5-htp,, please read and use your own discretion

[bugsy89735]

Hi all, I have been taking this since my first day of sobriety (today is day 15) and as a nurse I did some research, please read below............ bugz


5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia).

Don’t use 5-HTP until more is known. 5-HTP might be UNSAFE. 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 the EMS might be caused by an accidental ingredient (contaminant) in some 5-HTP products. But 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, avoid taking 5-HTP.

5-HTP is used for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and along with prescription drugs to treat seizure disorder and Parkinson's disease.

How does it work?
5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.

[conspiritech]

There is no reason to believe that 5-HTP is a risk for EMS, as far as I am concerned.  I use http://www.erowid.org/smarts/tryptophan/ and scroll down to the 'toxicity debate section'.  These articles have been reviewed and curated by an experienced editorial staff.  In the Notes article there, it is mentioned that the 1989 problem with regular l-tryptophan appeared to come from a single company that was using genetically modified bacteria to produce l-tryptophan that did not have to be laboriously separated from d-tryptophan, and there was a contaminant (a "novel amino acid") in their product.  Why the same problem would occur in 5-HTP which is universally produced from Griffonia seed extract in my experience, would be quite the coincidence.  It is of course a non-useless substance, so complications of a variety of types can occur, but it seems unlikely the same issue would recur.  Although they may not be required to submit results for some reason (I don't have time to read a 156 page law), it is interesting that this study: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00001918 has not posted any.

[avisg]

5hpt worked wonderfully for me during wd and for months after along with some other supplements .
There are possible risks with supplements just like prescription drugs always be careful and research whatever you are putting in your mouth. If you are on antidepressants you need to check for interactions because there are many so me careful..

[nomorepills66]

I have been on 5htp for a little over a month and since then I have been having very sore muscles. I was telling my friend about it was wondering if it was one of the vitamins I had started. Maybe this is why. Thanks for the info. I feel it was helping my anexity, can you recommend an alternative?

[trdofbeingtrd]

Thank you for posting this, it is very interesting indeed. It's cool you are giving us all a heads up.

[bugsy89735]

one more...... L-Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein) in the body. The body can make enough glutamine for its regular needs, but extreme stress (the kind you would experience after very heavy exercise or an injury), your body may need more glutamine than it can make. Most glutamine is stored in muscles followed by the lungs, where much of the glutamine is made.

Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the body). It also helps your immune system function and appears to be needed for normal brain function and digestion.

You can usually get enough glutamine without taking a supplement, because your body makes it and you get some in your diet. Certain medical conditions, including injuries, surgery, infections, and prolonged stress, can lower glutamine levels, however. In these cases, taking a glutamine supplement may be helpful.
Uses:

Woundhealing and recovery from illness
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
HIV/AIDS
Athletes
Cancer
People with kidney disease, liver disease, or Reye syndrome (a rare, sometimes fatal disease of childhood that is generally associated with aspirin use) should not take glutamine.

Just info,,Bugz

[wannabfre2b]

DIDNT HELP ME ANY, MAD EME MORE ANXIOUS AND IRRITABLE,,,, NO THANKS

[bugsy89735]

I am on a roll now,,, Here is another tidbit from Dr Weil,,,,,,,

DLPA --supplement in the amino acid mix

Is DLPA a Good Option for Chronic Pain?
I have heard that DLPA is good for chronic pain, but I don't see any reference to it on your website. Will it help?

A
Answer (Published 9/18/2009)
You're asking about a mixture of the two forms of phenylalanine, an amino acid that is the precursor of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. L-phenylalanine has been used for treatment of depression; D-phenylalanine, which is believed to help prevent breakdown of the brain's natural painkillers may help some people with chronic pain. DLPA includes both forms.
Today, I find the evidence for DLPA's effectiveness weak and no longer recommend it. I'm familiar with claims that it can help some people get by with lower doses of opiates for chronic pain, but I'm not convinced. Instead, I suggest trying other treatments such as hypnotherapy or acupuncture as well as natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger and turmeric.

Here are some more approaches I recommend for dealing with chronic pain:

See a pain specialist or find a pain center that offers a full range of conventional and alternative treatments.
Try mind-body approaches. Breath work, guided imagery, hypnotherapy and meditation can help you raise your pain threshold, in part by triggering the release of pain-mitigating chemicals in the brain.
Rethink your pain. Use mind-body approaches to help you alter your perception of pain.
Follow my anti-inflammatory diet. Season your meals with turmeric and ginger, natural anti-inflammatory agents than can reduce pain related to inflammation. Or take 300 to 500 mg of an extract of turmeric standardized to 90 to 95 percent curcuminoids up to three times a day (supplemental turmeric may thin the blood, so be cautious with anticoagulant drugs). Look for products that include piperine, a component of black pepper that increases the bioavailability of curcuminoids.
Explore alternative therapies. Massage, movement therapies such as the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method, and acupuncture are natural ways to tackle pain. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), the use of electric current delivered through acupuncture needles may also help quiet pain signals.
Tailor pain medications to support a healthy lifestyle. This may take some trial and error, but working with your physician you may be able to come up with a combination of pain medication that gives you enough relief to engage in daily activities and exercise. Be sure to speak up if you develop side effects or if a drug isn't working.
Don't suffer needlessly. Get medical help sooner rather than later - chronic pain can trigger anxiety and depression, both of which can make matters worse.
Andrew Weil, M.D.

[jrizzy303]

Thank you so much for the quick response. Thats alot of info. Yeah I havent felt bad from it. I actually think better mood. maybe diareahh but could be from detox but then again 25 days clean figure be over that. I take as pill. The ingredient is the same stuff your body already produces. My counslor told me about it. I really appreciate it.

[bugsy89735]

Sam-E.............Taken from the Mayo Clinic

SAMe has been well tolerated in the majority of clinical trials conducted. The most common adverse effects reported are gastrointestinal in nature with nausea being the most frequently reported. Skin rashes have also been reported. Anxiety and hypomania have been reported mainly in trials that have included patients with bipolar disorder. The use of SAMe has not been adequately studied in the pediatric and elderly population, in pregnancy other than the third trimester, or during breastfeeding.

When given as an injection, diluted SAMe has caused superficial phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) and tachycardia (increased heart rate), increased perspiration, transient pain at the injection site, arm soreness, flushing, erythema (reddening of the skin), palpitation, dizziness, nausea, pruritus (itching), urticaria ("hives"), and epigastric pain.

SAMe may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

When taken by mouth or by injection, SAMe may cause a hot sensation and itchiness of the ear, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, heartburn, blood in the stool, anorexia, mild diarrhea, stomachaches, slight constipation, increased thirst, increased salivation, urinary frequency, intolerable bowel symptoms, gas, and decreased appetite. Anxiety, insomnia, hypomania, hostility, insomnia, elevated mood, psychoactivation, headache, suicidal ideation, hyperactivity, a reduced need for sleep, and bursts of energy have also been reported.

hope this helps,,,Bugz

[dominosarah]

Interesting

[jrizzy303]

Hey Thanks for the info. I am on sam-e to help mood and joint health do know if this is some thing to look into. Or do you know if it is safe.

[ImDONENoMore]

Thank you bugsy for this info.  I had my suspicions about this drug and as the information you have provided states, I will not use it until more is known about this supplement.  I especially appreciate that you are a nurse and respect your profession so much.

Thank you.