DrainBamaged, (That is an inside joke)

5-HTP is not a healing agent. It helps the brain work the way it is supposed to work without the need for an SSRI. It only takes the place of the SSRI and maybe helps you live without the benzo, too.

It has NO side effects other than needing to not take it and an SSRI at the same time. Taper the SSRI and add the 5-HTP.

I would go the natural route long before I tried the HBOT and other expensive and unproven (works for some but not for others) protocols.

My psychiatrist recommended 5-HTP as a way of getting off the Paxil/paroxetine/SSRI. Is is cheap at $10 a month for 200 mgs a day. It will take 2 to 3 months to see if you benefit from 5-HTP as you wean off the SSRI and onto 5-HTP.

Hmmm. A supplement that is naturally produced in and used in your brain with no side-effects or a synthetic drugs that screws with your serotonin modulation system and causes a page full of side-effects. Let me think about it.

I waited far too long. I was looking for a psychiatrist who would monitor my transition for SSRI to 5-HTP because the prior psych retired before I was ready to try to switch.

If the natural brain support does not work, you can always go back to the synthetic drug/SSRI.

Ok thank you. You said you were on the SSRI's for quite some time.. how long did you taper before you got on the 5 HTP? And you didn't mention where you get your 5 Htp from? I don't wanna purchase a crappy one off of amazon that isn't potent and doesn't work.

I have hope that the 5 htp will work. We sound like we have/had the same symptoms with the sleep, anxiety, suicidal thought and heart palpitation issues. I am ready to dive in and get off the ssris. Also, last question, what other supplements do you take that help you? List them all please I need all the help that I can get. I appreciate all of your help. You are doing good for a man on the edge.

I've heard of someone doing well with 5 HTP for their brain.

Keep in mind that if it helps with some deficiency it can also have a positive domino effect into other areas of your health.

5-HTP is standardized. I get mine from Vitacost.com Walmart sells Nature's Bounty. I shop for best price. I don't go for the high priced up sells. I am not placebo influenced.

I was on maximum dose SSRI Paxil for 14 years. I tapered over 2 months and started adding 5-htp after getting to 1/2 dose.

Some try L-Tryptophan to help with taper off an SSRI. It is a precursor to 5-HTP.

SSRIs and Benzos are not good for the brain.

Ok thanks for the recommendation. What other supplements/herbs do you take that help you with TBI/Anxiety related symptoms? And how much 5htp do you take and what time of the day?

Thanks

Also, Mark in Idaho..

I was looking at the Vitacost site. Do you take the actual Vitacost 5 HTP brand or Natrol or Jarrow 5htp? And do you get the one with vitamins B6 and C? Just forgot to add this to my last question. Need all the help I can get and would LOVE to know all that you take along with the 5 htp and what other supplements. As well as how many MG's you take per day and at what time of day.

THANKS!

I do not mix supplements like 5-htp and B-6 or C. This is just lame.

I take 200 mgs of 5-HTP every morning. I take 1000 mcgs of B-12, am and pm. I also take 200 mgs of L-Theanine in the am. My DO likes my regimen.

I buy the best price 5-HTP. They are all the same. Vitacost usually has the best price.

Sign up for the email specials.

When you prepare an order on Vitacost, leave it in the cart of 24 hours. They will send you an email code for an additional 10% off to complete your order. I never pay full price.

Check the full vitamin regimen in the vitamins sticky. I used it when I has more severe symptoms, including severe depression. It changed my life.

B-12 is important