Thank you. will do.

For many, SSRIs or similar meds are a necessary evil to get the obsessive thinking under control so therapy can reap benefits. I don't believe SSRIs should be prescribed by anybody but a psychiatrist who fully understands them and how they can help anxiety, OCD, and other conditions.

I spent 14 years on an SSRI at maximum dose. It was the only solution in the beginning. Once I learned other work arounds, I found a doctor who helped me taper off and replace the SSRI with 5-HTP. I am convinced that 5-HTP is the solution for me to help my mind stay settled.

What side effects of an SSRI are you concerned about?

I have no side effects with 5-HTP.

To name just a few:

Possible side effects of SSRIs may include, among others:

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Headache.
Drowsiness.
Dry mouth.
Insomnia.
Nervousness, agitation or restlessness.
Dizziness.
Sexual problems, such as reduced sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm or inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)

Obviously not all effect everyone the same but there are definitely potential side effects.

I have been on 5-THP for 12 years never had a single problem of side effect....but behind the counter pharmaceutical antidepressant, buckets of problems!

Just adding personal experience with a family member here....
SSRIs had some very severe side effects for him, but 5HTP really helped greatly. It was a physician that tapered him off the SSRI and onto the 5HTP
He actually found 50mg each night to be optimum dose (this was for OCD & anxiety) but I know some people benefit from higher doses. It does make one sleepy, at least it did him.
I do also know of some people who prefer Tryptophan over 5HTP, but my relative did not tolerate it as well as the 5HTP.

Again, always discuss with your own doctors, and a word of caution that 5HTP cannot be taken with SSRIs or anything else that elevates Serotonin levels as that can cause Serotonin Syndrome

L-Tryptophan may work for some if their body properly converts it to 5-HTP. I tried it and got marginal benefit. I added 5-HTP and eventually stopped taking the L-Tryptophan.

L-Tryptophan exists in the body waiting for a request to be converted to 5-HTP as it enters the nervous system. 5-HTP becomes serotonin and melatonin.

Since 5-HTP converts directly to serotonin and melatonin, one must monitor their dose to find the right dose. Too much can cause serotonin syndrome. Excessive sweating is the obvious symptom of serotonin syndrome. I lived on the edge of serotonin syndrome for 14 years. I could break into a sweat taking the garbage out.

If L-Tryptophan can cause an improvement, it is a great supplement. You can take more than needed and the body will not convert it all to 5-HTP.

I started with 50 mgs in the AM. I upped to 100, then 150 and settled at 200 mgs in the AM. I also take 200 mgs of L-Theanine. My doctor likes the combination. So do I.

If I forget my morning dose, I notice it that night. I can't get to sleep.

The side effects of SSRIs are real but over stated. I would have momentary sensations of nausea. Never vomiting. Once I recognized what those sensations were, I just ignored them. The ED and libido issues were real but not horrible. I was prescribed some Testosterone and those almost resolved completely. The sweating was annoying but due to my high dose.

BUT, with an SSRI, (I was taking 60 mgs of Paxil/paroxetine), I could get control of my repetitive thoughts (perseverance) that have been exhausting me. I could get a song stuck for days.....Or spelling a challenging word..... or somebody's odd name..... Mundane thoughts that were exhausting me mentally. The side effects were worth it until I found 5-HTP and learned some work-arounds.
I still cannot tolerate music with repeating lyrics.

OP: I went thru 10 yrs on SSRI's and all along I believed it was thyroid issues and finally a good ole doc in my life gave me a script of Armour thyroid and that long stretch of depression lifted fast, never to return and I've been taking a desiccated thyroid support for 18 wonderful yrs. Young people can have thyroid issues as well so I'm just saying. I realize your issues are very different but we all have thyroids.... And when I was going thru my initial treatments and male friend in my world was also in this arena. So men do have thyroid issues as well.

Finding a good doc to investigate this issue is key.

5HTP has not really worked in my life but since I've been taking L Tryptophan with my sleep stuff my sleep is better than ever.....

Every body is different.

Well I did a quick search and amazing info:

Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cause of Hypothyroidism

stevegee, so very sorry you are going through this. Post concussion syndrome is awful and can seem overwhelming. The only ones who can truly feel your pain are those that have experienced it. Many times doctors and inner circles don't fully understand what you are going through.
I believe the sensory overload, mental fatigue etc creates extreme challenges that result in higher levels of anxiety. But as you heal things will start to return to more of a balance. A more normal set of emotions that we all have.
Please know that like all injuries this will heal. You got this!
It's encouraging that you are on this site and able to post and get support. How are you doing this week? Have you begun concussion behavioral therapy to help during the healing process?

What is Concussion Behavior Therapy?

CBT is discussed frequently. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be very worthwhile if the person has the discipline to follow the training.