |
| | | "Re(8):5htp" , Thu 26 Jul 16:28
I take 100 mg. of 5HTP 3x per day- 300 mg total. SJW 1200 mg. per day. The SJW worked for me but it's not as effective as a pharmaceutical. I have a high stress job and found myself on weekends not motivated to do anything the last few months- just crashing and being lazy- just stuck. so i added in the 5HTP and that has helped me get up and moving a bit more and not be so wiped out all the time. And the 5HTP seems to have a calming affect to some extent- which I need. I get a little hyper. Anyway- i say go for it- try the two together. If it doesn't work you can stop. No harm done. But give it a couple weeks before you give up. On the SJW- I would up your dose. My psychiatrist suggested I up mine to 1200 (I could not tolerate the side affects of prescription meds.) Good luck. Let me know if other questions. I would not worry about this seratonin overload thing. I have had no side effects from combining these two, whereas I had miserable side effects from each prescription anti-depressant- and I tried them ALL!
Posts: 6 | | Registered: Sat 7 Jul 2001 7:34 |
| | | "Re(7):5htp" , Thu 26 Jul 05:03
Serotonin Overload is the only reason I have read. Because both SJW and 5htp raise serotonin levels the combination of the 2 may cause serotonin overload. Check out section 5 of this website http://www.smart-publications.com/books/5htp/toc.html for a full explanation.
Posts: 20 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | | "Re(8):5htp" , Fri 5 Oct 14:03
no seratonin overload here with both. i've recently started on a low dose of prozac and take that too- no problems other than night sweats- which i had when i was on prozac by itself.
Posts: 10 | | Registered: Sat 7 Jul 2001 7:34 |
| | | "Re(9):5htp" , Fri 5 Oct 15:03
I don't know of anyone who has actually experienced serotonin overload, do you?
Posts: 79 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 6:19 |
| | |  "Re(8):5htp"
, Thu 26 Jul 22:28
Thanks, Dupont, for the post I just read. SJW worked for me when I first began taking it, but it has become less effective over the past few months. The link you posted was very helpful and informative, and I will try the 5htp alone now, tapering off the SJW, of course.( I was taking 900 mg. of SJW and only 50 mg. of 5HTP per day, as the directions stated on the label, and I was wondering why everyone was raving about it!) LOL! Again, my thanks.....
Gina
Posts: 4 | | Registered: Wed 20 Jun 2001 0:15 |
| | | "Re(4):5htp" , Sun 24 Jun 10:40
Hi, Has anyone ever tried SAMe? I was wondering what was better, 5HTP or SAMe?
Vanna
Posts: 9 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(5):5htp" , Sun 7 Oct 14:42
No i havent tried either as i live in the UK and finding 5htp seems quite difficult (im too young to order over the net) but my question exactly, ive heard KAVA KAVA and Sam-E seem to be quite good for anxiety too??
Posts: 14 | | Registered: Sun 9 Sep 2001 14:41 |
| | | "Re(5):5htp" , Thu 16 Aug 10:36
I took Sam-e when my depression was so severe, I was seeing grey! It began working within a couple of days! Once I got my depression stabalized, I began combining St. John's with Sam-e and eventually weaned off Sam-e while going up to 1800 mgs. of St. John's which I'm still on now.
It's been 2 months on St. John's at 1800 mgs. Feel great with no sides. Others have been on St. John's at 1800 mgs with no side effects. Recent credible studies have been done at high doses with little side effects, if any.
However, Same DOES get rid of the depression QUICK. It's just very expensive.'
Dona
Posts: 13 | | Registered: Wed 25 Apr 2001 7:11 |
| | |  "Re(6):5htp"
, Sun 7 Oct 14:45
does the sam-e work by itself without SJW? as SJW alone really didnt work, could i combine sam-e and 5htp? how much sam-e did you take per day??
Posts: 15 | | Registered: Sun 9 Sep 2001 14:41 |
| | | "Re(6):5htp" , Wed 22 Aug 22:31
Hi Sweetpotato2k, I was wondering how many Sam-e you took a day? You had severe depression and Sam-e helped it without the SJW? I know they are very expensive, I wonder why they do that to people. Anyway, Could you please tell me how many you were taking a day? Plus I was wondering, what brand of SJW do you take? I ask everyone that, lol. I'm looking for the best brand for me. I tried a few and so far I have it narrowed down to one that I like, but I think that there might be one that is better so I keep trying different brands. Thanks Sweetpotatoe. I'm so glad that the Sam-e helped you and that the SJW is helping you now.
Vanna
Posts: 27 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(7):5htp" , Thu 23 Aug 17:20
Hi!
I took 1600 mgs. of SAM-E at the beginning. Within months though, I found it less effective. (Most don't get that way, but I could have become more depressed because of more personal problems happening, or it just lost it's effectivenss somewhat for me. So I slowly upped it to 2,200 mgs. Then I weaned myself down to 1600 mgs while beginning 900 mgs. of St. John's, stayed on that for a while until the St. John's at 900 mgs. kicked in, then I upped the St. John's (slowly) until I reached 1800 mgs. while quickly going off Sam-e.
Sam-e doesn't stay in your system long, so you can go off it rather quickly, while St. John's should be tappered off.
They have given in a trial high dosages of Sam-e (3400 mgs.) to Parkinson's patients with little or no side effects. Studies have also been done with St. John's at higher dosages than I'm taking with little or no side effects. That's comforting to know.
I personally only use GNC LIQUID St. John's Wort. Each dropperful contains 200 mgs. I take all 9 dropperfulls at night. I mix it with milk. (It doesn't taste good.)
GNC is one of the major brands that was tested by ABC's 20/20 and other programs that proved their potency was valid.
Any other questions, just drop me a line. :)
Donna
Posts: 14 | | Registered: Wed 25 Apr 2001 7:11 |
| | | "Re(8):5htp" , Fri 12 Oct 10:44
Hi Sweetpotato, I know that you told me before that you take the GNC Liquid SJW. I am very bad at math but if each dropper contains 200 mgs and I take 1000 mgs a day, I would have to take 5 drops a day. How many bottles would I have to buy for one month and what is the price of them? Thank you.
Vanna PS. Anyone ever try Tom's of Maine Products. I never tried their SJW but I did try the Echeanicia (Spelling) With Elderberry and Ginger in it. All there products are liquid and they don't use Alcohol. Well, I have been taking all different brands of Echanecia and This brand really worked. It made me feel so much better. It made me well. I plan on using there products a lot more in the future. They sell them at all types of stores but their web site is www.tomsofmaine.com if anyone is interested. They are cheaper in the stores than on the computer. I do want to try the GNC SJW though. So how many bottles would I need and how much does it cost?
God Bless, Vanna
Posts: 33 | | Registered: Wed 9 May 2001 21:9 |
| | | "Re(7):5htp" , Thu 23 Aug 07:04
On the SJW- there are a few brands that are acceptable and many that are not. Check the book Hypericum and Depression- i think u can read it on line or check it out at a library/bookstore. One of the brands listed that is guaranteed potency and processed properly is Enzymatic Therapy. I've used it for years- others made me dizzy, sick etc. It has to be processed properly and this book lists the brands that are. They carry it at Whole Foods or you can buy it on line thru some distributors. It is an excellent brand in quality. LOL.
Posts: 7 | | Registered: Sat 7 Jul 2001 7:34 |
| | | "Re(5):5htp" , Wed 25 Jul 17:18
Do a search for SAMe on this forum (using the search feature) and you'll find a few discussions about it. Not that effective for depression except maybe at very high doses.
Posts: 414 | | Registered: Thu 5 Oct 2000 21:48 |
| | | "Re(6):5htp" , Thu 4 Oct 18:44
Hi Kelly!
I'd have to disagree with you there.
I was SEVERELY depressed and Sam-e literally lifted the depression within days. Many I've spoken to experienced the same. Duration varies as with St. John's and 5htp. There's no guarantee that any of these products will work on any one individual, or, if any one product DOES work, will work for years and years and not loss its effectiveness..
There is a great website on the DELPHI Forum. (See my previous post) with the majority of people having success.
Please keep an open mind and when you get a chance, go into the SAM-e forums and read up.
I believe all three (St. John's, Sam-e, and 5htp ALL are effective, however, not effective for EVERYONE.
Donna
Posts: 22 | | Registered: Wed 25 Apr 2001 7:11 |
| | | "Re(6):5htp" , Tue 28 Aug 01:23
I tried sam-e and got a very stiff neck, nausea, and headaches. I only got up to 400mgs. 3 WEEKS and no relief of depression. But everone is different. Unique Angel
Posts: 2 | | Registered: Tue 28 Aug 2001 0:21 |
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