5htp safe or not ? Please !

Hi,

I've been taking 5hydrotryptophan for my depression for about 4 weeks now after 16years on conventional medications with unpleasant side effects. I have finally gotten off them and found something that I am reasonably happy with, only to be getting grief from my family due to some of the articles regarding this herbal medication.

Most of the research i have read has been reasonably positive considering the adverse effects conventional antidepressants have. however there are some articles online stating that it is dangerous and because serotonin is released into the blood, or words to that effect, it can cause heart defects. I have read that this is unconfirmed but i am slightly concerned.

Please advise.

i have tried st johns wart which upset my stomach and i'm loathe to go back on my meds. I'm running out of options if this is a no go and i've purchased about a years supply already.

Thanks very much.

Yvonne xxx

[M4Y0U]

5-HTP is used in the synthesize of serotonin from the natural amino acid tryptophan. Supplementing with 5-HTP at night should not be something to be worried about and it is safe unless you mix it with other serotonergic medications like another antidepressant or even St John's Wort to avoid any pharmacodynamic interactions.

M4