What is 5-HTP?

[joylorene]

Who is taking this and what does it do? I've read it contains white rice?? Is that ok on Atkins?

[lorielynn]

I belive it helps with mood swings - like St. Johns, I asked my doctor about that last week and he said it was fine to take instead of an anti-depressant because anti-depressants slow your metabolism. According to my doctor anyway.

[mclukey]

I am pretty sure people also use this a natural way to help with insomnia. There was a thread about this a couple weeks back but I can't find it now. I use melatonin to get to sleep now and it has been a miracle find (and cheap too!)

[Judynyc]

The following is from the article that was posted about some supplements.
The link will take you to the article itself.

5-HTP
What it is: Sometimes called Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid that your body eventually converts into serotonin, the brain chemical thought to be lacking in people with depression. It's shown promise as a natural antidepressant. The usual dosage: 100 milligrams, three times a day.

Why try it: 5-HTP may increase levels of a hormone that tells your brain when you're full.

Why not: If you're also taking antidepressants or migraine drugs called triptans, 5-HTP may overstimulate your nervous system and lead to muscle spasms or tremors.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=324318&highlight=supplements

[Nelson]

5-HTP resolved my insomnia completely! :thup:
I would fall asleep easily, but then wake up 2 or 3 hours later and lay there awake the rest of the night. After a few weeks of this I was a wreck. My dr. wanted me to go to a sleep clinic, but my research suggested that my particular kind of insomnia is usually diagnosed as depression. I had no other symptoms of depression, but I thought I might have low serotonin. 5-HTP supports serotonin.

I began with 50 mgs then upped it to 150 mgs each night, and now I sleep all through the night and wake up completely rested with no hangover effects at all. I also began dreaming again (something I had not done for years).

I also tried melatonin, and it did absolutely nothing for me.

[Rachel04]

I take 5-htp because i got off of an anti-depressant and i thougth it would help me with my moods. Does it interact with birth contol like St.Johns supposedly does?

[kebaldwin]

http://www.vitacost.com/articleResults.aspx?Ntk=articles&.y=4&ss=1&.x=18&Ntt=5-htp

http://www.worldhealth.net/p/aadr--hydroxytryptophan--htp.html

http://search.lef.org/search/default.aspx?s=1&QUERY=5-HTP

http://www.picosearch.com/cgi-bin/ts.pl?index=301821&calln=2&lastq=&sortsel=rel&psel=ealert&opt=ANY&query=5-HTP

http://www.jonbarron.org/search/search_results.php?cx=011341685810792984448%3Acxqelzl-muq&q=5-htp&cof=FORID%3A11#680

[joylorene]

So does this supplement have white rice in it? And can you take it while on Atkins?

[kebaldwin]

So does this supplement have white rice in it? And can you take it while on Atkins?

I would worry about the big things. Anything that small will not make much difference on your total carbs per day

[joylorene]

Last question - where do you buy this??

[Hybrid]

Last question - where do you buy this??

I found some at Osco.

[Rachel04]

I found it at wal-mart

[kebaldwin]

My guess is the same place that you buy your "mega" multi-vitamins and fish oil. You are taking those aren't you -- or do we have to track you down and twist your arm?

Local drug stores, GNC, Vitamin SHoppe, Wal-mart (might)

Online

www.vitacost.com
www.lef.org
www.iherb.com

[joylorene]

My guess is the same place that you buy your "mega" multi-vitamins and fish oil. You are taking those aren't you -- or do we have to track you down and twist your arm?

]

:lol: FUNNY!! I am terrible at remembering to take vitamins - but I never forget to eat!!

[joylorene]

So is there a certain mg. that everyone takes??

[mike_d]

I am using the "Now" brand I get at the local sooper market-- it has some white rice powder. I take 4 a day (200mg) I am thinking of cutting back since last night I slept 9 hours and still feel sleepy after 2 cups of coffee. I too started dreaming again, and I don't have to get up at 3 am and take more sleep aids like Benadryl, metatonin or Unisom (doxylamine).