SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. As the name implies, they inhibit serotonin release. By this same process SSRIs may protect the supply, but they don’t increase or produce more serotonin when the demand exceeds the supply. In certain serotonin deficiency states, this may be a problem.
If you are already on an SSRI drug (Paxil, Prozac, etc), you should not take 5-HTP without medical supervision, nor discontinue any SSRI or antidepressant to take 5-HTP. 5-HTP studies show that it is as effective as SSRIs without the weight gain and side effects, so ask your health care professional about making the switch.
Simply put, the biochemical chain goes from tryptophan (from food sources) to 5-HTP to serotonin to melatonin with a lot of chemical reactions in between. 5-HTP is therefore a step in your body's manufacturing of serotonin.
If you are serotonin deficient, a shortage may affect your endocrine function, which may cause depressed mood and cravings for simple carbohydrates (alcohol, sugar, pasta). Balancing the serotonin level may reduce cravings and lift mood. If you have sleep interruption, especially around 1-3 a.m. when the serotonin-melatonin process kicks in, chances are your low levels don't produce enough to make melatonin, which regulates your sleep cycle.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that modifies pain. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and helps boost levels, and affects other neurochemicals in the pain modulation pathways. Taking 5-HTP may lessen pain also by improving sleep, another problem for FMS and ME/CFS.
For sugar cravings: 100 mg one hour before meals
For sleep: 50-100 mg before bedtime. Michael Murray ND suggests 100-300 mg 30-40 minutes before bedtime and increase up to 600 mg or add other herbs such as valerian extract or St. John's Wort.
For mood: 50-100 mg 2-3 times a day (or before bedtime).
Perhaps a more important question is when to take your 5-HTP. 5-HTP can make you drowsy or more alert. To see how 5-HTP affects you, try taking your first dose after dinner. If you feel sleepy, take 5-HTP at night. Otherwise, you can take 5-HTP during the day and it will still help sleep later by converting to melatonin. 5-HTP is a perecursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps with mood, pain and sleep.
To convert 5-HTP into serotonin efficiently, you need several other essential nutrients: B-vitamins, magnesium and omega 3 oils. For some L-Tyrosine enhances 5-HTP utilization.
Medical Disclaimer: The material presented in this article is for informational purposes only and not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any physical condition or substitute for professional medical counseling.
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