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

[nursegirl6572]

Just FYI, this thread is pretty old, and the person you're addressing doesn't seem to be around anymore.  A lot of people dont think to look at the dates, and most times, if an old thread is bumped, it doesn't get too much attention.

Great comments though!!

[JonySeb]

It takes time for 5HTP to do its effect. Several weeks(2-4) may be needed.
It has as an adverse effect to stimulate, but that is only for the first week. You should start at low dose and then increase gradually to the desired one. But after all remember: it might not be good for YOU. It depends on your condition and the needs of your body. Have consulted a doctor prior use?
Good luck!

[Paxiled]

It might make withdrawal worse, though some report it as helpful.  5-HTP is a metabolite of tryptophan, an amino acid.  Along with B6 and other co-factors, it's responsible for manufacturing serotonin in the body.  An ssni targets both certain serotonin and norepinephrine receptors.  Part of withdrawal will be serotonin receptors that the body has determined haven't been needed because of the increased activity of the targeted receptors will begin to wake up, as they will be again needed.  This is believed to be part of the withdrawal, particularly brain zaps and some other problems.  Taking 5-HTP might, and I emphasize might, increase the efficiency of serotonin production while your body is trying very hard to work normally again and this might actually prolong withdrawal.  Some people have had some success using fish oil and St. John's Wort and some other supplements to ease this process, but I'd be careful about HTP.

[cheeseface]

I'm currently taking SSNI's (specifically venlafaxine) and have been considering coming off them for a while now, however am extremely nervous about the withdrawal symptoms involved as I've experienced these before and they're horrible. I was wondering if 5HTP during the final stages of the weaning off of the SSNI's would help control some of worse withdrawals when the dosage is stopped completely.

[CSCampbell]

I was wondering the same thing before I take it, if that's what it would do b/c thats the one thing I dnt want it to do.. I fear it doing that. I have random panic attacks and fear if I take this, that it will send me back into a panic attack. I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder & have been put on several medications in the past which alot of them gave me more anxiety like you are describing. I was told to only take it before I go to bed at night, but if I wake up with a racing heart I'll be in the ER before the morning.. Now I'm scared to take it..

[andrewm88]

i have been taking 5-htp for a week and so far it has done NOTHING but give me MORE anxiety!