Switching from Effexor to 5-htp

[sunhine786]

I am on 150 mg Effexor XR and have started taking 50 mg 5-htp twice daily as well since the 150 mg Effexor was not completely helping. I have noticed an reduced libido, specially ejaculation poblems. Can 5-htp cause this? I am planning on tapering effexor completely and use 5-htp in the near future. I also take klonopin and buspar. Any suggestions, comments will be really appreciated.

[Andy9595]

  

  I'm glad I put the 5-HTP down tonight and did not buy it.  I would not have taken it anyway until I asked my doctor.  One thing I would like to get out there as far as Effexor is concerned.  Do not take Mucinex if you are on Effexor.  In 2007 I took it for the first time.  One hour later I'm having a panic attack and I had been controlled for years.  I would love to get on a natural alternative so all of the side effects would go away.

[Andy9595]

  

  I'm glad I put the 5-HTP down tonight and did not buy it.  I would not have taken it anyway until I asked my doctor.  One thing I would like to get out there as far as Effexor is concerned.  Do not take Mucinex if you are on Effexor.  In 2007 I took it for the first time.  One hour later I'm having a panic attack and I had been controlled for years.  I would love to get on a natural alternative so all of the side effects would go away.

[mammo]

Thanks for clarifying to this person not to mix the 5-HTP and Effexor.  Sometimes I feel this isn't impressed on people when it comes to them looking for an alternative.  Great job!

[M4Y0U]

After you are completely off the Effexor you can add the 5-HTP but still... Tryptophan is where to start. Don't combine 5-HTP and Effexor!!!

[M4Y0U]

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid you can obtain in foods or supplements then it is converted into 5-HTP and then into serotonin (then serotonin is coverted into melatonin). If you don't have an healthy diet i would go with the tryptophan and see what happens. I mean it makes more sense to add the tryptophan than directly move to the 5-HTP since 5-HTP is synthesized naturally.

Best regards,
M4

[mammo]

I agree.  They say it has very serious side effects and not to take it until more is known.

[therese83]

You read all these great things about supplements, but really for serious mental illness they are a dangerous road to go down.

5HTP is not medically proven.

I don't think you can compare the two things.

Effexor is a powerful anti depressant.  5 HTP, well it may give hope to some, but it did nothing for me.