Do you think 5-HTP pills work for anxiety and depression?!
Question: Do you think 5-HTP pills work for anxiety and depression.?
I'm currently off all medications for anxiety and depression because I disliked the side effects (weight gain, more depression, more anxiety, increased asthma, and of course the gigantic hole in my wallet). When I went to a natural pharmacy, the pharmacist suggested 5-HTP. I've heard of it, but know next to nothing about it. The only medication I am currently on is Yasmin (a birth control pill), and I drink Kava and Chamomile tea regurarly (I don't know if that will have any effect).
I have read not to take 5-HTP if you have an autoimmune disease or a low protein diet (I've got a mixed connective tissue disorder and I'm vegetarian) but it didn't explain why.
I am open to any suggestions before I take the dive and go buy myself a bottle of it (or ask my doctor who will think I'm crazy for not taking the medications that made me even sicker.).
Thanks!Health Question & Answer
I have read not to take 5-HTP if you have an autoimmune disease or a low protein diet (I've got a mixed connective tissue disorder and I'm vegetarian) but it didn't explain why.
I am open to any suggestions before I take the dive and go buy myself a bottle of it (or ask my doctor who will think I'm crazy for not taking the medications that made me even sicker.).
Thanks!Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I've been taking it for about a month now, and I can tell a big difference. It is a heck of a lot less expensive than med's. I was on Paxil for 10 years, and it did more harm than good. Anxiety would get worse, they'd up my dosage, it made me "numb" to feeling anything, I didn't feel happy, sad, angry, I really felt like a zombie.
And of course the doctor will think you're crazy, they only get the propaganda from the pharmaceutical sales reps about how wonderful these medications are.
I've been off the Paxil for 4 years now, and I am just now getting to where I "feel" again.
Go to "cchr.org", you can do a virtual museum tour and watch videos explaining the history behind these mood altering pharmaceuticals, the history of psychiatry. It takes a while but is VERY enlightening. They will also send you a free DVD. It will make you never want to take those drugs again.Health Question & Answer
And of course the doctor will think you're crazy, they only get the propaganda from the pharmaceutical sales reps about how wonderful these medications are.
I've been off the Paxil for 4 years now, and I am just now getting to where I "feel" again.
Go to "cchr.org", you can do a virtual museum tour and watch videos explaining the history behind these mood altering pharmaceuticals, the history of psychiatry. It takes a while but is VERY enlightening. They will also send you a free DVD. It will make you never want to take those drugs again.Health Question & Answer
5-HTP is great for anxiety. I take it too
"5-Hydroxy Tryptophan is another naturally occurring amino acid and precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism.
Serotonin is a key brain chemical that helps establish feelings of calm and well-being. Extensive research has linked serotonin imbalance with depression and anxiety disorders, and proven tryptophan supplementation to be an effective remedy for symptoms associated with these disorders."
The above reference info was taken from the following page:
Health Question & Answer
"5-Hydroxy Tryptophan is another naturally occurring amino acid and precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism.
Serotonin is a key brain chemical that helps establish feelings of calm and well-being. Extensive research has linked serotonin imbalance with depression and anxiety disorders, and proven tryptophan supplementation to be an effective remedy for symptoms associated with these disorders."
The above reference info was taken from the following page:
Health Question & Answer
My naturopath suggested i take 5-HTP because my moods were really crazy and i was depressed a lot. I noticed a big difference and I felt much better taking them. I didn't notice any side effects, but you should read some more about 5-HTP before you take it. (also, I noticed it helped me sleep much better)Health Question & Answer
5HTP works really well for Anxiety and Depression. However You should speak with the pharmacist again before you take it because of your medical problems.
Good Luck.
Health Question & Answer
Good Luck.
Health Question & Answer
I've taken it for several years. I find it has helped a lot with depression and sleep. I've never heard of issues with low-protein diet and auto-immune disease. However, like most supplements that are not regulated by the FDA they probably have to be on the careful side with warnings. I hope, being a veggie that you are still getting adequate protein from non-meat sources. I don't claim to know anything about connective tissue disorders.
5-HTP is an amino acid tryptophan supplement. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and is found in turkey, milk, chocolate and some other foods. So I think as long as you aren't taking copious amounts you probably would be just fine. But of course, ask your doc how she feels about it. I went off my anti-depressants and checked with my doc before using 5-HTP. I take a long term statin med for high cholesterol that is hard on the liver. My doc usually steers me away from herbs because of this but was ok with 5-HTP.
Good luck! Health Question & Answer
5-HTP is an amino acid tryptophan supplement. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and is found in turkey, milk, chocolate and some other foods. So I think as long as you aren't taking copious amounts you probably would be just fine. But of course, ask your doc how she feels about it. I went off my anti-depressants and checked with my doc before using 5-HTP. I take a long term statin med for high cholesterol that is hard on the liver. My doc usually steers me away from herbs because of this but was ok with 5-HTP.
Good luck! Health Question & Answer