My functional neurologist said it’s useless to keep coming once a week if I don’t go on SSRI’s for ocd/anxiety. Family and doctor are all pushing me to take lexapro but I have a really bad feeling about it because I’ve made so much progress with mood and feeling like myself again. I just still struggle with minor things flaring up my worries about injuries, and symptoms often accompany those events...

I honestly don’t feel safe taking SSRI’s and the “flat” mood effect actually triggers my anxiety more. I don’t feel there’s any chemical imbalance depression wise with me and I think the drugs will do more harm than good and make me into a zombie. If I feel like myself again finally, I don’t wanna be a zombie just in case a flare or trigger might happen. That being said, my functional neurologist has been really helpful so I feel so pressured to take these to keep seeing him. I don’t wanna go on anti depressants I literally feel forced into it so I can keep seeing the one person who’s been helping me. He said supplements won’t be enough but I believe it could work.

Any info or experiences on SSRI’s vs natural supplements that increase serotonin?

Why don't you just give some 5-HTP a try. It is quick acting where-as SSRIs take weeks to show the true effect. 5-HTP does not cause flat mood.

Your brain already uses 5-HTP. It just may not have enough.

You can quit 5-HTP in a day with no problem. I miss a dose from time to time. I notice a difference and redose the next morning.

Start with a 50 mg dose am and pm. if you do not notice a difference within a week, increase to 100 mgs. I doubt you will need more than 100 mgs twice a day. But, some need up to 500 mgs twice a day.

That’s the plan for the next month or two. Thanks for the specific suggestion! I feel a lot better about taking a supplement than an SSRI.

Why are you waiting? Your struggles are today. Walmart carries 5-HTP.

In a week or two trial, you get get a sense of if it helps.

Enjoy the holidays... because your brain is working better.

Oh I probably typed that in a way where it sounded weird. We are going to try the natural supplements for the next two months and then consider SSRI’s if it’s not enough. You’re right, thanks for info on where to buy!

What’s a good starting dose? I’m 120 pounds and 5’4, is there any suggestion for that?

If you saw my post from yesterday, I said:

"Start with a 50 mg dose am and pm. if you do not notice a difference within a week, increase to 100 mgs. I doubt you will need more than 100 mgs twice a day. But, some need up to 500 mgs twice a day."

Thank you!

How much of the L theanine do you suggest?

100 to 200 mgs of L-Theanine is good. The 5-HTP is more important.