Topic Title: confused on dosage, please help!
| | "confused on dosage, please help!" , Fri 3 Dec 16:41
Hi all,
I just started taking sjw yesterday but also bought some 5-htp. I was going to wait a while and see how the sjw did first, but since reading that the 5-htp might help ocd (which is a major contributor to my depression/anxiety attacks) I'd like to possibly try it sooner. The problem is I've read here that most people start at 50mg. My bottle says 500mg. Since I thought this a large difference, I chequed the capsule content. "... standardized to contain 5% (25mg) 5-htp. Does this mean each tablet equals a 25mg dose or a 500 mg dose. Sorry, I'm a little confused. Help! :)
Posts: 2 | | Registered: Fri 3 Dec 2004 15:48 | | |
| | "Re(1):confused on dosage, please help!" , Wed 8 Dec 02:36
It sounds like the HTP you have also includes a lot of something else. Most HTP comes with it as the main ingredient (50 or 100mg tabs or capsules) with some having additional B Vitamins included. If you read through this forum you will find a wide range of view on what constitutes the best dose. Some find just 50 mg too stimulating others have taken upto around 600 mg with success. I have found around 400mg works for me (straight forward depression) There are also some good articles on the net some of whiched are linked on this forum. Good Luck
Posts: 11 | | Registered: Tue 18 Nov 2003 2:19 |
| | | "Re(2):confused on dosage, please help!" , Thu 9 Dec 03:59
Thanks Splash,
Do you also take SJW? Or have you tried it? I was wondering if you took that high a dose alone or in combination.
I haven't tried it yet, only been taking the St. John's Wort. I think for peace of mind, I'll simply go find another brand at 50mg to start and see how that goes.
Thanks for replying, ~Scribbly
Posts: 4 | | Registered: Fri 3 Dec 2004 15:48 |
| | | "Re(3):confused on dosage, please help!" , Fri 10 Dec 04:05
Hi Scribbly
Yes I do combine HTP with SJW. I originally started with SJW and after a couple of different brands have settled with Perika. I have been with SJW for about 18 months and Perika for a year. My dose has varied from between 900mg and 1500mg per day. It has certainly moderated my depression but in the search for "the solution" I have at different times combined with SAMe and HTP.
With SAMe, even at 1600mg per day, I could'nt be sure there was any positive effect. I am currently on 900mg SJW and 400mg HTP (I mix both Jarrow and Natures Way) and I could convince myself that there has been a slow but definite overall improvement ie more better days than worse and generally less intensity to the depression - so for me I can say it is working at the moment. Like most of us I dare not look too far ahead.
You may also be interested that I have recently started supplementing with Cod Liver Oil with a high dose of EPA. I am in the UK and there is a very interesting book by a Dr Basant K Puri called the Natural Way to Beat Depression, which promotes the use of EPA. Its well worth a read and appears to be based on good science. Hope this helps.
Posts: 12 | | Registered: Tue 18 Nov 2003 2:19 |
| | | "Re(4):confused on dosage, please help!" , Sat 11 Dec 15:24
Thanks Splash,
I've only been taknig the SJW for about a week and two days, so I know it's way too early to know what might work or not. Having a very hard day today, so I'm almost feeling desperate to find some relief. I appreciate the cod liver oil advice.
I just started taking the SJW all at night, and that seems to be better for me. I don't know if it was timing or actually the SJW, but I was feeling tired throughout the day when I took it spread out. I'd want to sleep by 7pm (though didn't) and would wake up at 3 or 4 am. Now that I've been taking it at night, I'm more awake during the day... however, the depression was a bit harder today. Might be some events in my life leading to that though... My question would be: Can I take all the SJW (900mg) and 1 5-htp capsule (claims 500mg on label) all at the same time before bed? Or is that risky? Thanks again, I appreciate your input.
Scribbly
Posts: 6 | | Registered: Fri 3 Dec 2004 15:48 |
| | | "Re(5):confused on dosage, please help!" , Tue 14 Dec 15:46
scribbly I sugguest that you get hold of a book called optimum nutrition for the mind by Patrick Holford. It is a Bible for any depressed individual
Posts: 1 | | Registered: Sun 12 Dec 2004 15:52 |
| | | "Re(6):confused on dosage, please help!" , Mon 20 Dec 11:44
Yourphysiology,
Thanks for the input. I'm sure diet has a major role to play. Thanks for more reading material! Everything helps.
Scribbly
Posts: 10 | | Registered: Fri 3 Dec 2004 15:48 |
| | | "Re(5):confused on dosage, please help!" , Mon 13 Dec 09:49
Hi Scribbly
Sorry to hear you have had a bit of a downer. Regretably it seems to be the nature of the beast. I find the contrast between good times and the bad dark days really hard to take.
I would'nt be so bold to give advice, but my thoughts would be to stick with the SJW for a bit longer - it takes time (4 to 6 weeks). I like you in my more desparate moments have rushed into trying other supplements etc but in the long term it just confuses the matter - it becomes very difficult to decide which one is actually having an effect. However, if and when you decide to go for 5 HTP I would go for a brand that has either a straight 50 or 100mg dosage - like you I am unsure what the actual dosage of your tabs are. None of the HTP I have ever taken talk about the HTP being standardised - the tabs/capsules are just 100% htp (apart from the capsule or material forming the tablet coating. Hope this helps- hang on in!
Posts: 13 | | Registered: Tue 18 Nov 2003 2:19 |
| | | "Re(6):confused on dosage, please help!" , Mon 20 Dec 11:41
Hey Splash,
Yeah, that's why I did. After almost exactly two weeks after beginning the SJW, I was reading before bed and all of sudden realized that I was 'excited' about doing stuff again. But I didn't know why. :) My friend who began a low dosage of meds a while back said that's exactly how it worked for her with the prescription meds. The mood is better, so now I can work on the problems that led to the depression more effectively.
I am very greatful that the SJW seems to be taking effect with me, as I was beginning to be a little discouraged reading others' experiences. I also focus on diet, the cognitive thinking and the spiritual.
Thanks so much again for the support and my best wishes to you.
Scribbly
Posts: 9 | | Registered: Fri 3 Dec 2004 15:48 |
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