Re: 5htp- OT

[Guest guest]

April,

I've changed the subject line to OT, because 5-HTP is really outside the realm

of SCD.

A couple of problems in using 5-HTP.... most medical doctors will not approve of

using it with children, since there are very few (if any) studies to go by. I

personally feel it's probably much safer than meds... but trying to convince

your doctor of that might be a trick.

ALSO.... I have yet to find a 5-HTP that does not have ingredients that are SCD

illegal. So, good luck. I think it might be much better to stick with SCD....

and you will find the entire system regulating itself and probably lessening the

other symptoms. This takes time, though.... and sticking with SCD 100%.

I have used it myself, in the past, for insomnia, migraines and depression. 5HTP

raises serotonin levels, but with far less potential for side-effects that

SSRI's and other drugs. You CANNOT take 5HTP if you're taking ANY SSRI at the

same time. Too much serotonin can be a really bad thing. Yes, nightmares can be

a side-effect, if you take a higher dosage. I would cut back at that point. You

also need to be aware that MANY other over the counter meds increase

serotonin... diphenhydramine (Benadryl), pseudophedrine, etc. You'd want to be

aware of that and take less 5-HTP if using any antihistamines, decongestants,

etc.

It sounds like you are needing full support from your husband on SCD, and don't

really have it at this point. That makes it hard. Also, I would caution you

against trying to do too many things, all at once. The diet alone.... for right

now.... might be wisest, until you're all on a more even keel. You need to find

some recipes that everyone likes and get more used to the food. The cravings

WILL subside.... IF you don't cheat.

Learn more about 5-HTP at www.5htp.com ... and you might want a copy of Dr.

Murray's book. Also, do a search and read other articles and information

on 5-HTP before considering it. Like I said, you may not every find one that is

SCD legal... so you'd be sabotaging the diet.

Patti

5htp

I am wondering what everyone thinks of this. My great new doc prescribes

Paxil. I read up on it after we fill the rx and the side effects are really

scary. She has her kids on Buspar a little less scary. Then I remember some

people on one my groups talking about 5htp it sounds really good. We are a mild

case of autism, if there is such a thing, the doc says he's high functioning. He

stims alot with his hands, active almost hyper, sleep issues, probably GI issues

but he's all in all a great kid. Also memorizes and recalls at random tv show

dialogue and radio dialogue. Can be funny other times its pretty embarrassing

when we go into the local grocery store in our little town and he yells " Yo

rescue pack! " from Dora and Diego. She has a backpack he has a rescue pack to

rescue animals in the wilderness. FYI. Anyhow, it seems more natural to try the

5htp over Paxil.

Any comments and/or suggestions would be helpful. We are having trouble with

SCD. Some recipes taste less than desirable. I really want some good bread!!!!

No matter what we are staying with the yogurt. I will get my $39.99 out of that

machine. Its really nice. My gut is fighting back. Can't find activated charcoal

and the pharmacy guy looked at me like a terrorist buying amonia or plutonium!!!

I'm just a mom with a special kid for goodness sakes. After we get tests back

from Great Smokey Labs on the BM samples will probably start enzymes. At least

no-phenol.

I need some direction. I feel lost. I feel torn. I have a good doc but I don't

want him on drugs if there is something than can help regulate mood, sleep and

appetite if 5htp can really do that! I read somewhere about nightmares, is that

true of 5htp? I am also considering for me. I have depressive periods and tired

of ssri's not really working or making me feel uncomfortable.

Sorry so long.

April (mom to Matt 7yo ASD, GI etc., plus 3yo NT trying SCD but my

husband is being weird about it!)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Patti said to April: It sounds like you are needing full support from your

husband on SCD, and don't really have it at this point. That makes it hard.

Also, I would caution you against trying to do too many things, all at once. The

diet alone.... for right now.... might be wisest, until you're all on a more

even keel. You need to find some recipes that everyone likes and get more used

to the food. The cravings WILL subside.... IF you don't cheat.

Dearest April, this is the suggestion that I was going to give you, but instead

of repeat it I will just sign my name to it. I too have suffered miserably with

depression and such...only to discover that it was truly related to my damaged

and sick gut. I just love BTVC because she explains this gut brain connection

so well, the autism chapter saved our daughter! More doctors need to know this,

but they don't, so it is up to us to save our selves! If we wait for them to

catch up...it will be too late for too many of us.

I know that you may want " real " bread....but for us it is a balance and a

sacrifice...do we want to be medicated...with meds that have horrible side

affects...and God knows I would know....have taken them all my life. Or do we

want to let go of the foods of our old ways, and practice 100% adherence and see

if SCD alone will works for us? I have suffered miserably, today I

pick...almond bread and pecan bread...and only dream of the " real " kind. LOL!

The better I feel, the more " real " the nut flours become...they are our new

" real bread " . The price.....feeling better! No meds either, for the first time

in my life, I truly have never felt happier. Contact me off serve if you need

more hope, and personal testimony.

God Bless you on your journey it is not a easy one, especially if you feel all

alone! Take care, Antoinette and family of five SCD 2/06

(SCD because of multiple family problems: celiac, malabsorption, leaky gut,

allergies, depression, mood swings, add, adhd, autism/asd and hyperekplexia)