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St. Johns Worth/5-HTP

Posted , 5 users are following.

james_73138
james_73138

Does anyone or has anyone taken either of these for a longer duration of time that can give some real life experiences good or bad? Please and thank you in advance😊

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • nigel45109
    nigel45109 james_73138

    Posted

    both should not be taken with an anti depressant, which to me suggests they may work. of the 2, i would like to have tried 5htp, as the science behind it seems logical. althoughi cant, as i take an anti depressant.
  • katecogs
    katecogs james_73138

    Posted

    Hi

    I take 5-HTP since coming off Citalopram - and as Nigel says, you can't take either of these whilst on an SSRI.

    5-HTP is a natural alternative to SSRI's and works in a family similar manner - though it converts into Serotonin rather than hangs onto it as an SSRI does.  So if your SSRI is hanging onto these neurotransmitters then you don't want to be increasing it as you can get Serotonin Syndrome which is serious.

    Its worth keeping this herbal tablet in mind though for when you're off prescriptions meds.

    I've taken 5-HTP for a few years now with the occasional break.  They can be started and stopped at any time with no need to wean off.  There a few side effects, if any, and they kick in quicker than an SSRI.  I've personally not had any problems with them at all expect one time I was getting indigestion, but a change in the type of tablet seemed to help.

    The science behind these 2 herbals tablets is that St Johns Wort blocks the re-uptake of three chemicals found in the brain that regulate mood and emotions; norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine and and 5-HTP bypasses this and converts straight to Serotonin.  So I believe ......

    K x

     

    • james_73138
      james_73138 katecogs

      Posted

      Thank you Kate😊

      I have done much research also. I didn't know that about St John's worth though. It seems, you say, that acts as an SSRI, if I understood you correctly as you mentioned re-uptake? I am currently not on Citalopram just to let everyone know. Have you had more success with St John's worth or 5-HTP??? And did you or do you have issues with depression or anxiety???

    • katecogs
      katecogs james_73138

      Posted

      Hi James

      I took St Johns Wort briefly many, many years ago and didn't feel anything from it.  Mind you, I think I was just so consumed with anxiety then I didn't give it chance.  I've taken 5-HTP for a few years.

      I had issues with anxiety - yes I had depression too but was depressed because I was to anxious.

      I can recommend a fabulous book on 5-HTP - I can private message you the link.  Can't mention the book here or my post will get deleted (advertising not allowed) rolleyes

      K x

  • Guest
    Guest james_73138

    Posted

    Hey James, I tried both of these for anxiety but unfortunately none really worked for me. I didnt have bad experiences, just felt nothing.

    One thing that did offer some positive effects is kava supplements. I'm not sure if you need it for anxiety or depression - but for anxiety it does seem to calm the nerves a bit. However I think it is not available for long-term use.

    I'm sure you've been told this a hundred times but if its depression, getting outside, sun on your face, and moving your body is better than any herbal supplement smile 

     

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