5-HTP

Hello,  I have no personal axe to grind on this,  but this is the WebMed comment:

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia).

Don’t use 5-HTP until more is known. 5-HTP might be UNSAFE. Some people who have taken it have come down with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition involving extreme muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia). Some people think the EMS might be caused by an accidental ingredient (contaminant) in some 5-HTP products. But there is not enough scientific evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, a contaminant, or some other factor. Until more is known, avoid taking 5-HTP.

5-HTP is used for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-typeheadaches, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and along with prescription drugs to treat seizuredisorder and Parkinson's disease.

On that basis I suggest you flush it down the loo.  Sorry.

If you have sleep problems,  may I suggest melatonin?  I used 10 mg capsules,  then dropped back to 3 mg.  Got them from LEF(Life Extension Foundation) on line in US;  10 mg cost $US28 for 60,  3mg $US8 for 60.  I had no problems importing into Australia,  you may be OK,  depends on where you are.  Suggest you begin with 3 mg capsuiles,  you can double or triple up to get the effect you need,  but try to wean yourself back to 3 mg quickly.  Melatonion really works well to get the circadian rhythm reset.  Best of luck.

I don't know,  but expect that you can.  Ask the members.  Do a google on availability in UK.

I have no problems here in Australia,  I order them on line,  pay for them and get delivery about 10 days later.

Have a look at Amazon in UK,  they could be a source.

Best of luck.

Julie,  I have a problem with this 5-HTP/Melatonin business;  going deeper into it I find a lot of conflicting advice from "professionals" and support sites like WebMed and the like.  I feel that you have to get into this yourself,  rather than rely on what I quickly obtained as "reliable?" information.  When there is conflicting advice from what should be reliable sources,  you need to tread warily.  For this reason,  I WITHDRAW MY ADVICE on 5-HTP and MELATONIN.  Talk to your medfical adviser after making your own enquiries;  do not go ahead dosing until you have medical advice for you.  Sorry about this,  but I owe you due dilagence.

what prompted you to seek this med?

is it sleeplessness? there are some lovely gentle herbal relaxants which aid sleep...plus going to bed early...avoiding your laptop(!) and switching off all electrical devices...darkening your bedroom...exercising first thing in the morning ...i mention as am trying thse things myself so can we be a mutual support group?!!