Re: 5-HTP

[Guest guest]

I have been on 100mg of 5HTP for over a year and I take it in the am it is

an upper for me, I feel great on this.

God Bless,

[Guest guest]

I have been using it about 4 weeks now, it does seem to help my mood a little

and I am sleeping a little better. I will continue for several months to see if

there is really a difference though.

Jane

" Alison, Chicago " wrote:

Has anyone used 5-HTP with success? I have used it a couple of times to help

me sleep but not on an ongoing basis.

Thanks!

Alison, Chicago

[Guest guest]

I'm pretty sure ssri's create more serotonin by blocking the re uptake of

serotonin not by make the neurons fire more rapidly

>

> > does 5-HTP creates the same kind of sexual dysfunction ?

> > seems like 5-HTP is an excellent SSRI replacement, natural and

lower

> > side-effects.

> >

> > comments ?

>

> I wouldn't expect it to have similar side effects because the mode

of

> aciton is completly different than SSRIs.

>

> SSRIs " work " by making neurons release serotonin more rapidly so as

to

> increase the effective concentration of serotonin without there

actually

> being anymore of the stuff. The various SSRIs are systemic drugs...

it

> is known that they cause this effect, but the details of how they do

so

> is variable and not generally understood. Note, this is not " about "

> whether it's " natural " or not... the herb St. 's Wort used by

many

> folks for depression is an SSRI as certainly as Prozac is.

>

> 5-HTP is a much more targeted drug, in that it isn't generally

systemic.

> Furthermore, it has a " gentler " mode of action since it works

with

> your body's biochemistry. Basically, it is a precursor to serotonin

> (and melatonin and other neurological chemicals). It crosses the

> blood/brain barrier, and thereby provides more of the stuff your

body

> uses to make serotonin. But when taken in reasonable dosages, it's

not

> going to increase effective serontinin levels more than your brain

> decides it needs. It has built in " brakes " that SSRIs do not have.

>

> I would not expect anything like the same level of side effects as

from

> SSRIs since 5-HTP works within your own biochemistry rather than

> " forcing " a change. Of course, overdoing 5-HTP *would* force a

change -

> just cause it's natural doesn't mean it can't be abused.

>

> The " problem " with 5-HTP is because it's an herbal extract, it

cannot be

> patented, so no drug company has the motivation to spend the

millions it

> takes to get FDA approval. This is the downside of all " natural "

> medications. You pretty much have to depend on basic research as

there

> just isn't any formal drug-related research for natural medicines.

>

[Guest guest]

and yes it is true the brain does produce serotonin however your brain is genetically programmed to produce only a certain amount. Now after ssri treatment your brain does not respond the low amount your body naturally produces due to a "tolerance" built up by your system. this is why people with naturally low serotonin are more susceptible to pssd. this is just a theory but i feel it is a damn good one and the first one towards a cure for us. This explains why ecstasy reverses pssd temporarily and so does a healthy dose of an ssri because that’s essentially what ecstasy is. you dont have to believe it or even try it but its logical and i am on to something

Subject: Re: 5-HTPTo: SSRIsex Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 9:11 PM

I think this may be an accurate statement. I recall when I first began taking the Zoloft within the first 4 days or so I got this sexual dysfunction and numbed emotions. However I felt very euphoric and content all the time, my social anxiety was completely eliminated and I felt invincible. I felt like this for a good 6 weeks while my dysfunction persisted but then something happened. I had a horrible trip on a massive dose of caffeine and dramamine. Note that normally I would never abuse drugs like this, but the Zoloft completely changed my personality. It was the worst experience of my life and I had a massive panic attack during the bad trip and I thought I was dieing, I was devasted after this. Three days later I had another horrible trip on a massive dose of DXM which was just as bad if not worse then what happened to me on dramamine, I felt like I was dieing and loseing my mind and it still

scares the shit out of me thinking about it over a year later. The thing about it is tho after both of these incidents, I realized that my dysfunction was gone, and my emotions were back to normal. I was having the best orgasms of my life and all dysfunction was gone and I was still taking the Zoloft. However I was constantly in a state of panic and fear, having flashbacks of those trips and constantly feeling like I was on the verge of a panic attack every second of every day, it felt like hell. Eventually I went to the doctor and told him I was freaking out loseing my mind so he had me double my dose of Zoloft for two weeks, and then told me to go back to my regular dose. After about a week on the double dose my panic and fearfull thoughts went away, but my emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction came right back. I figured when i dropped my dose back down to its normal levels my dysfunction

would go away, but it didnt, and here I am today still with the same dysfunction. So im thinking about this hypersensitization to seratonin thing and it kind of makes sense. The zoloft made my hypersensitive to seratonin and was flooding my brain with it and all anxiety and fear in my life was gone, but when I had those two horrible events in my life occur and I fell into a kind of horrible panic and depression, a state where maybe my seratonin levels were extremely low, my dysfunction completely reversed. However right when I doubled my dose of Zoloft and started feelnig better, and possibly my seratonin levels began to rise again, all of my symptoms of sexual dysfunction came rushing back. To me this idea makes more sense.> > >> > > It is my understanding that ssri's deplete the brains serotonin > as > > a > > > consequence of prolonged use, in addition causing the brain to > > only > > > respond to high levels of serotonin, which you do not have after > > > quitting the drug. this makes perfect since to me as to why one > > should > > > taper off the drug to get

the brain to readjust to the lower > > level. if > > > you stop quickly the brain can not readjust to the level leaving > > you > > > with no sex drive and emotionally numb etc... i feel this is the > > case > > > and if your diet does not consist of a lot of carbs you will > never > > > rebuild the serotonin and your pssd will last much longer. the > > > supplement 5 htp is a precursor for serotonin, so a supplement > > like > > > ginkgo or other brain stimulating supplements in combo with 5 htp > > > would rebuild that diminished supply of serotonin regaining ones > > > emotions and sex drive. is this a long shot? i think not.> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

This is interesting. I would agree that many of us who ended up on

antidepressants genetically have low serotonin. However if a

downregulation effect was going on with the SSRIs eventually pushing

serotonin even lower than our original levels then sexual dysfunction

should show up later in treatment or on discontinuining not within the

first week which is when ive always experienced the sexual side effects

Related to this I also thought that downregulation explained why I

felt even more depressed when I got off antidepressants than when I

started.

Also ive never been a fan of 5-HTP. It gives me a headache and does

nothing for my mood. I also doubt it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Trytophan has a lot more evidence going for it although it is tricky

to get hold of.

Aside from 5HTP the thought of going back on a SSRI terrifies me, even

if I was to just use a tiny dose of one of the less potent ones like

Prozac.

My PSSD began from 20mg lexapro....one of the most potent SSRIs.

But if you are brave enough to try this theory id love to hear your

results

[Guest guest]

you said:

" Trytophan has a lot more evidence going for it although it is tricky

to get hold of "

You can easily order Trytophan from Swansons vitamins. Just go

to:http://www.swansonvitamins.com/

and put Trytophan in the keyword search and several brands will pop up.

> Re: 5-HTP

> Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:05:05 -0000

>

>

>

> This is interesting. I would agree that many of us who ended up on

> antidepressants genetically have low serotonin. However if a

> downregulation effect was going on with the SSRIs eventually pushing

> serotonin even lower than our original levels then sexual dysfunction

> should show up later in treatment or on discontinuining not within the

> first week which is when ive always experienced the sexual side effects

>

> Related to this I also thought that downregulation explained why I

> felt even more depressed when I got off antidepressants than when I

> started.

>

> Also ive never been a fan of 5-HTP. It gives me a headache and does

> nothing for my mood. I also doubt it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

> Trytophan has a lot more evidence going for it although it is tricky

> to get hold of.

>

> Aside from 5HTP the thought of going back on a SSRI terrifies me, even

> if I was to just use a tiny dose of one of the less potent ones like

> Prozac.

>

> My PSSD began from 20mg lexapro....one of the most potent SSRIs.

>

> But if you are brave enough to try this theory id love to hear your

> results

>

http://naturalgal.wordpress.com/

A journey away from medication through sane eating of healthy food.

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[Guest guest]

Daily intake of high doses of Vitamin B6 can increase serotonin and dopamine levels (a Vitamin B-Complex once daily is also beneficial as it prevents deficiencies of other B vitamins caused by high dose Vitamin B6. A person should not take more than 200mg per day of Vitamin B6):

"Considering that vitamin B6 is involved in so many biochemical processes, it does not come as a surprise that vitamin B6 supplements are useful in treating a great variety of mental and physical disorders. First of all, it seems to be helpful in preventing the development of heart disease by inhibiting platelet aggregation and by prolonging clotting time (7,8). Furthermore, it prevents arterial blockage by reducing homocysteine levels which are associated with clot formations (9,10). It is believed that about one person in seven is prone to high homocysteine accumulation (10). It has also been found to have cholesterol-lowering effect (11), particularly when taken in doses of up to 400mg per day (12). Conversely, a low vitamin B6 is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (13).

As vitamin B6 is intimately involved with immune system function, supplements have been found to be helpful in the prevention and treatment of asthma and other allergy-related disorders (12,14,15). For example, an experimental study on 76 asthmatic children concluded that children who received 100mg vitamin B6 daily, showed a significant symptom improvement and a reduction in the dosage of bronchodilator and cortisone required to relieve their symptoms (15).

Vitamin B6 supplements, up to 30mg per kg body weight, are particularly useful in treating children suffering from hyperactivity (32-34). Similarly, in treating autistic children (32, 35, 36). One double-blind crossover study on 16 autistic children found that their behaviour improved whilst on vitamin B6 supplements and consequently deteriorated on withdrawal (35). Vitamin B6 supplements are also used for lowering oxalate levels on patients prone to oxaluric stone formation (32, 37). Furthermore, when taken at 100-300mg per day it has been successful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (32, 38-42). Vitamin B6 supplements have been found to be particularly beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (32, 43-48). Likewise in treating depression due to hormonal preparations containing oestrogen such as the contraceptive pill (32, 49-52). Oestrogen leads to depression because it does not only block vitamin B6 activity but also accelerates the metabolism of tryptophan, thereby leading to low serotonin levels and hence to symptoms associated with these.

Vitamin B6 is an absolutely vital component in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. Not only that, but in order for tryptophan to be metabolised properly, it requires the presence of this vitamin. Therefore, an insufficient vitamin B6 intake is responsible for both low tryptophan and serotonin levels. Ever increasing research evidence is associating a low vitamin B6 intake with depression (23-26), a low tryptophan level with both depression aggression (27,28) and low serotonin levels with depression, aggression and suicidal behaviour (29, 31).

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is water-soluble and therefore rapidly absorbed and eliminated. Only for about five hours after the intake urine concentration of this vitamin is optimal (2, 12). Vitamin B6 supplements have been tested extensively for toxicity by a number of research groups. No evidence of toxicity has been reported in human trials using 225mg of vitamin B6 daily for one year (56), or taking 250-500mg for an average of 2.3 years (57). A review of vitamin B6 toxicity states: "there are many reports stressing the absence of toxic side effects in people taking 200-500 mg per day for extended periods" (58). This also became apparent when Brush and followed 630 women who had been taking up to 200mg of pyridoxine per day for years, none reported any side-effects whatsoever (59). "

"Remember that much of what we know about the function of the different neurotransmitters has been discovered by studying the effects of pharmaceuticals with known mechanisms of action that involve neurotransmitter levels. It's also important to note that changes in the levels or activity of one neurotransmitter will usually affect the level and activity of other neurotransmitters. For example the chronic use of SSRI drugs which increase serotonin often show the unwanted side effects called "poop out" syndrome. This is characterized by decreased libido, motivation, creativity, drive and initiative but without depressed mood. The theory is that such changes occur because the extra serotonin blocks dopamine in other parts of the brain. Even if the SSRI is increased, these symptoms probably will not improve. The SSRI must be decreased or another agent added, or proper supplementation utilized to increase dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex.With that lesson in pharmacology as a backdrop then, what do we need to know about dopamine? First, dopamine effect can be diminished by interference from the serotonin effects of the SSRI class of drugs. One goes up the other goes down. In human physiology there are many interrelationships and balances between chemical messengers. Using SSRI drugs or nutrients that increase serotonin may lead to depletion of dopamine with its associated symptoms. Second, the aging process takes an inevitable toll on dopaminergic neurons via oxidative stress. The most dramatic manifestation of that process is Parkinson's disease, previously known as the "shaking palsy". Theoretically if man lived long enough, the incidence of Parkinson's disease would approach 100%. Dopamine content of the brain is stable until age 45, and then decreases linearly about 13% every decade. When the loss of dopamine reaches 30% Parkinsonian symptoms may begin. I feel the rate of decay in dopamine content is subject to modification by nutritional and other interventions.Third, we should be aware of the earlier manifestations of the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Loss of drive and vitality is the clearest signal, along with poor motivation, loss of joy generally, low sex drive, diminished sexual performance and pleasure from sexual activity, and lessened intensity of orgasms are common. Another, even earlier, sign of trouble is the inability to remember one's dreams, or a complete discontinuation of dream activity. The beta waves on a brain EEG are the ones associated with alertness and they originate in the frontal lobes of the brain from neurons that produce and depend on dopamine, which controls the electrical voltage of your brain. Overall dopamine works as a natural amphetamine that controls your energy, excitement and motivation. It is also related to blood pressure, metabolism, digestion, voluntary movement, intelligence, abstract thought, setting goals, and long-term planning. Those individuals with a predominant dopamine nature who are balanced know what they want, are assertive, strong-willed, fast on their feet and self-confident. Dopamine personalities tend to like facts and figures are highly rational and are achievement oriented. Dopamine types gravitate toward occupations such as law, science, allopathic medicine, engineering, architecture and the military. Producing too much dopamine can make one too intense, compulsive and driven. Overproduction of dopamine can also lead to violent behavior. Dopamine deficiencies can lead to some of the following symptoms: Anemia Blood sugar instability Bone density loss High blood pressure Low sex drive and/or difficulty achieving orgasm Joint pain Thyroid disorders Aggression (paradoxically) Anger Depression Inability to handle stress Guilt or feelings of worthlessness Excessive sleep Mood swings Slow thought processing speed Forgetfulness Attention deficit disorder Hyperactivity Failure to finish tasks Severe dopamine deficiencies are often treated with medications or hormones. Mild to moderate dopamine deficiencies can be balanced with diet, supplements and lifestyle modifications. Physical signs of dopamine deficiency will be fatigue, sleeping long hours and still not feeling rested, your mind wandering, difficulty making decisions, craving caffeine, sexual dysfunction. Unconsciously you will try to compensate by avoiding stressful situations, drinking coffee to give you energy and drinking alcohol to bring you down. It is important once you realize this to correct your underlying dopamine deficiency with proper nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle modifications. Other strategies that the person interested in anti-aging medicine may employ include lifelong antioxidant supplementation which may slow the rapid deterioration in neuron health and dopamine levels later in life. Furthermore, each of the primary neurotransmitters has a nutrient precursor, and dopamine is derived from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. Co-factors such as folic acid, vitamin B6, iron, copper and vitamin C are important for phenylanaline to be absorbed and utilized, but phenylalanine is not a useful supplement to employ in the attempt to raise dopamine levels. There are too many other pathways whereby the body utilizes that amino acid, therefore most of it is NOT used in the production of dopamine. Instead, extra vitamin B6 (which increases tyrosine peroxidase, which increases dopamine) as a supplement as soon as loss of dream recall begins to occur makes sense.* The amino acid tyrosine is a more direct precursor to dopamine, and can also be usefully prescribed in those on SSRI or antipsychotic drugs, or amino acid therapy targeting serotonin levels in order to prevent/correct dopamine depletion. "

* Loss of dream recall is one symptom of PSSD.

> > > > > >> > > > > > Is there anyone else is in this group on 5-HTP, or that has> > > taken it> > > > > before? What dosage are/were you on? Did or have you> > > experienced any> > > > > side effects? I'm currently on 300 mg a day and wondering if I> > > need to> > > > > take the dose higher.> > > > > >> > > > > > Jenn> > > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

You might want to look at a product I came accross recently at http://www.sunoforin.com/WhatisSunoforin

Sunoforin contains both 5-HTP and Vitamin B6, as well as multiple other components. Its major active ingredients are St 's wort, Rhodiola and 5-HTP. The product claims a low incidence of sexual side effects (on its safety page).

I have ordered some.

Steve

To: SSRIsex Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:57:11 AMSubject: Re: 5-HTP

Daily intake of high doses of Vitamin B6 can increase serotonin and dopamine levels (a Vitamin B-Complex once daily is also beneficial as it prevents deficiencies of other B vitamins caused by high dose Vitamin B6. A person should not take more than 200mg per day of Vitamin B6):

"Considering that vitamin B6 is involved in so many biochemical processes, it does not come as a surprise that vitamin B6 supplements are useful in treating a great variety of mental and physical disorders. First of all, it seems to be helpful in preventing the development of heart disease by inhibiting platelet aggregation and by prolonging clotting time (7,8). Furthermore, it prevents arterial blockage by reducing homocysteine levels which are associated with clot formations (9,10). It is believed that about one person in seven is prone to high homocysteine accumulation (10). It has also been found to have cholesterol- lowering effect (11), particularly when taken in doses of up to 400mg per day (12). Conversely, a low vitamin B6 is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (13).

As vitamin B6 is intimately involved with immune system function, supplements have been found to be helpful in the prevention and treatment of asthma and other allergy-related disorders (12,14,15). For example, an experimental study on 76 asthmatic children concluded that children who received 100mg vitamin B6 daily, showed a significant symptom improvement and a reduction in the dosage of bronchodilator and cortisone required to relieve their symptoms (15).

Vitamin B6 supplements, up to 30mg per kg body weight, are particularly useful in treating children suffering from hyperactivity (32-34). Similarly, in treating autistic children (32, 35, 36). One double-blind crossover study on 16 autistic children found that their behaviour improved whilst on vitamin B6 supplements and consequently deteriorated on withdrawal (35). Vitamin B6 supplements are also used for lowering oxalate levels on patients prone to oxaluric stone formation (32, 37). Furthermore, when taken at 100-300mg per day it has been successful in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (32, 38-42). Vitamin B6 supplements have been found to be particularly beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (32, 43-48). Likewise in treating depression due to hormonal preparations containing oestrogen such as the contraceptive pill (32, 49-52). Oestrogen leads to depression because it does not only block vitamin B6 activity but also

accelerates the metabolism of tryptophan, thereby leading to low serotonin levels and hence to symptoms associated with these.

Vitamin B6 is an absolutely vital component in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. Not only that, but in order for tryptophan to be metabolised properly, it requires the presence of this vitamin. Therefore, an insufficient vitamin B6 intake is responsible for both low tryptophan and serotonin levels. Ever increasing research evidence is associating a low vitamin B6 intake with depression (23-26), a low tryptophan level with both depression aggression (27,28) and low serotonin levels with depression, aggression and suicidal behaviour (29, 31).

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is water-soluble and therefore rapidly absorbed and eliminated. Only for about five hours after the intake urine concentration of this vitamin is optimal (2, 12). Vitamin B6 supplements have been tested extensively for toxicity by a number of research groups. No evidence of toxicity has been reported in human trials using 225mg of vitamin B6 daily for one year (56), or taking 250-500mg for an average of 2.3 years (57). A review of vitamin B6 toxicity states: "there are many reports stressing the absence of toxic side effects in people taking 200-500 mg per day for extended periods" (58). This also became apparent when Brush and followed 630 women who had been taking up to 200mg of pyridoxine per day for years, none reported any side-effects whatsoever (59). "

"Remember that much of what we know about the function of the different neurotransmitters has been discovered by studying the effects of pharmaceuticals with known mechanisms of action that involve neurotransmitter levels. It's also important to note that changes in the levels or activity of one neurotransmitter will usually affect the level and activity of other neurotransmitters. For example the chronic use of SSRI drugs which increase serotonin often show the unwanted side effects called "poop out" syndrome. This is characterized by decreased libido, motivation, creativity, drive and initiative but without depressed mood. The theory is that such changes occur because the extra serotonin blocks dopamine in other parts of the brain. Even if the SSRI is increased, these symptoms probably will not improve. The SSRI must be decreased or another agent added, or proper supplementation utilized to increase dopamine signaling in the prefrontal

cortex.With that lesson in pharmacology as a backdrop then, what do we need to know about dopamine? First, dopamine effect can be diminished by interference from the serotonin effects of the SSRI class of drugs. One goes up the other goes down. In human physiology there are many interrelationships and balances between chemical messengers. Using SSRI drugs or nutrients that increase serotonin may lead to depletion of dopamine with its associated symptoms. Second, the aging process takes an inevitable toll on dopaminergic neurons via oxidative stress. The most dramatic manifestation of that process is Parkinson's disease, previously known as the "shaking palsy". Theoretically if man lived long enough, the incidence of Parkinson's disease would approach 100%. Dopamine content of the brain is stable until age 45, and then decreases linearly about 13% every decade. When the loss of dopamine reaches 30% Parkinsonian symptoms may begin. I feel the rate

of decay in dopamine content is subject to modification by nutritional and other interventions.Third, we should be aware of the earlier manifestations of the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Loss of drive and vitality is the clearest signal, along with poor motivation, loss of joy generally, low sex drive, diminished sexual performance and pleasure from sexual activity, and lessened intensity of orgasms are common. Another, even earlier, sign of trouble is the inability to remember one's dreams, or a complete discontinuation of dream activity. The beta waves on a brain EEG are the ones associated with alertness and they originate in the frontal lobes of the brain from neurons that produce and depend on dopamine, which controls the electrical voltage of your brain. Overall dopamine works as a natural amphetamine that controls your energy, excitement and motivation. It is also related to blood pressure, metabolism, digestion, voluntary movement,

intelligence, abstract thought, setting goals, and long-term planning. Those individuals with a predominant dopamine nature who are balanced know what they want, are assertive, strong-willed, fast on their feet and self-confident. Dopamine personalities tend to like facts and figures are highly rational and are achievement oriented. Dopamine types gravitate toward occupations such as law, science, allopathic medicine, engineering, architecture and the military. Producing too much dopamine can make one too intense, compulsive and driven. Overproduction of dopamine can also lead to violent behavior. Dopamine deficiencies can lead to some of the following symptoms: Anemia Blood sugar instability Bone density loss High blood pressure Low sex drive and/or difficulty achieving orgasm Joint pain Thyroid disorders Aggression (paradoxically) Anger Depression Inability to handle stress Guilt or

feelings of worthlessness Excessive sleep Mood swings Slow thought processing speed Forgetfulness Attention deficit disorder Hyperactivity Failure to finish tasks Severe dopamine deficiencies are often treated with medications or hormones. Mild to moderate dopamine deficiencies can be balanced with diet, supplements and lifestyle modifications. Physical signs of dopamine deficiency will be fatigue, sleeping long hours and still not feeling rested, your mind wandering, difficulty making decisions, craving caffeine, sexual dysfunction. Unconsciously you will try to compensate by avoiding stressful situations, drinking coffee to give you energy and drinking alcohol to bring you down. It is important once you realize this to correct your underlying dopamine deficiency with proper nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle modifications. Other strategies that the person interested in anti-aging medicine may employ

include lifelong antioxidant supplementation which may slow the rapid deterioration in neuron health and dopamine levels later in life. Furthermore, each of the primary neurotransmitters has a nutrient precursor, and dopamine is derived from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. Co-factors such as folic acid, vitamin B6, iron, copper and vitamin C are important for phenylanaline to be absorbed and utilized, but phenylalanine is not a useful supplement to employ in the attempt to raise dopamine levels. There are too many other pathways whereby the body utilizes that amino acid, therefore most of it is NOT used in the production of dopamine. Instead, extra vitamin B6 (which increases tyrosine peroxidase, which increases dopamine) as a supplement as soon as loss of dream recall begins to occur makes sense.* The amino acid tyrosine is a more direct precursor to dopamine, and can also be usefully prescribed in those on SSRI or

antipsychotic drugs, or amino acid therapy targeting serotonin levels in order to prevent/correct dopamine depletion. "

* Loss of dream recall is one symptom of PSSD.

> > > > > >> > > > > > Is there anyone else is in this group on 5-HTP, or that has> > > taken it> > > > > before? What dosage are/were you on? Did or have you> > > experienced any> > > > > side effects? I'm currently on 300 mg a day and wondering if I> > > need to> > > > > take the dose higher.> > > > > >> > > > > > Jenn> > > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >>

>>

[Guest guest]

5HTP and Serotonin

Q: Is 5-HTP converted to serotonin (decarboxylated) before it crosses the blood brain barrier? Do we end up with serotonin in the blood and peripheral tissues but not in the brain? A: Some is, some isn't. Some of the tryptophan in your diet - the upstream mother precursor - gets converted to serotonin in the brain, and some becomes serotonin in your blood and peripheral tissues. Studies have shown that 5-HTP taken orally by itself also increases serotonin levels in the brain.1 And, as is the case with tryptophan, production of serotonin from 5-HTP is divided - some 5-HTP is converted to serotonin in the periphery (before reaching the brain), and some is converted in the brain.2 Whatever the percentage split, 5-HTP has been shown to compare favorably to Prozac and other SSRIs for alleviating depression. This is attributed to 5-HTP's ability to increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

1. Suppression of the immune response by drugs interfering with the metabolism of serotonin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6237931

2. Reduction of blood platelet serotonin levels in manic and depressed patients.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1087914

5HTP and Vitamin B6

Q: Does vitamin B6 cause 5-HTP to rapidly convert into serotonin before it even reaches the brain? Does this mean you don't get an increase of brain serotonin? A: No, actually quite the opposite. In one notable study on rats, vitamin B6 deficiency was deliberately induced. It was discovered that very little serotonin was produced in the rat brain when deficient in B6.4 In other experiments with monkeys and rats, the presence of ample amounts of B6 - even to the point of "moderate excess" - increased production of serotonin (in the brain) from 5-HTP by up to 60%.5,6 Once again, it is clear that 5-HTP raises brain serotonin levels - with or without carbidopa or benserazide, and with or without vitamin B6. But the evidence indicates that it's better to take 5-HTP without carbidopa or benserazide and with vitamin B6.7

4. Nonparallel changes in brain monoamines of pyridoxine-deficient growing rats.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1001386

5. Pyridoxine effect on synthesis rate of serotonin in the monkey brain measured with positron emission tomography.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8748674

6. Influence of B vitamins on binding properties of serotonin receptors in the CNS of rats.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2157087

7. Effect of pyridoxine deficiency on aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in adult rat brain.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3875501

> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Is there anyone else is in this group on 5-HTP, or that has> > > > taken it> > > > > > before? What dosage are/were you on? Did or have you> > > > experienced any> > > > > > side effects? I'm currently on 300 mg a day and wondering if I> > > > need to> > > > > > take the dose higher.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > Jenn> > > > > > >> > > > > >> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>