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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MoparFan91 on January 20, 2006, at 2:26:29
I went to my pdoc today who practices integrative medicine. He does psychiatry taking both conventional and nutritional approaches in treatment.
We discontinued Lexapro since it was causing some problems despite it providing some good benefits. I felt it wasn't worth continuing. Since I'm Bipolar II, it caused some mid-grade hypomania and minor anger problems although it helped some with OCD and paranoia.
I also take 400mg Topamax and 400mg Lamictal and am still on the same doses of them (may lower Topamax later after getting out of current high stress period).So, instead, he recommended that I try out some Trypto-Plus by Montiff.
The product contains 3.4mg B6 (P5P form) and B2 (as R5P) as cofactors.
And 500mg of L-Tryptophan itself.For anyone who has taken both L-Tryptphan and 5-HTP, which one did you have better results with and what effects did each on have on you?
How did each precurser compare to SSRI's?
Posted by blueberry on January 21, 2006, at 6:56:07
In reply to Started Tryptophan Plus, posted by MoparFan91 on January 20, 2006, at 2:26:29
I have compared 5htp and tryptophan, and still am experimenting. We all respond so differently though, that I think maybe my experiences are not likely to predict yours.
5htp seems "cleaner" or "clearer", hard to explain. It does help lessen depression and anxiety, but nothing magic for me. But that's because I believe my symptoms are more in the norepinephrine/dopamine area. The main problem I have with 5htp is the problem they claim doesn't happen...sexual dysfunction. And I'm talking severe, worse than any ssri ever did to me.
Sleep for me is much better with tryptophan than 5htp. When I take 5htp, I have several wakings, early waking, and very active dreaming. Tryptophan puts me into a deeper sleep.
By day, tryptophan feels more sedating and dulling to me.
Tryptophan is converted by the body into 5htp, melatonin, and lots of other things. But how, when, and why it converts to various things differs from one person to the next.
Basically, I think maybe you kind of have to try each for about a week or so to compare. I'm thinking maybe I should take both...50mg 5htp in mid afternoon and 500mg tryptophan at bedtime. You might end up liking one better than the other or taking both for synergistic effects.
Posted by honeybee on January 24, 2006, at 15:12:43
In reply to Started Tryptophan Plus, posted by MoparFan91 on January 20, 2006, at 2:26:29
Mopar,
This diverges from the subject at hand (starting tryptophan) but I was wondering where you found an intergrative psychiatrist, one who knows as much about nutrition as about what the med companies tell them and who are interested in understanding your unique physiology, as opposed to throwing meds a wall (e.g. your body) and seeing which one will "stick."
Maybe it's a pipe dream? I mean, I live in New York City, of all places, and while the pdoc choices are overwhelming, they seem to be pretty standard...
Ah, end of rant. But if anyone has any suggestions, I'm much obliged.
honeybee
p.s. And, for what it's worth, hello everyone! I've been reading your posts for months now, but hadn't posted yet myself. It's been quite helpful knowing that I'm not the only one of us out there...
Posted by ghuber on January 24, 2006, at 23:24:53
In reply to Re: Started Tryptophan Plus, posted by honeybee on January 24, 2006, at 15:12:43
Honeybee,
If you're interested in integrative medicine, I strongly suggest checking out Path Medical in NYC. Dr. Braverman is extremely well know and he has written many books regarding the brain/body connection and wellness.
www.pathmed.com
Posted by honeybee on January 25, 2006, at 8:38:33
In reply to Re: Started Tryptophan Plus, posted by ghuber on January 24, 2006, at 23:24:53
Thank you!!! This is so much help.
honeybee
This is the end of the thread.
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