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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by janetlee on January 24, 2007, at 20:49:15
I got an email from a psychiatrist that wrote a book about amino acid for the treatment of depression and anxiety, after I sent her an inquiry about taurine. I had also asked her if it was true that one should not take 5-HTP with ADs. She said that she often mixes the two with her patients with good results and no problems. She said that serotonin syndrome is rare. Of course, she covered herself by saying that I should ask my own doctor about mixing the 2 but added that he would likely tell me "no".
So here I am wondering if I should try the 5-HTP with my Paxil, but start with a very low dose. Any thoughts guys???
janetlee
Posted by Klavot on January 25, 2007, at 2:27:49
In reply to Serotonin Syndrome, posted by janetlee on January 24, 2007, at 20:49:15
I recently developed a mild case of serotonin syndrome after having combined Zoloft and St John's Wort.
I would be reluctant to go that route.
Klavot
Posted by Netch on January 25, 2007, at 6:24:56
In reply to Serotonin Syndrome, posted by janetlee on January 24, 2007, at 20:49:15
I do not recommend 5-HTP.
5-HTP can cause fatigue and aggrevate depression since there is a 50% conversion rate to melatonin.
Posted by saturn on January 25, 2007, at 19:14:37
In reply to Re: Serotonin Syndrome » janetlee, posted by Netch on January 25, 2007, at 6:24:56
> I do not recommend 5-HTP.
>
> 5-HTP can cause fatigue and aggrevate depression since there is a 50% conversion rate to melatonin.I once read that much if not most of the
5-HTP---->5-HT (serotonin) conversion takes place outside of the brain, and that the resulting serotonin in the blood does not readily pass into the brain. End result: increased serotonin in the blood and body, but not brain. Elevated blood serotonin may cause heart problems. Admittedly I have not heard of cases of this, but have found the theory behind 5-HTP lacking.I think 5-HTP probably came on the market as a tryptophan subsitute, which is now re-available in the US (at least in some states) without a prescription. I'm not saying it works, but tryptophan enters the brain much more readily than 5-HTP and works via the same proposed mechanism (increased production of serotonin in the brain).
I hate not to cite specific references, but I can not recall where I found this info.
Posted by Declan on January 25, 2007, at 23:46:42
In reply to Re: Serotonin Syndrome, posted by saturn on January 25, 2007, at 19:14:37
I think 5htp makes sense late in the afternoon, so long as taken with a high overall dose of VitC.
I would be careful about combining it with Paxil and would at least consider reducing the Paxil dose and starting low with the 5htp.
Posted by tealady on February 17, 2007, at 18:26:12
In reply to Re: Serotonin Syndrome, posted by Declan on January 25, 2007, at 23:46:42
> I think 5htp makes sense late in the afternoon, so long as taken with a high overall dose of VitC.
>
> I would be careful about combining it with Paxil and would at least consider reducing the Paxil dose and starting low with the 5htp.
Hi Declan,
I must be thick today. why with VitC?
Jan
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