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
3 Answers
chuck1957
29 April 2016
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.
side effects that go away when you take them like clockwork but you don't really notice a lot depending on which one you have to take a month to 2 months before they do any good. NOW you could try the vitamin B-100 THIS works pretty good for stress when you get it in your system.They use this in a lot of clinics like to help with the stress of anxiety from stop smoking or stop drinking etc and you don't have to worry vitamin B just goes through you so you don't build up in your system but helps a lot for many people.And it would be fine with the 5 hp but you have to take it every day not just when you remember to keep up a steady blood level. Any questions you really should talk with a doctor and then plan. CHUCK1957
janiebme
29 April 2016
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 :)
janiebme
29 April 2016
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.
WildcatVet
28 April 2016
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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