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Is 5-HTP as effective as antidepressants?
The 5-HTP was found to be as effective as the antidepressant, with fewer side effects. The small study that did meet the quality criteria found that 5-HTP worked better than placebo at alleviating depression.
Can 5-HTP replace antidepressants?
Preliminary studies indicate that 5-HTP may work as well as certain antidepressant drugs to treat people with mild-to-moderate depression.
Do doctors recommend 5-HTP?
Some people believe that taking 5-HTP can increase the amount of serotonin in the body. Doctors have previously linked a lack of serotonin with a number of medical conditions, including depression. As a result, some doctors recommend taking 5-HTP along with regular medications for certain conditions.
Why 5-HTP is bad for you?
Too much 5-HTP in your body can cause a spike in serotonin levels, resulting in side effects such as: anxiety. shivering. serious heart problems.
Can I take SSRI with 5-HTP?
Some doctors have used small amounts of L-tryptophan in combination with SSRIs, to increase their effectiveness. However, because of the potential for side effects, 5-HTP and L-tryptophan should never be taken in combination with escitalopram or other SSRIs, unless a doctor is closely monitoring the combination.
Can you take 5-HTP long term?
5-HTP alone contraindicated for long-term use The most significant side effects and adverse reactions may occur with long-term use (many months or longer). Administration of 5-HTP alone depletes catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine).
Does 5-HTP have an antidepressant effect?
For example, a 2013 trial of 70 patients, who were experiencing their first episode of depression, concluded 5-HTP did have an ‘antidepressant effect’ on the subjects. 4 It’s still not known exactly what causes migraines, but one theory is they’re triggered by changes in serotonin levels within the brain. 5
Can I take 5-HTP with other medications?
Thus, with regard to your questions regarding combining 5-HTP with your anti-depressants and / or anxiety meds: If your medications are in the SSRI class, you may be able to reduce your dosage or eliminate the drugs altogether with supplemental 5-HTP. Of course, do this in conjunction with your physician’s guidance.
What is 5-HTP and what are its benefits?
On the other hand, 5-HTP can help the brain produce more serotonin. Many times doctors recommend that people use 5-HTP along with other antidepressant substances or medications for extra support. 5-HTP may also be used by people who are SSRI-resistant against depression. 2. May Help Improve Sleep Quality
What is the difference between tryptophan and 5-HTP?
Thus, in comparison to tryptophan, 5-HTP is virtually a “guided missile” that is directly targeted to increasing brain serotonin levels. Not surprisingly, studies have shown better results using only 200 to 300 mg of 5-HTP per day as an antidepressant compared to other studies using 2,000 to 3,000 mg or more of tryptophan per day. 16