13136 replies to this topic

[gail]

Dog..gone

Will be looking forward to that Sir. That has been going on for many years and got worse after Cymbalta. As I mentioned, to different degrees. Thank you!

[fishinghat]

gone crazy
 
     Read the following carefully. When you are done reading it let me know.

5HTP

Warnings on its use.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC3415362/

Moderate effect of 5HTP on anxiety
http://www.ncbi.nlm..../pubmed/3312397

Side Effects
5-HTP is POSSIBLY SAFE when taking by mouth. However, some people who have taken it have come down with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition involving extreme muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia). Some people think EMS might be caused by an accidental ingredient (contaminant) in some 5-HTP products. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, a contaminant, or some other factor. Until more is known, 5-HTP should be used cautiously.

Other potential side effects of 5-HTP include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 5-HTP is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth when pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid using it.

Down syndrome: There are reports of 5-HTP causing seizures in some people with Down syndrome. In one group studied, 15% of people with Down syndrome receiving long-term 5-HTP treatment experienced seizures.

Interactions
Medications for depression (Antidepressant drugs) interacts with 5-HTP
5-HTP increases a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications for depression also increase serotonin. Taking 5-HTP along with these medications for depression might increase serotonin too much (seratonin syndrome) cause serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety. Do not take 5-HTP if you are taking medications for depression.

Some of these medications for depression include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), and others.
In addition, there are many other drug interactions with 5htp.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical that the body makes from tryptophan (an essential amino acid, which you get from food). After tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, the chemical is then changed into another chemical called serotonin (a neurotransmitter, which relays signals between brain cells). 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.
5-HTP is not found in the foods we eat, although tryptophan is. Eating foods with tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels very much, however. As a supplement, 5-HTP is made from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
Source: http://www.umm.edu/a...m#ixzz2Q0VyOr4w

5-hydroxytryptophan has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, chronic headaches, premenstrual syndrome, binge-eating related to obesity, attention deficit disorder, and chronic headaches. 5-hydroxytryptophan has also been used in treating certain seizures and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Source: http://www.drugs.com/

A total of 74 drugs (242 brand and generic names) are known to interact with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
55 major drug interactions
19 moderate drug interactions
For the complete list and to see what the interaction is go to:
http://www.drugs.com...=3HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3 HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"& HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"generic_only" HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"& HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3 HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"& HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"generic_only" HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"generic_only=
1. 5-HTP is changed into serotonin
2. Our body uses tryptophan to make 5-HTP
3. Vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid and magnesium are necessary for the metabolization of tryptophan. In addition, tyrosine and phenylalanine compete with tryptophan for absorption.
4. Several dietary, lifestyle, and health factors reduce the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, including cigarette smoking, high sugar intake, alcohol abuse, excessive consumption of protein, hypoglycemia and diabetes.
5. Depression, anxiety, irritability, impatience, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, weight gain or unexplained weight loss, slow growth in children, overeating and/or carbohydrate cravings, poor dream recall, and insomnia can all be signs that a person may need more tryptophan.
6. The following foods contain tryptophan: red meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, soybeans and soy products, tuna, shellfish, and turkey.

5-HTP can be a wonder drug for anxiety and depression but MUST be used correctly.
1st – Start out slow. Build slow
50 mg once per day for 3 days
50 mg twice a day for 3 days
50 mg three times per day for 3 days then
50-50-75 for 3 days
50-75-75 for 3 days
75-75-75 dor 3 dats and then
100-75-75
100-100-75
100- 3 times a day (maximum dose).
As you ramp up watch for stomach upset (stop at that point)
If at anytime your symptoms are minimal do not go up any more.
2nd – Absolutely do not take with a ssri/snri as it may cause seratonin syndrome (easily recognized by a fever over 102F.
3rd – Check list of incompatable drugs. http://www.drugs.com...=3HYPERLINK"http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"&HYPERLINK "http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-hydroxytryptophan-index.html?filter=3&generic_only"generic_only=
4th – After you have been emotionally stable for a couple weeks you need to slowly, slowly decrease the 5-HTP as your system may not need as much now that it has had a chance to catch up. Many people start out using 150 mg/day and feel fine and then taper down to 75 mg for the long haul. This is important as with long term usage 5-HTP can deplete some necessary nutrients in the body.
5th – 5-HTP can be gotten for our body by consuning foods rich in tryptophan along with a small supplement of Vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid and magnesium. Foods high in tryptophan include red meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, soybeans and soy products, tuna, shellfish, chicken and turkey.
6th - Depression, anxiety, irritability, impatience, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, weight gain or unexplained weight loss, slow growth in children, overeating and/or carbohydrate cravings, poor dream recall, and insomnia can all be signs that a person may need more tryptophan.
7th - Several dietary, lifestyle, and health factors reduce the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, including cigarette smoking, high sugar intake, alcohol abuse, excessive consumption of protein, hypoglycemia and diabetes.



 

[gail]

Crazy really?

Ok, will do. Thanks!

[fishinghat]

really is

 

Gail, I am going to start a thread on the 5htp and a couple of related supplements. I will give a brief description of each, its pros and cons and at the end make a recommendation. I will also attach the detailed information incase any one wants to read it.

[gail]

Is spooked

My goodness, every product seems scary, even the supplements. I read a bit and wonder here if it's worthwhile.

I already tried everything, maybe it's meant to continue till it's over! Gosh, I wish all this to be over for every living soul, the torment is unbelievable! May God hear us and help us to make peace!

[fishinghat]

spooked easily

 

Don't panic yet. I believe this can be done naturally and safely if done correctly. Watch for my posting tomorrow.

[gail]

Easily hopefully

Will do!

[TryinginFL]

hopefully searching

 

 

Hellooooooo.....

 

Anyone here??

[fishinghat]

searching out

 

Hello Liz. Happy for your Cubs. They had a tough world series but they made it.

[gail]

Out there

Hi Liz, Hi Captain. It's been a long time.

[fishinghat]

there has

 

So GAil, you didn't like the idea of L-tryptophan? Or L-Theanine?

[TryinginFL]

has been

 

Thanks, FH!  That last game of the Series was AMAZING!  I was so happy I cried

 

Hi Gail - thought everyone here had deserted!

[gail]

Been there

And done that. Tried both about 2 years back, FiveNotions was my coach. L tyrosine also. Nothing there for me. Titrating slowly the Lamictal and hope it works. That would really be a miracle!

No desertion, just wanted Captain's post to be first.

[fishinghat]

there is

 

Don't give up hope. More to follow.

[TryinginFL]

is not

 

 

Morning!

 

Therapist today ...

 

Praying for our country at this time

[gail]

Not good

Well well, you guys happy about the results????

[TryinginFL]

good enough

 

 

Morning all!

 

Gail, I am ecstatic!!!    I firmly believe that God is giving this country another chance.

[fishinghat]

enough excitement

 

Don't worry, it didn't matter either way. When our loan is due with China it will take over the USA as collateral.

[gail]

Excitement today

Is that a joke Fisherman? I don't know! Call me naive...

Liz, I am surprised. I tend to judge a book by it's cover, at times.

[fishinghat]

today forever

 

I hope it was a joke Gail but with the USA almost 7 trillion dollars in debt to China I wonder.

[gail]

Forever summer

7 trillions, can't count that far, can't picture it in my head, what comes after nine hundred million bucks? One billion? I did go to school but this??

[PtldFrank]

summer time

 

I wish it were summertime.  Out here on the west coast, I'm very blue (i.e., sad); anxiety is through the roof.

[TryinginFL]

time flies

 

 

So sorry, Frank....

 

Are you taking something for that anxiety?

[gail]

Flies away

Hi Frank! Yes, anything for anxiety? So many things out there that MAY help. Inositol was proposed to me, but I am waiting to see where Lamictal will lead me. Good cycle again here, like heaven after a trip to hell!

[PtldFrank]

away far

 

Nothing for the anxiety, Benadryl just puts me to sleep.  Anything stronger knocks me flat.  Just have to endure the next few days.  Plus I'm sleep deprived.

[fishinghat]

far enough

 

Hey Frank, have you tried a half of a Benadryl. Not enough to put you to sleep but it may take the edge off the anxiety. Just a thought.

[gail]

Enough for tonite

What do you mean Frank by "endure the next few days"?

[PtldFrank]

Tonight, tonight,

 

I'm in shock from the election, it'll take a while to get used to - a few days - a few years ...

 

I tried half a tablet, 12.5 mg.  I'll let you know how it works.

[gail]

Tonite tomorrow

Now I understand. Let us know!

[PtldFrank]

Tomorrow, Tomorrow (I love ya, Tomorow),

 

So I tried the 12.5mg Benadryl.  It might have calmed me down, but I also felt pretty listless.  I'll try to get back into meditation.