Bulimia and L-tryptophan

I recently read several research articles where taking the supplement L-tryptophan daily was linked to increased serotonin levels, which helped prevent binging. I have been bulimic for more than 13 years and within the last year and half have been actively seeking treatment for the first time. I have struggled to find a combination of prescription medications that works for me. The ones that help prevent binging also leave me feeling foggy and sedated, which does not fit with the high-pressure demands of my job. On my own, before medication, I went almost a full  year without purging. I seem to have struggled more since trying medications and have had a very severe relapse in the last several months. I was hopeful when I read that L-tryptophan might be a more "natural" way to boost serotonin levels, with less side effects. Can anyone tell me what their experience with this is, if they have tried it? Thank you!

[BP2PROFESSIONAL]

Yep I've used it works well  to improve my mood.  Which may help if you comfort eat when depressed.  Taking Serotonin directly won't pass the brain blood barrier but 5-hydroxytryptophan will and is a precursor for Serotonin. Need to be careful when using it if Bipolar as it can trigger mania or serotonin syndrome but is very helpful otherwise.

I also binge as well, looking for other things that may help suppress my appetite. I heard chromium sometimes helps as well.

[ktjoonbug]

If you did better without the medications, then why are you taking them? I personally did worse on many medications in my past, particularly SSRI's because they can affect appetite and that just acts as an additional trigger.

[lindahand]

Just don't combine it with psyc meds, or do it very slowly, because it could cause too much seritonin to be in your system and cause seritonin syndrome.