5-HTP instead of an SSRI

[GaryRN]

I have done extensive research down to the cellular level as I have been suffering from terrible anxiety for the last 18 mos.  I had much trouble getting on an SSRI and my MD wanted me to titrate up as much as I could as I was getting NO therapeutic response.  Well, Lexapro at 30 mg seemed to be making things worse.  I seem to carry the "Short arm allele" or in other words, I have a "Polymorphism" of the Serotonin transporter gene.

I have recently weaned off of the Lexapro completely and going through the withdrawal that follows which for me is the Zaps, Increased anxiety, fatigued, etc.

My question is that because 5-HTP is a direct precursor to Serotonin and crosses that blood brain barrier, might I see a clinical response (i.e. a nice reduction in my anxiety) even though I carry the short arm allele ?  It would make sense since I'm bypassing the transporter mechanism that the SSRI's need in order to be effective (i.e. I'm making more serotonin and thus making more available compared to the SSRI's where I'm not making more Serotonin but relying on the transporter to "re-use" what I already have over and over again).   It seems to make sense to me, but I just wanted to get some imput from anyone else out there that may be familiar with what I'm talking about.

Thanks in advance.....

Gary..........BSN, RN

[sumihari]

I don't think anyone here would be able to help you with this question and I don't think even your doctor could answer this. The reason is because you need a team of biologists, chemists, genetic specialist, psychiatrists and other specialists to put together their minds to give you the best answer. Perhaps you could pose this question on the doctor's forum.  

In any case, 5-HTP is a naturally occuring amino acid , which tells me it can't do you much harm and it apparently is found in turkey and cheese which most non-vegetarians would eat anyway, so why take a supplement?  But if SSRI's don't agree with you and you think a supplementation of 5-HTP will, just give it a try.

[Ambersnow]

I'm going through terrible withdrawals trying to wean off lexapro and wellbutrin. I was up to 50mg lexapro several months ago, and am currently taking 15mg lexapro (was on 300mg wellbutrin now on 37mg, almost done). This is a long, painful process that's not over yet. I have been considering taking 5-htp. From my research, taking ssri's with 5htp can be dangerous because it can elevate serotonin levels. But weaning off ssri's slowly, while introducing 5htp in small doses (50mg or less a day) may be effective. This shoud be done with dr.'s advice, but I don't have one right now, so I'll probably do this on my own. 5htp should not be taken in doses over 100mg, as there has not been any long term tests, and side effects can occur. 50 to 100mg per day seems adequate. Has anyone else tried this?

Amber, B.A.

[kalmkidd]

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan, also abbreviated as 5HTP or 5 HTP) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin is also involved in impulse control. For instance, low serotonin levels may lead to addictive behavior such as gambling or other habits caused by weak will power. Serotonin is known as 5-HT, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, and is found in many places in the body particularly the brain, gastrointestinal system, and blood cells. On this web page I will discuss the proper use of 5-HTP along with mentioning 5 HTP side effects and information on the use of 5-HTP for depression, or anyxiety in your case.. therefor in my conclusion i dont think it would be a bad idea and i also DONT feel it would do any harm ''ALONE'' however because it is basically serotonin and your lexapro is increasing extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell, increasing the level of serotonin available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor so im not sure if it would have a ''ADVERSE'' effect to the lexapro sense your pumping more into as well as upping with the lexapro my only worry would be something very severe which is serotonin syndrome. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS WITHOUT SPEAK TO ATLEAST YOUR MD.. good luck if you have any question feel free to contact me.

Shawn (Student Of Psychotherapy) DCC

[AnxiousGurl]

Ive tried it and notice a difference, not a big one but it definately helps me

[Bekah58]

I have been going to a Naturopathic physician (has the pre-med schooling that the MDs have + the Naturopathic 4 yr college work) and she has me on 250 mg of 5-HTP and other supplements for the many issues that I've been having with menopause.  I've weaned off of Prozac with NO problems after having been on it for 9 years (a very small dose of 5mg).  The only recommendation my Naturopath had was to go up on my 5-HTP by 50 mg.. hence the 250mg dose that I currently take. She had my brain chemistry tested to find out that I was low on serotonin; too high in norepinephrine (caused a lot of anxiety) and I was too high in GABA (but I was taking GABA to help me sleep).  I stopped the GABA.  She has me on L-Theanine (active ingredient in Green Tea) to counteract the too high norepinephrine... it helps tremendously with anxiety!  My naturopath is:  Dr. Renee Young located in Los Gatos, Calif. and I believe the company that provides testing of neurotransmitters is:  www.neurorelief.com  - Hope this helps!