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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
I am new to posting on this board, though I have been a voyeur for some time. I find the information much more helpful than anything my Pdoc can provide. My diag. is GAD - stressed, irritable, moody, racing thoughts of doom & gloom.
In response to information I have read on this board, I decided to order the vet grade tryptophan. I did not have a good experience. It affected my the same way as the SSRI's. Mind racing, heart palpatations, no sleep - even at very small doses. The reaction with the Tryp was milder, but similar. Dosage was 500mg.
I have tried Wellbutrin (made me angry, irritable)
Zyprexa - no noticable effect.
Neurontin - no noticeable effect, and the horrible SSRI's. The only drug I have had sucess with, unlike most people, is Buspar. However, this is become less effective, and I would like to find a natuaral alternative. I worry abouth the long term effects of Buspar, and don't want to really increase my dosage (15mg x 2. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Posted by MKB on December 14, 2004, at 11:01:38
In reply to Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
It would be interesting to find out if you had the same bad reaction to pharmaceutical grade Tryptophan capsules. It works for me. The best price I've found is at www.healthrecovery.com.
Posted by MKB on December 14, 2004, at 11:02:43
In reply to Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
With Tryptophan you do need to allow a few days to get used to it.
Posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 12:22:35
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice P.S. » Victoria995, posted by MKB on December 14, 2004, at 11:02:43
When you say you need a few days to get used to it are you saying the jittery, butterflies experience is normal when you start. I thought this was a medication that would help you sleep - makes me feel like a took a handful of speed.
Posted by MKB on December 14, 2004, at 12:33:05
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice P.S., posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 12:22:35
Yes, I would definitely say you need to allow a few days. To maximize the effect, be sure and take it on an empty stomach with fruit juice. This helps it cross over from the blood into the brain. Also, take it about 30-45 minutes before going to sleep.
You also need to be supplementing with B3 and B6 for the Tryptophan to be most effective. (I hope I've got that right.)
500 mg was fine for me in the beginning, but if you don't notice a calming effect within a week, there's no harm in going up to 1000 mg. Most people take more than that.
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 14, 2004, at 14:29:01
In reply to Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
> I am new to posting on this board, though I have been a voyeur for some time. I find the information much more helpful than anything my Pdoc can provide. My diag. is GAD - stressed, irritable, moody, racing thoughts of doom & gloom.
>
> In response to information I have read on this board, I decided to order the vet grade tryptophan. I did not have a good experience. It affected my the same way as the SSRI's. Mind racing, heart palpatations, no sleep - even at very small doses. The reaction with the Tryp was milder, but similar. Dosage was 500mg.A paradoxical response is possible with all interventions. I'm sorry that happened to you.
> I have tried Wellbutrin (made me angry, irritable)
> Zyprexa - no noticable effect.
> Neurontin - no noticeable effect, and the horrible SSRI's. The only drug I have had sucess with, unlike most people, is Buspar. However, this is become less effective, and I would like to find a natuaral alternative. I worry abouth the long term effects of Buspar, and don't want to really increase my dosage (15mg x 2. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.Buspar is a serotonin type-1a (5-HT1a) receptor agonist. If you took tryptophan with Buspar, the competition at that receptor class would have inhibited the calming effect of serotonin release. In short, Buspar and tryptophan are not a good combination.
An alternative to Buspar might be St. John's wort. It substantially upregulates 5-HT1a activity. You may find this has exactly the effect you're seeking.
Two naturally calming nutrients may be very effective for you: magnesium, and niacinamide.
Magnesium is a general inhibitor....takes the edge off. The only thing you have to watch is that too much causes diarrhea. Most people can tolerate 300 mg/day, so start there. Increase by 100 mg each week, until you get up to 600-700 mg. If diarrhea occurs, back down by 100 mg, and try and raise it another time. Your tolerance to magnesium will increase, if its a common part of your intake.
Niacinamide is a special form of niacin, vitamin B3. Do not use niacin for calming. NiacinAMIDE is the form you want. You can take 500 mg up to four times a day. It's generally calming, because it enhances activity at the GABA-A receptor (where benzos work).
For a complete explanation of all possible nutrient interventions, see: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/247312.html
Good luck,
Lar
Posted by Victoria995 on December 15, 2004, at 8:15:40
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice » Victoria995, posted by Larry Hoover on December 14, 2004, at 14:29:01
Thank you for the advice. I have tried SJW in the past - it also made me angry & irritated, similar to the Wellbutrin. I think I will give the Magnesium and the B3 a try. Do you think the Tryp. would be effective if I stopped the Buspar for a couple of weeks and tried again?
Thank you again.
Posted by Victoria995 on December 15, 2004, at 8:18:23
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice » Victoria995, posted by Larry Hoover on December 14, 2004, at 14:29:01
Sorry, another question came to mind. Is it as effective if you get the Magnesium and B3 from a Mega Mult Vitamin, or should they be taken alone, or along with a Multi Vitamim?
Thank you.
Posted by corafree on December 15, 2004, at 14:01:49
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice P.S. » Victoria995, posted by MKB on December 14, 2004, at 12:33:05
Is this pretty much an addition to Dancingstar's alternative's list MKB? Someday I hope to be able to get off Eff-XR and FEEL again. I had SO much of that at one time. This really isn't a good trade off, as I am now agoraphobic and certainly lonely, as not outgoing. It works, but I'm like a person on 'Awakenings', well that's a bit of a stretch as I do move etc.; but motivation is near zero. My predicament is no $ and no one w/ any $ around me. I've tried contact Dancingstar, but she must be very busy, so that's good. Pls try keep me posted; best holiday wishes to you all. I'd like to share my email w/ you 'three musketeers' [xxx] cf
Posted by linkadge on December 15, 2004, at 14:36:00
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice P.S. » MKB, posted by corafree on December 15, 2004, at 14:01:49
Buspar works via activation of the 5-ht1a receptors. You need a supplement that workse to restor the sensitivvity of the 5-ht1a receptors.
Try these supplements in this order.
1. Exercise. Jogging increases the number of 5-
ht1a receptors.2. Melatonin - Restores the 5ht-1a receptor
responce.
3. Ginkgo - Also restores the sensitivity of
the 5-ht1a receptors.
Linkadge
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2004, at 16:21:17
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 15, 2004, at 8:18:23
> Sorry, another question came to mind. Is it as effective if you get the Magnesium and B3 from a Mega Mult Vitamin, or should they be taken alone, or along with a Multi Vitamim?
>
> Thank you.I don't know if SJW will work if you stop Buspar. Linkage's ideas on how to upregulate 5-HT1a are exactly what I was about to suggest. Thanks, link.
You cannot get enough magnesium or niacinamide from a multi. You need to add much more than that available in a multi to your daily intake. You should take the magnesium and niacinamide I suggested in addition to that in a multi.
Lar
Posted by corafree on December 15, 2004, at 23:36:34
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice » Victoria995, posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2004, at 16:21:17
Hi Lar. What is "SJW"? From what read, think I am getting that along w/ Tryptophan, add magnesium, niacinamide, max multi, now ginkgo, and melatonin? After exercise, how could you be awake??? bestwishes really;mean no disrespect, cf
Posted by Victoria995 on December 16, 2004, at 13:35:48
In reply to I have an idea, posted by linkadge on December 15, 2004, at 14:36:00
Thank you all for your assistance. I have to think this over. From what I am hearing the Tryp is out. I should try B3, Magnesium, Melatonin and Ginko? Forget the multvitamins and exercise! Actually I already exercise, though it is on a recumbent bike - I hate jogging.
I'll try to keep you all posted.
Thanks again.
Posted by anony on December 17, 2004, at 11:39:11
In reply to Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
Hi. I also have GAD.
I did not respond to SSRI's either. They all made me not sleep and changed my personality.
Wellbutrin also made me very irritable.
It seems like you and I have similar chemistry, perhaps. So, what are lacking here?
> I am new to posting on this board, though I have been a voyeur for some time. I find the information much more helpful than anything my Pdoc can provide. My diag. is GAD - stressed, irritable, moody, racing thoughts of doom & gloom.
>
> In response to information I have read on this board, I decided to order the vet grade tryptophan. I did not have a good experience. It affected my the same way as the SSRI's. Mind racing, heart palpatations, no sleep - even at very small doses. The reaction with the Tryp was milder, but similar. Dosage was 500mg.
>
> I have tried Wellbutrin (made me angry, irritable)
> Zyprexa - no noticable effect.
> Neurontin - no noticeable effect, and the horrible SSRI's. The only drug I have had sucess with, unlike most people, is Buspar. However, this is become less effective, and I would like to find a natuaral alternative. I worry abouth the long term effects of Buspar, and don't want to really increase my dosage (15mg x 2. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Posted by Victoria995 on December 17, 2004, at 12:49:36
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by anony on December 17, 2004, at 11:39:11
To anony, I wish I knew. Are you male or female? Sometimes I think there might be some hormonal component to this whole mess.
I will let you know if I find any of the suggested supplements helpful. I am going to purchase the melatonin and ginko this weekend. I am so tired of spending money on things that don't work.
Posted by anony on December 17, 2004, at 13:37:27
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 17, 2004, at 12:49:36
I'm 22 years old male. Are you female?
Recently, I looked back my past, and I think I've had sleep problems since I was young - I have not had regular sleep patterns.
Just so you know - I'm taking fish oil (1000-1500 mg / day), and multivitamin at the moment. It's been over a year since I stopped taking SSRI's, and I tried Wellbutrin a few months ago, and it made me so angry and irritable that I could not take for more than 3 days!
I'm thinking of taking Melatonin. Stay in touch with me.
Posted by jakeman on December 17, 2004, at 23:04:16
In reply to Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
> I am new to posting on this board, though I have been a voyeur for some time. I find the information much more helpful than anything my Pdoc can provide. My diag. is GAD - stressed, irritable, moody, racing thoughts of doom & gloom.
>
> In response to information I have read on this board, I decided to order the vet grade tryptophan. I did not have a good experience. It affected my the same way as the SSRI's. Mind racing, heart palpatations, no sleep - even at very small doses. The reaction with the Tryp was milder, but similar. Dosage was 500mg.
>
> I have tried Wellbutrin (made me angry, irritable)
> Zyprexa - no noticable effect.
> Neurontin - no noticeable effect, and the horrible SSRI's. The only drug I have had sucess with, unlike most people, is Buspar. However, this is become less effective, and I would like to find a natuaral alternative. I worry abouth the long term effects of Buspar, and don't want to really increase my dosage (15mg x 2. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.I also find 5-htp and Tryptophan to be activating. I have found glutamine effective for reducing anxiety, (also I have much less desire for sweets and alcohol) however from what I have read it does not affect everyone that way.
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2004, at 10:24:31
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice » Larry Hoover, posted by corafree on December 15, 2004, at 23:36:34
> Hi Lar. What is "SJW"? From what read, think I am getting that along w/ Tryptophan, add magnesium, niacinamide, max multi, now ginkgo, and melatonin? After exercise, how could you be awake??? bestwishes really;mean no disrespect, cf
SJW is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).
I'm lost with respect to your exercise question.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2004, at 10:25:54
In reply to Re: I have an idea, posted by Victoria995 on December 16, 2004, at 13:35:48
> Thank you all for your assistance. I have to think this over. From what I am hearing the Tryp is out. I should try B3, Magnesium, Melatonin and Ginko? Forget the multvitamins and exercise! Actually I already exercise, though it is on a recumbent bike - I hate jogging.
>
> I'll try to keep you all posted.
>
> Thanks again.Keep the multi. Add in niacinamide ( a special form of B3).
Zinc and selenium are essential, too.
Lar
Posted by corafree on December 29, 2004, at 13:05:04
In reply to Re: Typtophan reaction - need advice » corafree, posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2004, at 10:24:31
Hi Lar. Late getting back to you; not actively participating here; took break due to questionable environmental changes.
I meant that it would seem that the mag, mela, and, now, St. John's Wort (SJW), you'd be a tad fatigued ... No?
Wish you safe, warm NY eve & day. your friend cf
> > Hi Lar. What is "SJW"? From what read, think I am getting that along w/ Tryptophan, add magnesium, niacinamide, max multi, now ginkgo, and melatonin? After exercise, how could you be awake??? bestwishes really;mean no disrespect, cf
>
> SJW is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).
>
> I'm lost with respect to your exercise question.
Posted by corafree on December 29, 2004, at 13:09:23
In reply to Re: I have an idea » Victoria995, posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2004, at 10:25:54
Corafree up here. So, no 5-HTTP, no tryp, no SamE?
> > Thank you all for your assistance. I have to think this over. From what I am hearing the Tryp is out. I should try B3, Magnesium, Melatonin and Ginko? Forget the multvitamins and exercise! Actually I already exercise, though it is on a recumbent bike - I hate jogging.
> >
> > I'll try to keep you all posted.
> >
> > Thanks again.
>
> Keep the multi. Add in niacinamide ( a special form of B3).
>
> Zinc and selenium are essential, too.
>
> Lar
This is the end of the thread.
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