I've had bad experiences with anti-depressants and anxiety medications and want to try a more natural method. I've taken 5 htp off and on over the years and haven't noticed any change. Maybe I didn't take it regularly enough. But I recently started taking it again (200 MG a day) and was wondering if there is anything to add to it to help with my moods. I've heard of B complex and sam-e might help? Any advice or recommendations?
5-HTP - What can I take along with 5 htp for depression and high anxiety?
Question posted by Alsdcc1985 on 28 April 2016
Last updated on 29 April 2016
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3 Answers
Alsdcc1985; You do have to be very careful with over the counter medications or supplements not a lot of studies are really done on a lot of them,And you do get side effects mixing different ones to many people don't think it is medicine because it's not a prescription. And you are right if you're serious about trying things more natural remember you have to take them daily. But as my friend Wildcatvet said blood test are very important,you could be lacking something that only a blood test well show up,such as a hormone deficiency,Thyroid problems,many different things and as far as not having much luck with prescription medications. To many are never told and try them a few times and don't know that many of the good ones you can get wrong info such as you have to take many 1 to 2 weeks about the same time each day and that first few weeks can be hard because of temp.
Hi Alsdcc-
I tried Sam-e and 5-HTP but it did not work for me. There is also CBD oil that is made from the hemp plant and is legal to buy in 50 of the US States. You can research it on the internet. It is a very interesting read. I just started using it for anxiety, I do not want to take benzos. It is not as strong, but does take the edge off my anxiety.
Hope you find what works for you :)
I just wanted to add that my Psych doc knows about the CBD oil and approves. Chuck and WCV are right most of the herbal meds have not been researched and little is know about interactions with other meds. I am not advocating CBD oil. Only that it worked for me and has no contraindications with my meds.
Hi, Alsdcc! Through a naturopath St. John's Wort and valerian might be options for you. But because of potential side effects and interactions with other drugs (just like prescription medications) they should only be used under the supervision of a professional.
Have you ever had blood work done to check for Vitamin D or thyroid deficiencies?
Good luck and best wishes,
Related topics
5-htp, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, antidepressant, medication
Further information
- 5-HTP uses and safety info
- 5-HTP prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of 5-HTP (detailed)
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