I'm talking to some others on their depression issues, and of course brought up thyroid and what I know has worked for me. But a friend who suffered with depression so much as a young person, knows so much and has taught me a lot over the years of our friendship.

She talks about the Need for Serotonin for those in a depressive/low state and to take a LOW dose before bed and not to take any protein foods with it.

The lowest dose out there seems to be 500mg and for the depression issue, open the capsule and take only 1/2 of the dose and go from there....I take 500mg every night as part of my sleep recipe with 50mg P5P (B6) and these 2 get me back to a deep sleep after trips to bathroom.


My friend does well with 5HTP, and I never have so I go straight to the tryptophan, but take a night and away from foods.

5-HTP Side Effects and Benefits

As always do your research and talk to doctor if unsure for your use.

I've been at the alternative medicine for so long that I learn as much as I can and talk to friends and read read read.

Just a reminder to everyone that it is really important to be aware of Serotonin Syndrome, which is when spiking serotonin levels can make one dangerously, even fatally, ill.

Serotonin IS essential for many aspects of health, and some people benefit from the supplements that increase it(eg tryptophan, 5-HTP, Inositol, St John's Wort etc), or from certain rx meds that do so, and are specifically prescribed --- but one should never take more than recommended, and also NEVER combine supplements or medications or medications and supplements that raise serotonin levels.

More info on Serotonin Syndrome from Mayo Clinic (there are many other reputable sources of info as well)
Serotonin syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Oh, I've been prescribed A/D drugs over the years and are they give for Serotonin support. I have not touched an A/D drug in over 20 yrs... Useless as far as I'm concerned.

P.S to my above note: My first encounter with an A/D was Prozac back in 1991 and it did NOTHING....so the therapist I was seeing, said "stop taking it"..... Then the second A/D later that was given to me was Zoloft and both these are to up Serotonin and when fell on the job while taking Zoloft, I said I'm getting off this stuff...

My post was to be sure anyone else reading was aware of the dangers of serotonin syndrome - one can also get it by mixing supplements that raise serotonin - not just from prescription drugs. It is always a good idea to mention this, because not everyone may be aware of it.