Stopping Bipolar/Depression Meds, Substitute 5-HTP?

[TarlCabot]

I'm long time SSRI user, Atypical Bipolar (whatever the heck that means) and depression. I have recently found posts on various forums here concerning using 5-HTP as an anti-depressant in place of the SSRI's. Anyone want to comment on that? I Know I have to taper off the SSRI's and will not stop them without doing that, but I'd really like to stop them owing to the totally frustrating sexual side effects, etc.

[Bipolar1-43]

I have only been on medication for 7 years I am bipolar 1  I am 43 I have had this all my lfe
not being able to hold relationships and jobs financial problems other medical problems as well
but i have done extensive research on this disease and you should do some research on it too.

It is very dangerous to come off meds with this aweful disease.  

[s0up]

Taking 5-HTP in combination with anything that inhibits the breakdown of seratonin is not a good idea due to the fact that 5-HTP is a precursor and will consequently raise the levels in the brain, and the SSRIs will block the ability to break this chemical down due to its action in the cytochrome p450 system in the liver.

Don't take them together, and due to the exceptionally long half life of some SSRIs, make sure you wait some time before starting 5-HTP supplementation.

[s0up]

Taking 5-HTP in combination with anything that inhibits the breakdown of seratonin is not a good idea due to the fact that 5-HTP is a precursor and will consequently raise the levels in the brain, and the SSRIs will block the ability to break this chemical down due to its action in the cytochrome p450 system in the liver.

Don't take them together, and due to the exceptionally long half life of some SSRIs, make sure you wait some time before starting 5-HTP supplementation.

[Laura Gail]

I am tapering off prozac, and am using 5-HtP. I have had great luck with it. I am still on prozac, but already I am getting my sex drive back. I have been told that 5-HTP works for some folks, but not everyone. I love it. I have a good friend who has also gotten off the meds using 5-HTP.

What I am learning from folks who have come off the meds is that while 5HTP can be a amazing, exercise is equally important.

good luck

laura gail

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You'll have to get comments from others who have tried this, I have no experience with it, but if you are having sexual side effects, ask your doctor about switching you to wellbutrin, which many others have used successfully without those side effects.