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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cherylann on December 1, 2004, at 0:21:07
My 15yo daughter and I both suffer from depression and anxiety. As of tomorrow we'll have no health insurance (it's a long story). I know what to expect, and may be able to try some alternatives, my daugher will not and may need something. She's completely off the zoloft and says she's getting by, but I'm worried.
So, my question today is does anyone know about teens using 5-htp and the correct dosage? Or any other alternative method for that matter.
Thanks so much,
cherylann
Posted by cherylann on December 3, 2004, at 0:50:08
In reply to Losing insurance, may have to turn to alternatives, posted by cherylann on December 1, 2004, at 0:21:07
Posted by KaraS on December 3, 2004, at 2:53:14
In reply to guess I'll just experiment and hope for the best! (nm), posted by cherylann on December 3, 2004, at 0:50:08
Sorry to hear about you losing your insurance. As someone who also has no insurance I completely empathize. I'm also sorry that we seem to have failed you here. I'm not sure how the dosages of 5-htp would vary for a teenager versus an adult. I'll have to see if I can find anything out for you. Another thing your daughter might try is Saint John's Wort - if she hasn't already. A lot of people have had great results with that. Again, I'm not sure of the dosage issue. In the meantime, I'll repost with this different title that may catch more attention. It's more specific and might help get answers to the question at hand.
There are also programs that the drug companies themselves sponsor that sometimes provide free or less expensive medication for those in need.
Lastly, if you have a prescription, you can legally order medications from abroad (usually Canada) at lower rates.
Kara
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 3, 2004, at 18:05:16
In reply to Losing insurance, may have to turn to alternatives, posted by cherylann on December 1, 2004, at 0:21:07
I agree with Kara look at the website of the maker of the meds you and your daughter are on...call them toll free and see if you can get on the free med program I know they do that I just do not know the process..your pharmacist may know also...best of luck I go month by month not knowing when my insurance will be canceled cause we pay out of pocket now since my husband lost his job.
Posted by jakeman on December 3, 2004, at 20:55:48
In reply to Losing insurance, may have to turn to alternatives, posted by cherylann on December 1, 2004, at 0:21:07
> My 15yo daughter and I both suffer from depression and anxiety. As of tomorrow we'll have no health insurance (it's a long story). I know what to expect, and may be able to try some alternatives, my daugher will not and may need something. She's completely off the zoloft and says she's getting by, but I'm worried.
> So, my question today is does anyone know about teens using 5-htp and the correct dosage? Or any other alternative method for that matter.> Thanks so much,
> cherylannSomeone here recently posted this website
http://www.mindbodyconsult.com/protocols/index.htm
It seems to have lot of good information about various alternatives. Here is an excerpt on 5htp dosage:Dosage and Administration: Effective 5-HTP dosage varies widely. Initial recommended dose: 50mg with each of three meals. For optimal 5-HTP absorption meal proceeding should be low in protein and high in carbohydrates. If you do not experience results in 7 days you may increase 5-HTP to 100 mg three times daily. Some research studies have used 600 mg per day and this dosage should not be exceeded. To increase absorption of 5-HTP take vitamins B6 (25-50 mg) - a cofactor that degrades toxic tryptophane metabolites and aids in conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin - Vitamin C (200-500 mg) and magnesium (10 mg) at least 30 minutes before or after 5-HTP dosing. Alcohol should be avoided within 6 hours of 5-HTP use.
If you haven't already, you should search this site for threads on 5-htp, there's been a lot of discussion about it. A friend of mine who lost her insurance was able to get meds cheaply through the County Health Department.
Jake
Posted by cherylann on December 4, 2004, at 10:54:01
In reply to Re: Losing insurance, may have to turn to alternatives » cherylann, posted by jakeman on December 3, 2004, at 20:55:48
Posted by MKB on December 7, 2004, at 19:52:02
In reply to Some very good information, thankyou all!! (nm), posted by cherylann on December 4, 2004, at 10:54:01
Please consider pharmaceutical L-tryptophan rather than 5HTP. You can read all about it and order it from www.healthrecovery.com.
This is the end of the thread.
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