I have Fibromyalgia! But it does not have me!

TC

I just find myself checking side affects for anything anymore. Since I've expereinced some miserable ones from other medications.

However, when I checked this one out on a few sites, they immediately mentioned the exact same thing about taking the drug CARBIDOPA with the 5-HTP. So I thought that was pretty interesting.

Like I said I'm very interested in this....just the thought of no more pain gives me tingles!!!

Spruce

As for the 5-HTP, it is an amino acid and a precursor to seratonin, which most of us with fibro do not have enough of, and low seratonin levels contribute to depression and increased pain levels.

Spruce is right, we need to be careful with supplements and vitamins, especially if we are also taking prescription medications and/or other over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. For example, if you are taking 5-HTP, you have to be careful if you are taking certain anti-depressants which increase seratonin levels, or you can get a toxic buildup called "seratonin sickness," a serious medical condition.

Cymbalta, Effexor, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft,Celexa, Lexapro and other SNRI's and SSRI's all increase seratonin levels. It says in the literature to avoid taking St. John's Wort with these meds, because St. John's Wort also increases seratonin levels. The same thing would apply to 5-HTP, so it's a good idea to let your doctors know if you are taking it or planning to start taking it. Also, be careful if you decide to quit taking the SSRI's and SNRI's, and have your doctor supervise weaning you off of them.

For those of you who have been helped by 5-HTP, that is wonderful!

Everyone is different and what works for some will not work for others.

Post edited by: hipmama42, at: 05/02/2008 13:29

Our problem is we're all trying to find the 'magic' pill

for ourselves and when we get some good results we want to cry out "I'm Healed" then share with everyone else. It's so nice to share all these methods and each one of us have to decide what will work for us as individuals.

So let's keep sharing and who knows between all of us "smart" people we'll find the right 'cure'! Hey, we can dream can't we?

Have a good day!

Spruce

I found a website that tells a bit about 5-HTP and also Carbidopa. It is suggested that you NOT take these two together, unless you are under the supervision of a physician trained in nutritional therapies. It gives some good info. on 5-HTP. You might want to check it out. I take 5-HTP at a pretty low dose. It is included with some other things in a capsule. My doctor is regulating my use of this for depression. The supplement is called Deproloft. I have not taken it real long. But, already notice am improvement in my depression and my sleep.

Sending {{soft}} hugs to all!!

http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/ Nutrients/5-HTP.htm

Hope this helps!

Red

Post edited by: Red2, at: 05/02/2008 16:24

The psychoactive action of 5-HTP is thought to derive from its effect on serotonin synthesis in central nervous system tissue. It is believed that an artificially high supply of 5-HTP causes the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to increase production. Increased serotonin production then leads to increased serotonin release.

Some doctors suggest that 5-HTP be administered with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (PDI) such as carbidopa (and without Vitamin B6, see above) in order to prevent 5-HTP's metabolism in the liver, which can lead to elevated levels of serotonin in the bloodstream (and side effects which include vomiting, and potentially fibrosis of the heart).[5] Research shows that co-administration with carbidopa greatly increases plasma 5-HTP levels.[6] However, several studies have reported that 5-HTP is effective even without a PDI.[7][8] Other studies have indicated the risk of a scleroderma-like condition resulting from the combination of 5-HTP and carbidopa.[9]

I think one again, the bottom line is be aware of as much info on any drug, vit, or mineral or herb! Hope others find relief with it!

Spruce