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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mulva on May 3, 2009, at 23:35:35
Prozac has really lifted my depression in the year that I've been on it, but I've gained 15 pounds that I can't seem to get rid of ... which is a big, fat bummer. I also have this ever-present anxiety and frequent agitation that prozac doesn't seem to help with. So I tried 5-HTP for the first time last night, and today I feel noticeably calmer, less anxious, maybe even happier, but hungry! The carbs have really been calling my name today. I feel like I instantly gained 5 pounds. Has anyone gone thru anything similar with 5-HTP? It's scary ... but maybe it's just the initial effect and will lessen or even reverse with time? Or maybe I'm just imagining it, or am hungry for some other reason (anxiety over new medication? oh the irony).
(btw, I'm aware of the risks with serotonin syndrome and am only taking very low doses because I'm a medication lightweight anyway .. 5 mg prozac, 25 mg 5-HTP.)
Maybe I should just quit prozac and try 5-HTP by itself, but I'm kinda scared to quit prozac because of its good effects on my mood, confidence, sociability, and mental focus. I wonder if 5-HTP could have similar benefits? I'm just sick of being pudgy and anxious.
I would really appreciate any insights ... thanks :o)
Posted by Netch on May 4, 2009, at 9:00:59
In reply to 5-HTP and weight gain?, posted by mulva on May 3, 2009, at 23:35:35
I do not recommend 5htp because of a bad experience. It caused severe fatigue and apathy even at low dose. Try tryptophan instead but do not expect same result as Prozac. The effects of supplements are usually mild compared to real drugs.
Posted by Ethrem on May 10, 2009, at 14:00:57
In reply to 5-HTP and weight gain?, posted by mulva on May 3, 2009, at 23:35:35
> Prozac has really lifted my depression in the year that I've been on it, but I've gained 15 pounds that I can't seem to get rid of ... which is a big, fat bummer. I also have this ever-present anxiety and frequent agitation that prozac doesn't seem to help with. So I tried 5-HTP for the first time last night, and today I feel noticeably calmer, less anxious, maybe even happier, but hungry! The carbs have really been calling my name today. I feel like I instantly gained 5 pounds. Has anyone gone thru anything similar with 5-HTP? It's scary ... but maybe it's just the initial effect and will lessen or even reverse with time? Or maybe I'm just imagining it, or am hungry for some other reason (anxiety over new medication? oh the irony).
>
> (btw, I'm aware of the risks with serotonin syndrome and am only taking very low doses because I'm a medication lightweight anyway .. 5 mg prozac, 25 mg 5-HTP.)
>
> Maybe I should just quit prozac and try 5-HTP by itself, but I'm kinda scared to quit prozac because of its good effects on my mood, confidence, sociability, and mental focus. I wonder if 5-HTP could have similar benefits? I'm just sick of being pudgy and anxious.
>
> I would really appreciate any insights ... thanks :o)Never, ever, combine 5-HTP or another form of tryptophan with SSRIs. You can cause a serious illness known as serotonin syndrome - and from what I hear Prozac and Paxil are the two most dangerous in that respect. If you want to supplement with 5-HTP, you're going to have to get off the Prozac altogether and give it time to clear your system (14 days to be safe).
In my experience, 5-HTP is more effective than the SSRIs but unfortunately for me, it rendered me helpless to my anxiety and caused panic attacks and hallucinations. Tryptophan, however, did not. Since the body only converts tryptophan into serotonin as needed, its considered much safer but the dose is about 10 times higher than 5-HTP and it does cost quite a bit more - a bottle of 5-HTP can be had for about 5 bucks at Walmart. A good tryptophan supplement is about 25.
This is the end of the thread.
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