5-HTP for Depression and Fatigue

[karynh]

Has anyone tried 5-htp with success for mild depression symptoms?  I have a bunch of symtoms and recently made an appointment with a holistic practice in NYC.  I have mild depression and anxiety, extreme fatigue which I think is hormonal imbalance.  I am taking high grade multi vitamin and 50mg of 5-htp at bedtime.  The extreme tiredness just started a few days ago.  I sleep 8 hours and wake up exhausted and am tired during the day (so much so that my eyes actually hurt).  It is making me very nervous.  I am not sure what is causing it.  

I must add I am overweight by 50lbs, don't eat great, don't exercise like I should, work full time with 2 young children at home, have extra stress, etc.  That does sound like a lot.  Any feedback would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Karyn

[surfergirl10]

when I go to my psych, I will bring this up.  I will ask for a backup valium though. HMMM.

[Hensley258]

It's good that your at least first trying to use a Natural approach to treating your Depression rather than going streight to medication.

If your Depression is Mild to Moderate then you have a very good chance of correcting it naturally without medication. In my case I have to also take medication due to the severity of my condition.

It is very possible that your Depression and fatuge is being caused by whats called, "Bio-Chemical Depressive Dissorder."

One Major cause of this is due to either Neurephineferine or Serotonin depletion in the brain. You mention that your symptoms of depression are Extreem fatuge with some anxiety? If this is the case then your issue is more likly due to Neurephinefierine depletion.

I also suffer from the kind of depression that causes me to have massive symptoms of fatuge. So much so that I felt absolutly exausted all the time. Even after a full 9 hours of solid sleep I still felt sleepy all the time. So much so that all I wanted to do was lay down and sleep and rest all the time. Norepinephrine depletion is is proven to be one of the largest causes of Fatuge related depression.

I have found relief from adding this plan to my meds:

Formula for Depression Due to Norepinephrine Depletion:

Nutrient Dose Directions
L-Tyrosine 500 mg 4 to 10 capsules per day in 2 or 3 equal doses on an empty stomach
OR -- L-Phenylalanine 500 mg 1 to 3 capsules per day in equal doses on an empty stomach
Vitamin B6 50 mg 1 capsule 3 times per day
Vitamin C 1000 mg 1 capsule per day
I also recomend taking a good Omega 3 suppliment twice daily. Omega 3 is excellent food for the brain and can help with overall brain fuction.

Who Should Not Take Tyrosine or L-Phenylalanine:

Anyone with high blood pressure should avoid phenylalanine or take very low doses (one hundred milligrams) at first and monitor blood pressure as dosage is increased.
No one taking an MAO inhibitor for depression should take either tyrosine or L-phenylalanine
No one with severe liver damage should take any amino acid.
Do not take any amino acids during pregnancy except with the approval and supervision of your physician.
No one with PKU (phenylketonuria) should use L-phenylalanine.
No one with schizophrenia should take either amino acid (except with a physician's approval and under their supervision.)
No one with an overactive thyroid or malignant melanoma should take either amino acid.
If you are being treated for any serious illness, consult your doctor before taking these amino acids.