L-tryptophan

[Guest guest]

Has anyone had any experience in using the supplement L-tryptophan for

treating OCD in kids? I know it can be of great help to adults who

respond to SSRI medication (not recommended with the SSRI, but instead

of it).

[Guest guest]

You are correct, that there have been contamination concerns with a batch of

L-tryptophan some years ago. I believe the concern was not that the

L-tryptophan was harmful in and of itself, but that the batch that had been

produced by a Japanese manufacture caused some major problems and apparently

some deaths. I think there was also some concern that tryptophan, when overused,

was causeing sickness.

I know of someone who was on antidepressants at one time (Lexapro,

Welbutrin)--not an OCD case, but depression from seratonin deficiency. He is

off of the antidepressant, and now takes L-tryptophan only when a bout of

depression comes on. There have not been any side effects or problems from it,

and it has been very helpful for him. The tryptophan is " pharmaceutical grade "

(and it was actually recommended by a doctor, along with taking vitamin B and C

to help effectiveness).

I am not a doctor and I am only speaking from experience. But if anyone is

looking for alternatives to present medications, it could be something to

discuss with a doctor. And I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience

with this.

I know there are also some books by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons that deal with the

whole serotonin issue in a nutritional (i.e. changes in eating) way. Although

she deals with depression, her work may be helpful to someone dealing with OCD

issues.

[Guest guest]

I am sorry...I just send a response about the tryptophan issue, but realized I

did not answer the question that " svdbyhislove " asked. Tryptophan does raise

serotonin and that is why it should not (unless recommended under a doctor's

supervision, I suppose) be taken while you are also taking an SSRI. It could

possibly lead to a dangerous condition called " serotonin syndrome. " Also, I do

not know if L-tryptophan helps OCD...I am just wondering if it does.

[Guest guest]

We have tried 5-HTP, without success. Doesn't mean it won't help

someone, just no change for us for the OCD.

>

> Has anyone had any experience in using the supplement L-tryptophan

for

> treating OCD in kids? I know it can be of great help to adults who

> respond to SSRI medication (not recommended with the SSRI, but

instead

> of it).

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Tania. I suspected that might be why (serotonin syndrome).

Thanks for the reply.

BJ

>

> I am sorry...I just send a response about the tryptophan issue, but

realized I did not answer the question that " svdbyhislove " asked.

Tryptophan does raise serotonin and that is why it should not (unless

recommended under a doctor's supervision, I suppose) be taken while

you are also taking an SSRI. It could possibly lead to a dangerous

condition called " serotonin syndrome. " Also, I do not know if

L-tryptophan helps OCD...I am just wondering if it does.

>