Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 65

Thread: I started 5-HTP today!

  1. #1
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    4,183
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts

    Default I started 5-HTP today!

    As some of you may already well know I been suffering with depression lately. One of the members suggested I try 5-HTP. I did a little research on it and it seems to have positive affects for most people. It is basically an African shrub but is a derivative of serotonin, it also has trytophan in it to aid with sleep. I am taking the lowest dose possible (50mg) because it suggest not take it if you are already on an antidepressant, which I am on a lose dose of Effexor. So, we'll see if this little bit helps me...

  2. #2
    God/dess Bunny's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Posts
    2,495
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    please update as to how you're doing. I need to take something I think for depression. I just feel so sluggish lately.

  3. #3
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    4,183
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    I will Bunny.

  4. #4
    Veteran Member Alpha_Male's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    204
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    If 5-HTP doesn't work out for you, you might want to check out GABA or Phenibut. I've used Phenibut a few times and it really helps. It WILL give you the best nights sleep you've ever had. I typically have a slight headache when I get up, but after that you feel like VERY VERY "happy". If you take too much, you'll also feel a bit dizzy.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Kat_onahot_tinroof's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    77
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    As far as sleeping is concerned I have tried the Melatonin and Valerian root and have had success for sleeping on these products. Bunny, never heard about the product you have mentioned, I'm curious... how did you find out about 5-HTP, and is there a website link you can guide us to with more info on it?

    Thanks,
    Kat

    PS. Thanks for sharing your info!
    "If anyone asks me, have I paid my dues in life... I tell em, why yes, and the checks in the mail.."!

  6. #6
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    4,183
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    The member tampadancer told me about it helping her so I thought I would give it a try. I went to Vitamin World and they had it there. You can type in 5-HTP under your search engine and a lot of different websites will come up.

  7. #7
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Location
    tampa
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    178
    Thanked 394 Times in 179 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    it took about 3 days for the 5-HTP to build up in my system - but once it did, I felt a drastic turn around in my mood... nothing could bring me down. I hope it helps you

  8. #8
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    4,183
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    This is my 3rd day on 5-HTP and I notice a very remarkable difference. I am motivated and have energy for a change. I'll continue to keep everyone updated.

  9. #9
    AZFrankie
    Guest

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    I just started 5-HTP as well. I'm on a blend that also has a small dose of SJW and kava kava, since I tend to be anxious along with my depression. I started on a low dose and am building up to a dose that is more marked than my initial improvement.

  10. #10
    Featured Member thechaosfairy's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dear Gods plz send money to Oregon K luv you bye
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    5-HTP with St John's Wort (or an SSRI) is a very bad idea -- it can burn out your serotonin receptors! Whoever makes this blend should be shot. :-(

  11. #11
    Member natasha710's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Calif
    Posts
    68
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    My chinese herbalist whom used some kind of sticks over my body said for depression to start taking DHEA 25 mg twice a day and then gradually increase it to 100mg a day. So far so good.

  12. #12
    God/dess Bunny's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Posts
    2,495
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    oh, I might have to try 5-htp if it's working that well.

  13. #13
    AlexxaHex
    Guest

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    Back in my party days, 5-HTP was the best friend of Ecstacy...it makes your come downs a lot less harsh and the anxiety isn't so terrifying. So, I can imagine it's great by itself. I've taken more than 4 at a time before and always woke up with a weird film in my mouth and a fuzzy headache. I guess it's best to take the suggested amount. - LOL
    I have natural issues with depression on occasion (not so much these days, but I have been hospitalized in the past) and I found that almost every prescription drug out there is a bunch of crap.
    Herbal supplements are a lot kinder to your system, and you don't need to see a doctor to get them.
    I'd say the thing I found that helped me the most is keeping my mind busy, talking about my problems with good friends and staying away from any kind of drug altogether.
    Exercise and eating right can go a LONG way also.

  14. #14
    Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    45
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    Please keep us posted on your progress. I'm on paxil right now, but my doc has been wanting me to switch because of new studies indicating harmful effects. i'm scared to get off paxil. i have clinical depression and i spiral down quick when i'm off meds. on the meds, i'm fine, feel better than ever. i've tried other SSRI's and i've had adverse effects. prozac made me suicidal, zoloft made me hallucinate, celexa made me a zombie. if i could find something natural that would be great. i already exercise regularly and im strict vegetarian. no drugs or booze either.

  15. #15
    Featured Member thechaosfairy's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dear Gods plz send money to Oregon K luv you bye
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    5-HTP does work quite well for me. It also starts working pretty much immediately, after probably no more than 3 days of taking it. You should not take it with an SSRI, as that can overload your serotonin system (and SJW is a mild SSRI, which is why my advice earlier in the thread) but it won't take long to start working, so you can go back on meds if you try it and it's not for you.

  16. #16
    Cally
    Guest

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    I think I really need to give this stuff a try it sounds great. Keep us updated green.. im gonna start my own little research on it and give it a try. I hate antidepressents from the doc.. make me feel robotic and moody. I've been struggling with some major depression and sleep issues for the last few months i've been on and off anti depressents for 6 years now. Thanks girls for the info!

  17. #17
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    4,183
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    ChaosFairy, I do take 75mg of Effexor but it hasn't been working like it use to when I started taking it 3 years ago. 75mg is a very small dosage of Effexor so I am not worried about just taking 50mg of the 5-HTP to go along with it. I am feeling a lot more motivated since I started taking it. I also feel like I want to get out of the bed. I mean, I still get tired like the rest of us but at least I have "desire" in life again.

  18. #18
    Featured Member thechaosfairy's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dear Gods plz send money to Oregon K luv you bye
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    If Effexor isn't working for you, you might try weaning off it while taking the 5-HTP, for safety's sake (and increase the dosage of 5-HTP if nec.)

  19. #19
    Member
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    45
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    chaosfairy--thanks for the info! Don't the SSRI's stay in your system for a few weeks? I'll have to ask my doc, she's really cool about alternative medicine.

  20. #20
    Cally
    Guest

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    I've heard from a couple of people that if you take anti inflamitories that the 5-HTP can be a bit risky... is there any truth to this? Im worried because of my back back I have to take a few different anti imflamitories.

  21. #21
    Veteran Member kermit210's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2002
    Posts
    360
    Thanks
    50
    Thanked 81 Times in 40 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    Does anyone know if it a bad idea to mix 5HTP with a very small dose of trazodone nightly, and the occasional valium? These are prescribed, but my doc doesn't know anything about the 5 HTP.
    I propose a toast - to my self control.... I see you crawling, helpless, on the floor.......
    -Mark Sandman

  22. #22
    Featured Member thechaosfairy's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dear Gods plz send money to Oregon K luv you bye
    Posts
    1,780
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    This list of contraindications, here, says there is a risk with trazodone.

    http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupple...han5HTPcs.html

    It looks like a fairly extensive list, and valium is not on it.

    Trazodone half-life is pretty short (as opposed to ssri's), so if you are just taking it at bedtime, and just taking 5-HTP when you get up (taking it too late can make you sleep funny anyway) you reduce your risk -- just make sure to read the symptoms in the article, and if you have any of those symptoms, stop!



    Disclaimer -- I'm not a doctor and all, I'm just a dancer and a creative writing student who happens to read a lot about supplements and medications. My advice is mainly intended to help people find out more about what they're taking, and avoid injury, but I can't guarantee anything, just give personal knowledge/experience.

  23. #23
    God/dess greenidlady1's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    4,183
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    It's says Venlafaxine which is Effexor when took along with 5-HTP could cause Serotonin Syndrome. Because I am on such a low dosage of both and I feel sooooo much better now I am not going to get extremely worried about it unless I develop symtoms. I have been on just about every medication out there including, Prozac, Serzone, Paxil, Lithium (when I was a teenager), Seroquel, Geodon, Tegretol, Xanax, Klonopin and more that I can't remember. But I have been on meds on and off since I was 12. My father was determined that because my mother was Schizophernic that there must be something wrong with me when I started going through adolescence. Well, I won't start wandering down that road right now but anyway I have found that just because you happen to have a "mood swing" doesn't mean you have Bi-Polar disorder. I don't ever do anything "extreme", go on shopping sprees, have manic outbursts, think I am supernatural, etc. Now, I could be "Unipolar", (we have a bullshit name now for everything) which is depression basically. And I do have my days where I feel better than others but I think we all do. The anti-psychotic drugs (Xanax, Seroquel, Klonopin) were prescribed for the panic attacks I use to have after my mother passed away. Now, the Effexor is suppose to help with anxiety and depression which is why I think it has been a good fit for me. I don't experience panic attacks anymore, so I rarely take the Klonopin unless I just can't get to sleep, which is rarely. It basically boils down to this, I have been a guinea pig for long enough, I want to feel good at least 60% of the time. This seems to be working. I can't afford to go to a shrink and pay for expensive meds for me to try and then not be able to take them. I choose to stick with this for now. Thanks again, ChaosFairy for your help.

  24. #24
    Veteran Member lwtex52's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Dallas, ByGod, Texas
    Posts
    658
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    I am truly amazed at the things I have learned here, and I thank you, greenidlady1. I've never really experienced depression until last year, when I was down with a knee injury acquired while running. Nothing to do but sit in front of the TV and eat ice cream. I grew fat, lazy, and depressed. I will keep the 5_HTP in mind if I ever experience this again. I tried the St. John's Wort before and really didn't notice any difference. Thanks again.
    My latest conspiracy theory: I am convinced that Dick Cheney is, in reality, Elmer Fudd.

  25. #25
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Temporary Lurkmode...
    Posts
    12,609
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 79 Times in 35 Posts

    Default Re: I started 5-HTP today!

    What brand are you taking Greenidlady? This seems like something to help me until it can be summer again.
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Ive started my MACA today
    By leyah in forum Body Business
    Replies: 70
    Last Post: 04-14-2014, 12:01 AM
  2. Started a Body Cleanse Today
    By Sophia_Starina in forum Body Business
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 10-24-2007, 06:57 AM
  3. My Daughter Started School Today
    By Alexis81 in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-11-2007, 06:07 PM
  4. i started jogging today!
    By i.breathe.in in forum Body Business
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 12-20-2006, 07:54 AM
  5. A new SC just started biz today, and YOU are the GM!
    By PhaedrusZ in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 08-28-2005, 05:46 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •