[StillIntending]

I've heard that supplements of 5-HTP can raise serotonin levels and thereby help alleviate depression... Does anyone have any information about this? Whether or not it's at all effective, any dangerous side effects, safe dosages? Apparently it's a naturally occurring compound in the body already, so I'm thinking that it would be more healthy to try before thinking about medications like Prozac. Of course I get that checking with a doctor first is important either way.

[vital]

Originally Posted by StillIntending

I've heard that supplements of 5-HTP can raise serotonin levels and thereby help alleviate depression... Does anyone have any information about this? Whether or not it's at all effective, any dangerous side effects, safe dosages? Apparently it's a naturally occurring compound in the body already, so I'm thinking that it would be more healthy to try before thinking about medications like Prozac. Of course I get that checking with a doctor first is important either way.

Hi StillIntending.

5-HTP is a serotonin precursor (tryptophan is also, and it's cheaper). These are naturally occurring chemicals in the body, but you still want to not take too much of it. If you take too much, the danger is "Serotonin syndrome", which can be serious. It's the same with vitamins. You don't want to take too much.

I tried that once, but didn't notice anything really for me, and I haven't noticed anyone raving about 5-HTP (while there are people who get a huge improvement from B vitamins, for instance). Assuming that you don't go way overboard, it's safe and so, why not give it a try?

- vital

[Fizzyo]

Hi,
Vital is right, may be worth a try, but make sure you tell any doctor you see if you are taking it as care will be needed as the same risk (serotonin syndrome) would apply if combined with antidepressants. The same applies to St. John's Wort which is a herbal antidepressant with evidence behind it, but works in a similar way to many antidepressants. Best wishes

I've taken an OTC sleep supplement that has a small amount of 5-HTP in it, but I haven't tried a higher dose.

If I was off antidepressants and wanted a supplement for depression, I'd probably try SAM-e before 5-HTP. They are both pricey, but I think SAM-e has a better track record.

If you do decide to take 5-HTP, taking L-theanine along with it can be good.

If you decide to try it, I'd be interested to hear how it works for you.

[Happy pills]

Originally Posted by vital

Hi StillIntending.

5-HTP is a serotonin precursor (tryptophan is also, and it's cheaper). These are naturally occurring chemicals in the body, but you still want to not take too much of it. If you take too much, the danger is "Serotonin syndrome", which can be serious.

- vital

The supplements do not cross the "blood brain barrier" so they are very limited in what they can do for your mood etc.

As for "serotonin syndrome" I very much doubt that these supplements would cause this to happen. I have never heard from anyone who has actually had SS and lived to tell the tale, although I did read that it could happen if you were taking MAOI's and SSRI's together.

[eleanorshay02]

I've been taking 50-100 mg daily for about three or four months along with vitamin D and some B complex supplements. Some days I think the 5-HTP helps, but there hasn't been any kind of dramatic change in me. Probably best for moderate depression, definitely not very effective for severe cases. I have, however, heard great things about St. John's Wort, though I've never taken it myself.