Anyone tried 5-HTP ?

mysteryreader

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2006

Posts : 23

Posted 12/2/2006 2:29 PM (GMT -7)

Hi, everybody ~

I'm really excited to say that in the last week I've been able to dramatically reduce my daily need for triptans!!! I know that part of the picture is the fact that I haven't had a period since May (yay menopause!!), but the most dramatic change has happened since I started taking 50 mg of 5-HTP (precursor to seretonin in the body) THREE times a day. Since summer I've been very slowly working my way up to that dose (started with 1/2 a capsule :), and since I reached it on Nov. 25, I've only needed Zomig (zolmitriptan) TWICE! (Took it instead of the 5-HTP dose for that time.) The other days I've been able to keep things under control with just coffee and sometimes Advil Liqui-Gel (400 mg). This scenario has not happened for YEARS!!

Before I get too ecstatic about this, though, I'd like to hear from anyone with experience (or solid info) about using 5-HTP and any cautions or side-effects. I've seen on some brands of 5-HTP the words "No Peak-X" -- anyone know what that means???

I so much hope I can continue getting these amazing results!!!

Leeloo

New Member

Joined : Dec 2006

Posts : 2

Posted 12/7/2006 3:28 PM (GMT -7)

I take 5 HTP. I have definitely seen a difference regarding my mental state most days, I feel happier and more alert, but they haven't helped with migraines. Basically I am on them to build serotonin.

ttwarrior1

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 261

Posted 12/11/2006 1:40 AM (GMT -7)

i thought this was to be taken before bedtime only?

mysteryreader

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2006

Posts : 23

Posted 12/11/2006 9:19 AM (GMT -7)

Timing and dosage depend on the reason you're taking it. There are quite a number of conditions that seem to respond well to it. The website I've referred to most is www.wholehealthmd.com. Go to "Reference Library" then to "Supplements." The listing for 5-HTP is just ABOVE the alphabetical listings.

jae

Regular Member

Joined : Apr 2003

Posts : 30

Posted 3/6/2008 9:34 AM (GMT -7)

I am confused by the contradictory information on this topic. I read somewhere that a dose of 300mg is helpful for depression (100mg helpful only for insomnia) yet Solgar sell them in 100mg, to be taken no more than once a day. I've also heard that it's unhelpful to take B6 alongside 5HTP, while Solgar sells just this combination. Finally the warnings about nausea and having to take it on an empty stomach..

Would be very grateful if anyone could advise on this supplement. Did you consult a doctor before taking them. Have never had much response to antidepressant drugs: perhaps 5HTP would be help people whose brains do no make enough 5HTP.

Annuk

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2006

Posts : 1308

Posted 3/9/2008 4:39 AM (GMT -7)

The best advice I can give is to consult your Doctor before taking anything, especially as in this case their is so much conflicting information going round!

Please note that St John's Wort should NEVER be taken if you are having any sort of triptan!!! St John's Wort can make the blood a little stickier and therefore it is more susceptible to clotting and together with the triptan that gives the blood vessels a squeeze, clotting problems become very high risk!!!!

As always please consult your Doctor!!

mom1029

New Member

Joined : Mar 2008

Posts : 7

Posted 3/12/2008 7:22 PM (GMT -7)

I have 2 son's with chronic migraines. My older son is 22.He takes 5-Htp and it seems to help but he started other supplements and Topamax at about the same time so I can't say for sure. He takes it 3 times a day 50mg. Once at breakfast, dinner and then at bedtime. He is planning on stopping the Topamax and going back on Toprol because of side effects from topamax. He is having a lot of trouble conentrating at work.

As for my younger son 5-HPT never seemed to help at all and we stopped it after a couple of weeks. Nothing else has prevented his migraines either. He just started Lyrica yesterday.

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