Thread: 5-htp
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Old 12-14-2005, 04:35 AM
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susane1408
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lincolnshire, England
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Some information for those that are interested

<CENTER>5-HTP Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Contraindications

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What is 5 HTP

5 HTP is the metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophane, an essential amino acid, is metabolized into 5-HTP by the body. 5 HTP is in turn, converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is is responsible for mood, hunger and sleep. Antidepressant drugs approved by the FDA, including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's) such as Prozac, are said to work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to the brain. 5 HTP, therefore, may for some individuals, serve as a natural alternative to some prescription SSRI type drugs like Prozac.

Supplementing either Tryptophane or 5 HTP increases Serotonin levels by supplying more of the building block material needed to make this neurotransmitter. Low levels of Serotonin have been associated with depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, altered mood, insomnia, PMS, and headaches. Both tryptophane and 5 HTP are sometimes used as nutritional support for these conditions. 5 HTP is about five times more potent than Tryptophane for this application.

5 HTP for Mood Elevation and Depression and Panic Attacks

According to medical journals and reviews it ihas been proven that 5 HTP helps improve moods of depressed patients and helps panic attacks. The same sources generally recommended that more research on 5 HTP should be done before claims were made.

5 HTP for Sleep and Weight Loss

5 HTP may aid in weight loss and improve sleep patterns for some individuals. Research suggests that good serotonin levels may reduce apetite thereby assisting in weight loss. Serotonin is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland and melatonin, in turn, regulates sleep cycles. The theory is that if 5 HTP can increase serotonin levels, it may be able to improve sleep and aid in weight loss. In the medical articles reviewed, positive results have been reported but the authors caution that more research is needed before claims can be made.

<CENTER>5 HTP Dosage

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As with all nutritional supplements or medications, individual response is a variable. It is clear that large excesses of serotonin in the peripheral circulation can cause cardiovascular disease and other adverse effects. Too much 5 HTP in the diet could potentially result in too much serotonin in the peripheral circulation.

Some sources suggest that 5 HTP can be safely used as a nutritional supplement at a dosage of up to 100 milligrams (mg) per day. Some authorities maintain that much larger dosages can be consumed without adverse effects. Some also suggest that 5 HTP, especially in larger doses should be used with the prescription drug carbidopa. The purpose of this drug is to prevent the 5 HTP from being converted to serotonin in the peripheral circulation.

<CENTER>5 HTP Precautions & Side Effects

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</CENTER> 5 HTP is available without prescription and is generally considered safe and may be beneficial to many individuals. Contraindications to 5 HTP use or conditions under which 5 HTP use should only be under the supervision of a physician are:
  1. Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart attack)
  2. Extremely Elderly Persons
  3. those with Parkinsons Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus)
  4. Lung Diseases
  5. Chronic Alcoholism
  6. Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis)
  7. parasitic infection
  8. AIDS
  9. Anorexia Nervosa
  10. Low protein Diets
  11. Allergies (severe)
  12. Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles)
  13. Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles)
  14. Rash or Flushing
  15. Edema
  16. Nausea
  17. Diarrhea
  18. Sickle cell anemia
  19. Hemophilia
  20. Pregnancy

Concurrent drug use: 5 HTP should not be used if taking:
  1. Anti-depressant drugs
  2. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's e.g., Prozac)
  4. Tricyclic medications
  5. Weight Loss medications (i.e., dextenfluramine)
  6. Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa)
  7. Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs
  8. Antihistamines and cold medications
  9. Alcoholic beverages
  10. Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs
  11. Cancer chemotherapy or
  12. Antibiotic Medications
Alcohol and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Allow at least six hours between use of alcohol and 5 HTP.

Warning: 5 HTP can increase the effect of some tranquilizing drugs.

For more in depth information on the uses and therapeutic possibilities of 5 HTP, read this book:

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=center align=middle></TD><TD>5-Htp: The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia by Michael T. Murray, N.D.
Dr. Murray (Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima, 1996) discusses the relationship between levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the symptoms of depression, obesity, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. These symptoms can be alleviated by taking the amino acid 5 HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). The body converts 5 HTP into serotonin, a neurotransmitter vital for brain function.
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