Posted by MKB on December 8, 2004, at 0:24:55
In reply to Re: L-tryptophan or 5-HTP; a few questions ... » MKB, posted by cache-monkey on December 7, 2004, at 23:34:26
I first took tryptophan about 25 years ago. It was a licensed Christian counselor that first suggested I take it. He told me to take 500 mg a night, so that is what I did with good results. I stopped taking it for reasons I don't remember . . Then it was banned because of a contaminated batch made in Japan. In the meantime, I developed major depression and was prescribed antidepressants. It was very upsetting to me that tryptophan was not available. Over the last 10 years I've taken Zoloft, Paxil, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Depakote, and Effexor with less than satisfactory results. When I found out a couple of months ago from Larry Hoover on this site that Tryptophan was again available, I followed up on it. Larry said he takes veterinary tryptophan, which is safe. However, I found the website www.healthrecovery.com and ordered from them. Making and selling the real Tryptophan is much more complicated than making 5HTP. That is probably one reason you don't find many companies selling it. I think www.healthrecovery.com sells Tryptophan because they know it's better and safer than 5HTP. They also use it in their clinic as they treat patients. Are you aware that many psychiatrists prescribe Tryptophan for depression? I believe it is still closely regulated in Canada and in the UK. Psychiatrists prescribe it because it works very well for many people who are depressed due to serotonin depletion. I hope Larry jumps in here and explains this a little better. Anyway, I've been on it now for about a month and I plan to continue. I don't see how it can "poop out" since it is a natural amino acid your body needs. Sorry I'm not better able to explain it, but I'm learning.
poster:MKB
thread:425800
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041123/msgs/425986.html