5-HTP

Hi Nicky, Me here...

I dont often get on this forum these days, am hugely busy enjoying the kids. However, I was just browsing when I came across your message.

I would just like to say that after 3 weeks of taking 5HTP I still feel absolutely fantastic. My only problem now is learning to go to bed when I am normally tired (which now comes around 10.00pm). I hadnt realised that I must of pushed hard to get through the tiredness before (I thought I just fell asleep at the mere mention of a sit-down). I constantly find myself busy at 1.00am even though I am tired and still pushing through as if I had SAD. Its a new skill that I have still to learn.

As regards the scary side effects of 5htp:- I have read them too, but guess that the best and the worst problems appear on the internet - everyone feels the need to condem or highlight a subject. Medication can have side effects with some intolerant people, even those medications prescribed by the doctor. 'have you read the medical information leaflets that come with regular medications'. If i have a problem with one I discontinue it.

I also have read that ladies using the marina coil (who are having problems emotionally) are using it too to help.

I read that quite a few years ago the treatment process for the drug was a little dodgy and this caused the drug to give bad side effects. The licence was then taken away. The process has now been perfected (!) and 5HTP has been licenced for a number of years now - check out websites to find out more detailed info.

Id read a number of memos here on this forum referring to 5HTP and the fact that it seemed to have not helped. It was only when I read Lindas message (not referring to 5HTP) which said that not all people here suffered from Just SAD. Dont want to open up any old wounds, but it was relevant as it got me thinking - I do not have an underlining depression, I am lucky(did I say lucky!) enough just to be seasonal, so I gave it a go.

I suppose I might still get side effects in the future, as is the same with any supplement, but boy am i starting to enjoy 12 months of the year, not 6.

My doctor knows Im taking 5HTP and was interested in it. She says that she has had other patients using 5HTP with success - so Im not the only one. She said it works in a similar way to Prozac, but is more direct as it didnt need to be converted (hope I got that right!). She said it was up to me whether I chose 5HTP or Prozac (5htp is not on prescription).

Please remember that there are a number of drugs which can not be taken along side 5HTP - ie some antipressants - check them out.
Just thought Id add that ive also read that 5HTP works really well with st johns wort or ginseng (amongst others). Please remember I am not a medical person, I am only forwarding my personal findings onto others.

To me, I dont feel like I am on medication, I dont feel as if I am on one level, as I did on Prozac - I feel normal. In fact I think Ive just been introduced to the real me!!

For the first time in around 35 years ive got SAD under control. Life is actually happening now, and I wouldnt want anyone to take that away from me now. Dont hold back on Christmas this year - just bring it on. Oh and this new year will be the first year in years that Ill be awake and living it up (just hope my husband can keep up).


Good Luck guys, Merry Christmas

Hugs to all especially the regulars.

Me xx

HI, how long do you have to take 5HTP before you start to feel some benefit?

HI thanks for your advice, its ok I was just thinking ahead for the next time I need to take medication and looking at all the options.

Paul, Me said she noticed the difference on the first day she started taking it but it varies with different people, I think it can take up to a couple of weeks, depending on the person.

HI me, im really glad you are feeling so well, I havent tried canoeing yet, stopped going to my councillor when she suggested hangliding, I think she was nuttier than me!

Know where youre coming from SGL

I just take mine all in one go at lunchtime. Cant be done with all the fathing about.

I did a little experiement yesterday:-
I did all my normal routine etc but omitted 5htp. My exhausted time came forward to 8.30pm when I went to bed. I found myself raiding the chocolate in the cupboard - half a terrys chocolate orange!! I woke up at 1.00am with a fuzzy head and felt very peculiar. Went to bed at 3.30am. Woke up again at 5.30am(my husbands alarm) then fell straight off to sleep. Then woke up again at 11.00am. I feel really short tempered with the kids, and got those pins and needles again during the night. Am feeling flat, lazy and didnt want to leave the house, although Im not that bad as not to leave if pushed hard. I feel that although Im not as bad as I was, that I am dropping.

Took my 5htp today though. Dont want to go without it for another day.


Made a booboo earlier. I dont take Gingseng, I take the Gingko supplement - got them mixed up sorry.


Not a proper experiment I know, but just enough to make me realise that I cant risk Christmas without it.

Me x

good luck chuck!

Me x

I went to GNC and looked up 5-HTP. Just wasn't ready to try it yet without more reading. I'm not on any ADs. I've been very tired lately and had a bad round with SAD earlier this week (as most of you know).

I still want to learn more and am also wondering if melatonin might be a solution. How is 5HTP supposed to *work?* Any idea?

Hi Amalthea, I might be interested in taking 5HTP next year,but as you have already done, I need to find out a lot about it and see just how safe and effective this would be as a treatment.

Dear ME,
Just like to say im well chuffed ur feeling as good as u are, long may it continue.
Regards OBE

Just able to fit one more post in before the stress begins!!

In the end I was up till 4.00am yesterday doing lots of jobs. Got 3 hours sleep, now im ready for what today brings me. I felt tired, but as mentioned in a previous post, I can push through it quite easily - completely different from a SAD day.

It really is a lovely change to have a touch of insomnia rather than sleeping all the time. I can get so much done, and the kids appreciate the fact that I can actually listen to them read without dropping off to sleep.

Off to my first christmas party in 3 years tonight. Usually I make all the excuses not to go. I will however, stay off the alcohol - not just because Im driving but also because Im totally sure that 5HTP and alcohol, even just one glass, dont go together. I really get a uncomfortable peculiar head, so stopped that.

Gonna have a fab time though.

I might start taking the 50mg HTP at a different time, perhaps evening to see if that makes a difference.

Still feeling hugely better for this time of year, even if I need a few tweeks to the dosage.

For those of you still interested in 5HTP, Ill update you in the new year.

Me x

hi, i've been offline for a while but just came across the 5-htp posts.
i found this interesting site which also mentions the deaths related to L-tryptophan, it also mentions 5-htp
http://www.supplementwatch.com/supLib/supplement.asp?DocId=1000
i tried 5-htp for about 1 months untill i felt dizzy/faint spells and got migraine with aura but without headache, i've been reading alot about it and most seems good, but i probably am very sensitive to it. i took 50mg dose a day from brand called happysense, which is enteric coated to avoid nausea. it really worked for me, slept better, no anxiety, no pmt, but i just did not feel good about the other symptoms. so i stopped and now have only taken them when i feel i really need it.
also i am taking omega 3 for a while now whcih seems to do me good, just a better feeling of wellbeing in my entire body, not just my brain or mood.
there is alot of information on 5-htp on the internet also on the side effects, not taking it with vit b6 and why not and also on the deaths related to L-tryptophan.

Thanks Me and Inkie. I bought some 5HTP and took it for two days over Christmas. I felt very irritable and stressed (although that could have been PMT) and then I got a headache and really bad stomach cramps, but I think that was a virus. It's kind of put me off trying them again as I didn't see any positive effects. I might try them again in the future but for now I think I'll stick with my light box and omega 3.

Me, I'm so glad you're still feeling good on 5HTP.

Hope you all had a good Christmas xx

i know quite a few people for whom the 5-htp really worked. but they are not people with SAD. the people i know suffered from stress or depresion. one person who had been on quite some SSRI for years and years called 5-htp a miracle drug. he felt really good. also a person who suffered insomnia got his sleep back with the help of 5-htp. but all of them including myself feel that after 3-4 weeks the symptoms come back and taking a break from 5-htp helps, then only take it when needed. so maybe that is how it works a little? topping up and then taking when needed? i have not come accross anything saying this is how it works. only someone mentioned it on this forum but could not find the reference. for me it did work too without any side effects for 3-4 weeks. and for 3 people i know it still works but they only take it when needed now.

Hi Me glad 5-htp works for you. I would love to just have to take it but alass it didn't work the second year. I am taking Omega 3 as well as the AD's but I don't know if I can tell the difference with or without them.

I am trying to find a book that I stumbled across at Amazon.com in my searching. Oh, in this book the doctor is talking about SSRI's, but SSRI's ALSO affect serotonin as 5-htp does.

Here we go...
http://www.amazon.com/Anti-Depressant-Fact-Book-Doctor-Prozac/dp/073820451X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199097389&sr=1-1

Here's an excerpt from the first reviewer:
Dr. Breggin explains in detail how the anti-depressant medications work, with special emphasis upon the selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors, (SSRIs') like Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. He carefully explains how the SSRI's block the reabsorbing of the brain chemical seratonin, causing an excess amount of it to accumulate in the spaces between neurons both in the brain and elsewhere. He goes on to explain how the brain then tries to fight back from this chemical assault by permanently eliminating receptors. This process is called "die-back" and results in sub-sensitivity of the receptors, better known as down regulation, leading to permanent dysfunction.

Just a few words of caution and some information I've dug up in my searches as well. I would like to read the book, but there are reasons that I am reluctant to go on SSRI's. I apologize to any folks out there who I know don't have other options, and I believe this book may be talking about improper dosing... I wish I knew more.

Please, folks, just make sure you're communicating with your doctors whenever any medications involving serotonin are involved.

You're not alone "me" xxxxx

Sorry, Me. Please, just be safe and let your doc know what you're doing and dosage information.

My main complaint about SAD is fatigue, so I'm going to take a stab at treating that with Ambien. Or is it the fibromyalgia that makes me tired... or the SAD... or the fibromyalgia?

Honestly, I'm pushing to keep on moving forward with finding an appropriate treatment, myself.

I was just diagnosed with the fibromyalgia and really can't tell where it starts and SAD begins.

My head is just spinning this morning. I'm thinking too much, y'know?

Sorry about my messages... I'm convinced there really is an answer for SAD, but there's much work to be done to find it. What do we do in the meantime??? Whatever treatment we feel works... but when it comes to medications, I hesitate to take anything without consulting with a doctor.

... a good doctor, which is hard to come by. And just when I get discouraged, there's usually another glimmer of hope. As I wrote this email, I had an idea about who to ask for a good doctor.

hi

maybe try the enteric coated 5-htp, i got them from happysense and makes alot of difference for not feeling nauseous or upset stomach. also the first few days i felt more hyper then usual but that stopped too.
hope it works for you! happy new year!!!

Just been looking for more info on 5HTP and just read an interesting article on depression http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1635

Might help somebdy.

Me x

Amalthea (if you are about)

Just read an article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:5-Hydroxytryptophan
Mentions a individual who tried 5htp with Fibromyalgia with good results. It will probably be of no use to you but i just thought you might be interested in this tiny nugget of information to add to your quest for normality, flower.

I keep coming across new info, as Im working on a new theory. Some thing to do with low glucose levels, in SAD patients, and related other conditions. Im sure I was on to something, but Ill be blowed if I can remember what it was though - typical.

Me x

It was something to do with Glucose and fructose. Some people dont cope too well with fructose and need glucose to help. Else they end up with depression, stomach upset, fatigue and other probs like lack of trycl..(something or other!!). Im sure it included low serotonin too, fuzzy head, and blurred vision - amongst others, although im just trying to rely on my SAD brain to remember.

Interestingly, some of the foods which fit this category are foods which I know im intolerant to like apples and wheat along with others.

I just thought that if our glucose was low during our SAD season, but ok during the other times, then this could be something to look at.

Probably well off the beaten track, but its getting more and more complicated, and me poor brains going into overload. Think Ill leave it to the experts, or Spring anyway.

Cant blame my brain for trying though, its normally in deep hibernation in January.

Me x

Been nearly a week since last posted.

Havent taken 5htp for nearly a week. Dont need it. Feel fine. Just trying to kerb my carb cravings again, and weight. Other symptoms gone - at the moment.

Am a bit worried about tomorrow. The kids start school again, so the daily routine starts again. Fitting in with with routines not mine is difficult when tired. Am I well enough to cope with all the early mornings and taxi rides to after school clubs, doing the bedtime routines etc. Am concerned enough not to go to bed now - not a good start then. Im sure i'll be ok, Im just frightened of SAD claiming me again as Im doing so brilliantly well.

I sound such a 'silly sausage'. At least I dont have to hold down a full time job like most of you. To be honest, after 10 years at home, that would really freak me out. A full time job, 3 kids and SAD - now Id really love to shake the hand and praise the person who could do all that - amazing.

Wish me luck


Me x

Hi everyone. I have not read all of the posts yet but after I type this I will.

I have been taking 5 HTP for over a year now along with other herbal remedies to treat depression.

The other herbals are; Rhodiola, Solgar VM multi vitamins, Psyllium husks (fibre based used to treat the inevitable stomach problems that come with depression), I also tried Kava Kava which is now banned I think.

I thought I noticed a marked improvement after taking each of these and I would highly recommend Rhodiola.

But now that SAD has came into light (Sorry about the pun!) I feel that these herbals have only improved mood and cannot combat SAD.

Looking back in my life I can see that it has been in the winter months that I have seen a slump in my performance to function in society and have struggled to conform. That is really what I want now, to conform and be normal.

Sorry for going on a bit but I thought I was on the mend. I'm 26 and just finding out about this SAD. Its really interfered with my college work and I don't know if I can continue in college. Slept in till 3.30pm.

I thought I had my depression under control and was positive about my future and the challenges that lay ahead.

I wish I had realised years ago about SAD.

Hi James

Your thoughts sound like many of my own.

Does your college know about your depression, and do you get help or extra leeway as a result? Under disability discrimination law, with schemes to help disabled students, you could probably make your journey through college a lot easier.

I’ve got a list longer than I care to remember of failed attempts at further and higher education, when I didn’t have any proper support. Currently I am giving it another go, and I am only now about to find out how flexible my college can be in accommodating my needs. Unfortunately my DSA award has taken ages, and has only just come through today - when SAD is already making me feel like quitting.

If you aren’t receiving extra help then it is worth getting medical evidence and approaching your college. If you are eligible for help from things like a DSA award, then be aware that it can take many months to sort out; so you might have to repeat a year, before you are at an optimum support level.

All the best with your studies, and try not to give up – I know how hard it can be/is

As for 5-HTP, I tried it, but not sure if it made a difference either way; cost wise I’ll stick to tryptophan and the other goodies from healthy diet.

Thanks. I really want a light box but they are a bit steep in price-although I wouldnt think twice about buying a PS3 if I had the cash.

Its just that I am a bit sceptical about the light box. It seems simple enough in theory but I dont want to have spent £100+ and find out it doesnt work. Different light box for different things? How does one know what box is right for them? Or do they all work on the same principal? (Simulating and ultimately replacing the sun) Is that right?

In response to Me and Joel; The college are aware of my situation and are understanding-as much as a non depressed person can be! Although the funding office women are ruthless!
Got a letter through today saying my rent money has been stopped because my attendance is below 70%. I should be able to get a sick line once I have registered with my new doctor.
I think I will be taking a couple of weeks off (at least) to try and deal with this. I am struggling to keep my sanity. Has anyone ever been at the stage where you are like "why me? whats the point? maybe I should just give in and just stop trying." You know?

Good point about repeating a year at college. I will look into that. I remember three years ago I asked my art teacher if anyone had repeated a year and he didnt seem to interested. He also was aware of my situation.

Back to 5HTP. Rhodiola and 5HTP work together really well.
A good analogy for them is that one is the building blocks and the other is the cement. Cant remember which is which though!

Hi ya

Just thought Id let you now that I think Ive cracked the tiredness of SAD.

Ive stopped taking 5htp ( thats not the reason - lol), although i still have a few left for a rainy 'dark' day - just in case.

I just exercise everyday. One day its yoga, another day would be either step, areobics, running, swimming, bodypump or my least favourite - the gym -YAK-

I dont feel so tired now. I still crave carbs (so havent lost any weight) but the craving is more manageable if I exercise then too (not always possible, so even i grab a sneaky carb snack then). My brain information is still extremely hard to access, but I dont have depression.

Just gotta get my diet sorted. Gonna try the GI diet. I absolutely love the simple healthy recipes and it will sort our my blood sugar/cravings too. They have a healthy recipe for brownies made from kidney beans. Not a bad flavour, i hasten to add, and it fills you up so you really dont want too much. There is a draw back though - wind!!!!!

Just got to get my brain sorted now. I might try some supplements to try to improve the blood to the brain and see what happens.

Hopefully, a combination of exercise, diet and supplements will sort me out. However, trying to stick to it will be the hardest!!

Take care all.

Me x

Hi guys!

I have really got the carbs cravings these past 3 days.....arrrrr!!! Also when I had a break about 5 days ago from taking 5HTP 200mg per day, I started getting the start of migraines for 3 days at the same time as the carb cravings. I reallyhave felt fatigue too. Anyway, I did some research yesterday and found that low serotonin levels can cause migraines and of course low sugar levels in the blood (hence carb cravings!) so I have decided to go back on the 5 HTP but at a lower dose of 50 mg as I also found out higher doses can cause restlessness too and I was still experiencing insomnia!

I thought I would let you guys know this in case you were having the same problems?? Hope you are all well. I can't run for 5 more weeks as I only fractured another toe! (boo-hoo!!)

Hi everyone,

I'n just posting because it is fantastic to know others take 5-HTP. I suffer with Depression and GAD. I have taken Dothiapin, Prozac, Seroxat, Cipramil, Doluxatine to name but a few. The main medication that I find I always go back and that always gives me results IS 5-HTP! Personally, I can only ever sing its praises. It has affecteted me in different ways each time I have taken it. My doses have ranged from 150mg to 400mg. But for me, most importantly 5-HTP has always helped my sleep which in turn gives me strength to cope everything else. Sleep deprivation is one of the most 'horribilist' things one can experience - and long term it is sooooo disabilitating.

A lot of people seem to cast so much doubt over the efficacy of herbal products. I think the main problem with many is that as with chemical medication ie anti-depressants you do have to let it get into your system. You do have to find out what dose suits you best, and when to take etc. etc. But when someone is not well for whatever reason, you do read up on all sorts to see what can help and I for one would recommend anyone giving herbal medicines a go. You have nothing to lose. xxxxx

Hi Amalthea,

Yes, I understand your reservations.

Here in the UK you can just about get asprin over the counter - there isn't much you can get without prescription. I personally feel that after the medications that I have taken prescribed and approved by the doctor, and each time they have 'shocked me no end' the way they have put me 'through the mill' in one shape or form, that aslong as I was sensible with my herbs, I am more confident in their safety than any medication that I have taken so far. I don't take anything until I read up as much as I can about it. But again, feeling as bad as I have at times I think I would have taken almost anything to make myself feel better just for one day! xxxx

I don't trust pharmaceutical companies either, no. Maybe things are different in the UK, but over here, there are vitamin and herbal stores all over the place with their "experts." All I know is I'm no doctor and I can't decide what to put in my body without a doctor's help and supervision.

And just because the drug companies are shady and out to make a profit doesn't mean that herbal companies really care about taking care of you. It's all business.

I wish I had the answer, but I'm going to work on having the doctor help me improve my sleep to see if it helps alleviate my SAD. I do see considerable benefit from light therapy and regular exercise, and I am just doing my best to try to take care of my body - multivitamin, drinking water, reducing stress, that sort of thing.

I don't work here, nor do I even live in the UK. Just trying to offer something that might help. A lot of folks here see benefit from a lightbox. It can sound a little far-fetched until you understand how it's supposed to work.

Norman Rosenthal has written a book on "Winter Blues." You may find it very helpful. He's the one who first brought recognition to the disorder.

It's hard to say what to believe. Just that you have to be informed about your choices and careful what you're doing with your body.

I take prednisone for asthma and bronchitis. I hate the drug, but without it, I probably wouldn't be around... I just wonder what it's doing to me in the long run. There's a lot to weigh and consider and honestly, I'll trust a GOOD doctor, but I think a lot of doctors here are over-worked and overwhelmed.

I've got an appointment on Monday with a new primary care doctor and I hope it will work out.

Morning Everyone,

Yes Amalthea you are so right with what you are saying, you DO need to be as informed as you can be about your choices and most certainly careful what you're doing with your body. But the sad reality I am afraid, certainly from my experiences here in the UK is its all down to sales, money and budgets! I have a really nice doctor but the last time I went to see him he prescribed Duloextine for me. He said that it was a new drug to him but the medical sales rep said it was very good and had been received well in Britain. I asked a few questions but he just could not answer them. Simple ones ie. what where the common side effects of this drug, was weight gain a possiblity? He really had no idea! I checked out all the information I could on the internet on this drug before making any decision. There were the usual scarey tales and the usual success stories. I am afraid with prescribed medicine for depression, anxiety etc. it really is a lottery as to whether they will work or not and as to what you are prescribed can also be down to your surgies budgets. They will obviously try the cheaper medication first!.

Again, my own experience has been good and bad with the same medication. You just have to weigh up does the good outweigh the bad?
Anything that you put into your body can be a gamble down to products off the supermarket shelf. But at the end of the day you should not totally rely on someone else or the so called experts (experts on the same subject have opposing views so who is to be believed?) to keep you informed,we do need to try and be as informed as much as we best can and I make that decision, as we only have one mind and body.

I agree 100% niki they may have a degree but that doesn't mean that they use it wisely. It's like here take these pills and see me in two weeks.

At the end of the day, everything has its drawbacks, even drinking water has its enemies!!!

Just do what you feel you need to do after finding out as much information as you can. Its a case of weighing up all the pros and cons. What is right for some is not right for others.

Without starting up another debate though, I must add that Exercise is good for you ...... LOL

Me x

I would love to see source information about this. It's my understanding that they don't know how our brain chemistry actually works. There's lots of theories, but no definite understanding.

In my reading, I have wondered if 5 htp isn't kind of like an over-the-counter anti-depressant. I don't know if I'd say it's more "natural" just because you get it over-the-counter. If my doctor told me he could help me with dosage information and he thinks it's safe, then I'd take it. I've considered asking about it because it could also benefit me with fibromyalgia, but I want to see what treatments the doctor can offer me first. I feel more is known about the drugs the doctor gives me -- side effects, risks, dosage information.

I hate being skeptical, and I wish I weren't sick. Then I wouldn't have to worry about being careful what medications I take. Things would be a lot simpler!