Reviewer: Glosta, 65-74 on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Consumer)

Comment:
I've been feeling depressed for so long I can't remember when things were different. Only recently have I admitted to myself the seriousness of what's going on. I've tried 5-htp: 100 mg extended release twice daily and I noticed a positive change BUT seemed to always get tired late in the afternoon. Crazy as it sounds it did not help with evening sleep. I've switched to only on ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I've been feeling depressed for so long I can't remember when things were different. Only recently have I admitted to myself the seriousness of what's going on. I've tried 5-htp: 100 mg extended release twice daily and I noticed a positive change BUT seemed to always get tired late in the afternoon. Crazy as it sounds it did not help with evening sleep. I've switched to only one pill a day and have not concluded any definite result. I might try CBD in place of the one omitted pill, or might reverse the schedule for when to take the 5-htp. If I didn't get so tired I'd give it a 5-star rating. I've got to admit that sometimes I get so desperate for one good day that I'd try almost anything. Depression can be very frustrating, always getting your hopes up only to be let down. I should note that I've been taking 5-htp for about 5 weeks. By the way, I have gone the route of prescribed meds with bad luck results. I don't intend to return to any of them. I've tried to be straight here because I know that what works or doesn't work for me may not be the same for you. It all seems to be a wait and see approach similar to prescribed meds. Something my doctor says, "try this and if it doesn't work we can try something else". After a while it grows old.
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Reviewer: 45-54 on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)

Comment:
I have been struggling with depression and anxiety since 1993. This is the first time I have felt almost immediate relief. I will continue taking at night with my other meds. Usually I wake up and do not even want to get of bed. In the last week when I wake up, I feel hope and purpose.

Comment:
I have been struggling with depression and anxiety since 1993. This is the first time I have felt almost immediate relief. I will continue taking at night with my other meds. Usually I wake up and do not even want to get of bed. In the last week when I wake up, I feel hope and purpose.
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Reviewer: Jo, 35-44 on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)

Comment:
Had to stop taking after 9 days due to dizziness, nausea and eventually a black out. Still suffering from occassional nausea and vomiting 2 weeks later. Only took 100mg daily before bed and would not recommend 5htp as it made me very ill.

Comment:
Had to stop taking after 9 days due to dizziness, nausea and eventually a black out. Still suffering from occassional nausea and vomiting 2 weeks later. Only took 100mg daily before bed and would not recommend 5htp as it made me very ill.
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Reviewer: 5htplover, 45-54 Female on Treatment for 5 to less than 10 years (Consumer)

Comment:
I have been on 5-HTP for nearly 8 years, and much happier for it. I started it after my boyfriend died unexpectedly and I fell into a severe depression (normally I suffer from mild depression). I didn’t have insurance, and started researching alternatives to SSRIs. I had taken Zoloft for a spell years ago and it worked for me okay (though I didn’t like the side effects). The day I started taking i ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I have been on 5-HTP for nearly 8 years, and much happier for it. I started it after my boyfriend died unexpectedly and I fell into a severe depression (normally I suffer from mild depression). I didn’t have insurance, and started researching alternatives to SSRIs. I had taken Zoloft for a spell years ago and it worked for me okay (though I didn’t like the side effects). The day I started taking it it worked! I was able to get out of bed and do the dishes, a major accomplishment at that time in my life. Over time and with an increased dosage, my depression and anxiety lifted and my concentration and focus improved. It also helped my sleep, and I didn’t experience a decreased libido like I did on Zoloft. My advice: 1) Work with your doctor if you want to try this. Do not take 5-HTP with other meds unless instructed by your doctor as this can cause bad interactions (e.g., see #3 -serotonin syndrome). 2) Start with a low dose and work your way up. I started with 50 mg. Over time I upped it by 50 mg increments until I found what worked for me (150 mg once a day). 3) Serotonin Syndrome (where getting too much serotonin is toxic) is real, but from what I have read you have to take 300 mg or more before you see toxic effects. This information may change over time as research teases this out, and I suspect it differs depending on the person. 4) Take an enterically-coated version of 5-HTP. This means it breaks down in the intestine and not the stomach. After a year or so of taking uncoated pills, I started to experience stomach rumbling and discomfort, and a low-grade fever. The enteric pills eliminated this issue. 5) Get a good quality product to ensure you are getting a pure product. I take Solaray. 6) If it makes you sleepy, take it at night. I initially tried it on a Saturday day, when I knew I’d have the day off and could see how it made me feel. It made me drowsy. I now take it ~45 minutes before bed and that’s worked well for me.
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Reviewer: 55-64 on Treatment for 1 to less than 2 years (Consumer)

Comment:
Began using 5HTP when I lost my insurance for a while and had to go off of Pristiq. AWFUL drug to stop taking abruptly. I was greatly helped by 5HTP! I really don't think there's anything on the planet that could have removed all of the symptoms of that experience, but this was a lifesaver. I noticed an improvement the 2nd or 3rd day, and have been taking ever since. It's also helpful ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
Began using 5HTP when I lost my insurance for a while and had to go off of Pristiq. AWFUL drug to stop taking abruptly. I was greatly helped by 5HTP! I really don't think there's anything on the planet that could have removed all of the symptoms of that experience, but this was a lifesaver. I noticed an improvement the 2nd or 3rd day, and have been taking ever since. It's also helpful for anxiety and good sleep. I do find that I need to go off for a few days or so as it seems to lose it's effectiveness. A word of caution, try to hang in there if you get stomach issues. They go away after the first week, and the and the quick desolve tablets are easier on the tummy. Also start out with a lower dosage if you do have issues. Great stuff peeps!!
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