Question about 5-htp

[LukeA]

Well some background: I am a type 1 bipolar and have tried several different medications, all causing severe side effects for me. I have luckily been able to reduce my periods of mania to only one major episode in the last two years without meds. My issue though is when i am not manic my depression can be very severe. Whenever I have tried regular antideppressants though it caused me to go manic (including most of the ssri's and wellbutrin, and even st johns wort). Lithium, lamictal, and sodium valproate caused the worst side effects of all so unlike some bipolar people who use mood stabilizers along with antideppressants I seemingly cant go that route...or at the very least would rather not.

5-htp has been as of yet one thing I have yet to try because I was scared it would be similar to prescription antideppressants...but my doctor wants me to try it so I have started monday last week. I have tried to find information on it but a lot of what I have read on it is all showing different things...not sure what is right. First question is 100mg 3 times a day a suitable amount? its what I have been doing as per the doc and the bottles instructions, but so many sites say that is way to much? 2nd I cant seem to find out how likely it is to set off mania in bipolar people ?(some sites have just said its a possibility)...3rd question I have been taking one pill when I wake up, the second about halfway through my day and the 3rd before bed...I have been so tired I feel like sleeping for days. Is taking a larger dose just before bed still suitable? Thanks in advance.

[LukeA]

Well one thing seems to have changed for me as of today. I felt alert and awake all day day even though I still took my h-tp dose first thing in the morning and midday. I guess its just me getting used to is. I does seem to be helping some, though that could just be the placebo affect.

[skeeweeaka]

I've tried 5-htp but not the dosages that you are speaking of. It, however, didn't work for me. I wish you much luck. Keep us posted... :wave:

TJ

[cs_carver]

That's the problem with supplements; they don't have anywhere near the dose information. I started with 50mg and worked up to 200 mg and now I'm cutting way back because I believe that 5-htp killed my libido. But I may have to come up a bit from zero because I can feel the depression circling.

Huge YMMV thing. How's the rest of your nutritional status?

Good luck.

[lcgrrl2006]

That's the problem with supplements; they don't have anywhere near the dose information. I started with 50mg and worked up to 200 mg and now I'm cutting way back because I believe that 5-htp killed my libido. But I may have to come up a bit from zero because I can feel the depression circling.

Huge YMMV thing. How's the rest of your nutritional status?

Good luck.
I use it for sleep in the evening. 50mg an hour before and 50 mg w/magnesium right before. Yea, I was wondering about the libido thing.....hmmmm

[LukeA]

Thanks for the everyone :)
cscarver, I'm not sure what you mean by nutritional status? Do you mean what other supplements do I take? Well not as much as I used to since some of them I just couldnt be bothered with since they really didnt seem to do anything. But heres what I've been taking for probably the last 6 months or so:
A general thrice a day multivitamin, vitamin d3, vitamin b12, vitamin c, iron pills (i've been anemic for years), sodium pills (I have issues with low blood sodium), coenzyme q12, fish oil, bee pollen, calcium citrate, magnesium, potassium, cats claw, and cayenne pepper.
Hopefully low libido isnt a side effect for me...I know that was one of the problems I had with prescription antideppressants. So far if anything the htp has had the opposite effect.

[cs_carver]

IMExp, 5-HTP was a libido booster in the beginning, and then there was a taper off that didn't immediately get attributed to the 5-HTP because there had been SUCH a boost in the first few weeks.

I've tapered down on the 5-HTP and notice libido coming back.

It would be easier if everything were more directly connected, but it's not.

[LukeA]

Hmm well whatever effect the htp had in helping me sleep is gone. :rolleyes: My insomnia is back in full force and I havent slept at all for two nights in a row.

But knock on wood I feel much better regardless. Been able to deal with work and just life in general much better this week than I have in a long time.

[lcgrrl2006]

Hmm well whatever effect the htp had in helping me sleep is gone. :rolleyes: My insomnia is back in full force and I havent slept at all for two nights in a row.

But knock on wood I feel much better regardless. Been able to deal with work and just life in general much better this week than I have in a long time.
Luke, thinking the exact same thing at the moment. 12:30 am and still wide awake despite my nightly 5-htp therapy....

[LukeA]

I don't know if the 5htp has anything to do with it but I pretty much crashed and burned the last few days. I haven't been as depressed in a very long time. I am going to try and come off it and see if it helps.

[chandbaby1]

5htp did nothing for me but i still take it since my alternative physician thinks it will help in the long run.

for insomnia, you can try seditol which is a plant extract and completely natural after taking it ,I sleep within an hour. I dont take everyday.
Only days I cant sleep after 2 hrs on the bed.