5-HTP

[Chas74 56]

I use to take 5-HTP yrs ago and was thinking about starting taking them again but not sure if its ok to take them, does anybody take them?

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[mokee 588]

What is it?

[Fiddleman 4,376]

5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps regulate mood among other things. It is metabolized into serotonin by the liver so one must be careful when taking it with other SSRI antidepressants. You do not want to increase serotonin in the blood stream to the point of triggering serotonin syndrome.

You can buy 5-HTP over the counter at most natural food stores, in the Vitamin section of your grocery store or online from a place like Amazon. It is supposed to promote a positive mood, but I am not so sure about this claim.

It can also be used to potentiate pain medicine with opoids like hydrocodone or oxycodone in case you need pain medicine to work more efficiently. It can also be used as a sleep aid because of the inclusion of tryptophan. All in all, 5-HTP has many uses.

Do understand the neurological interactions that 5-http may have with your other medications or supplements before taking it.

To the OP- I do believe it is OK to take 5-HTP as my WLS Center sells it in their store. It works well as an antidepressant because of the affects it has on the mood (or so the literature claims). If you are already taking an SSRI antidepressant then you probably should not also take 5-HTP, especially if your antidepressant is an SSRI like effexor, celexa,prozac,etc.