Is 5-HTP safe with Klonopin and Seroquel 30-60 minutes before taking 5-HTP?

Question

I'm repeating this with change to conversation rather than one answer. Thought maybe somebody would see it and answer if I changed to "start a conversation."

Is 5-HTP safe with Lamictal, ativan, klonopin seroquel? My doctor says it is and a compounding pharmacist/chemist said it was. My regular pharmacist had never heard of it

Posted: 9 days ago by Seeking Wellness

Topics: 5-htp, ativan, klonopin, lamictal, prozac, seroquel, depression Email:

Details: Went up to 300 mg Lamictal this week and trying to decide to add small dose of Prozac for depression if the Lamictal doesn't relieve it or 5-HTP at night before bedtime. (added 12/16/2011--I decided against the Prozac since I think it makes me anxious.) It's a bit complicated and I need to know if 5-HTP safe and if it works. I am going to have to wean myself off the Ativan slowly and trying to relieve anxiety. Scared that Prozac will increase anxiety at first, but not sure if 5-HTP even really works or is safe. In past, Prozac 20 mg seemed to increase anxiety but Dr. is now prescribing 10 mg instead and said I could take it every other day at first. Must decide within a few days if I am going to do the Prozac or the 5-HTP, as I know it's one or the other. And does it work?

Added 1 minute ago:
Looking for more experiences with 5-HTP and Seroquel and Klonopin. My doctor wants me to take the Seroquel 50 mg and Klonopin 0.5 mg 30-60 minutes prior, before it makes me sleepy, along with my multivitamins that have plenty of B vitamins in them, and then take the 5-HTP on an empty stomach 5-15 minutes before sleep. I'm scared to do it but want more improvement in my depression. The Lamictal is really helping but I don't know if enough.

Answer

Just because something is sold OTC and just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’m on Seroquel 50mg at nighttime for sleep and not long ago, I decided to try a HUM Nutrition brand supplement called “Skinny Bird.” The active ingredient is exactly this, 5-HTP. It caused a SEVERE reaction. Once it went into my system, my brain felt like it was on fire. I became sound and light sensitive, and I could literally hear my brain buzzing at the core, if that makes any sense. I immediately called my husband who’s a PCP and he scolded me for taking it. He said it absolutely interacts with things like seroquel and he assured me it would “run its course in about 5 hours.” That was THE WORST 5 hours of my life. You can TRY it but I’d highly recommend that you skip it. Anything- whether it be an herb, a plant, a root or a medicine -that interacts with neurotransmitters really shouldn’t be sold OTC.

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It caused SEVERE anxiety and this horrible reaction in me, and I’m on a rather low dose of seroquel. Had my husband not been a medical doc, I’d have probably called 911 for help. Seriously. You’re welcome to try it but I’d highly advise speaking with your dr first and exercise extreme caution.

Answer

I was just researching this very same topic and your question came up for some reason so I felt obligated to answer. This is based on the research that I just spent an hour doing for a friend who asked the very same question. I am not a pharmacist so I can’t give a professional opinion. From what I have read, 5 HTP is an all natural product that helps the brain produce serotonin which in turn helps you feel better, give you more energy, etc. That’s why it is included in a lot of dietary supplements. If you are taking antidepressants, they are already doing that same job... signaling the brain to produce more serotonin. You should not take an antidepressant AND 5 HTP together due to interactions and also because they both have the same job. Just like you aren’t supposed to take Saint Johns Wort (May have spelled that wrong), with antidepressants because they can interfere with each other.

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I’m not sure how well 5 HTP works because I have never taken it, however it is used in a lot of supplements that have high reviews. Also natural is always better than pharmaceuticals so if you can wean yourself off of the others to take it, that would probably be better. But please do not stop them suddenly, they can cause horrible withdrawal side effects. Ultimately you are the only one who knows your body and what is best for you. I hope this helps, best to you.

Answer

If I take my 100mg seroquel by itself it doesnt work that good for my  insomnia .So I take my 1mg Klonopin first and a half hour to hour and a half later take the seroquel,and an hour or so later it knocks me out and I sleep great.

Answer

I'm in a relatively similar situation to the one you are experiencing. I, too, wonder about the benefits/side effects of combining 5-HTP with lamictal. But the reason I'm writing is in response to the use of klonopin as a treatment for anxiety. I've spent many hours researching the long term use of benzodiazepines (klonopin is classified as a benzo). This has led me to the conclusion that klonopin, in long term use, can lead to serious problems. In the long run benzos can turn manageable anxiety into an  anxiety disorder . As well, benzos destroy sleep in the long run through tolerance and rebound effects. There is an appropriate place for klonopin for short term conditions. I would avoid taking them for the long term.

Answer

I took the 5-HTP for two nights and the next day I felt severely nervous for several hours. I decided to stop taking it. I can't have anything that increases my anxiety because I am in a slow taper off the benzodiazepines. I am trying fish oil for now along with my Lamictal. I'm still on the Klonopin and Seroquel at bedtime and Ativan morning and afternoon. So far I've only tapered 0.5 mg from the 1.5 mg afternoon dose. Don't know what my next taper amount will be and have been very scared of it. Hopefully it won't be so bad and the fish oil will help. Trying to get the best ratio of EPA to DHA. Taking Nordic naturals liquid oil that must be refrigerated and supplementing with just one capsule of Nordic Naturals EPA Xtra.

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Hopefully, when I do the math, that will be enough of the ratio to get the EPA over 60% of the total EPA and DHA, which is what the studies have said needs to be there in order for there to be improvement over placebo. Otherwise, there was actually worsening than placebo. I think the Lamictal is the biggest help but don't know how I'm going to be with benzo taper. I need to have all Angels and Allies with me through this.

Answer

Hello Seeking Wellness. I hope you're doing well and I'm a tad late in answering your question. I think you'll be fine. If you happen to read this, you might give us an update if you could. Appreciated and the best of wishes,pledge

Is 5-HTP safe with Klonopin and Seroquel 30-60 minutes before taking 5-HTP?

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