Posted by jasmineneroli on November 12, 2004, at 0:08:28 [reposted on November 12, 2004, at 7:42:10 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Availability of Tryptophan » ed_uk, posted by MKB on November 11, 2004, at 17:06:12
Hi Everyone:
My Pdoc (I'm in Canada) prescribed L-Tryptophan for me, since I've had side effects to all classes of AD's that I've tried (2 SSRI's, SNRI, RIMA, Remeron). This is pharmaceutical grade tryptophan, made in Canada. I'm assuming that it maybe superior to any health food OTC brand. At least in terms of guaranteed content ("purity" & accurate amount, which is important for accurate dosing).
My Pdoc believes it's more effective than 5htp, simply because it's a pharmaceutical grade. We had a very good discussion about alternate therapies. He thinks that many good (effective) substances, have not been given a true trial, and used as treatments by doctors, because so many of the OTC health food products have been shown to have huge variances in ACTUAL content (he cited St. John's Wort and 5htp). And the fillers used have actually prevented adequate absorption etc. Without a reliable, tested content, he maintains, most studies on their efficacy cannot be trusted.In other words, the 5htp that Mary has bought in Illinois, doesn't compare to the 5htp that Joe bought in Toronto.
Whilst the industry is unregulated, it will be hard to find doctors to support the use of these products, because they don't fit the scientific model doctors are used to. MKB may well be right in his caution.
I recommend L-Tryptophan as an alternative, but I believe it should be prescribed (if possible).Veterinarian grade is probably as reliable! I think 5htp might be too "hit and miss".
Jas
BTW: Yes, the Trypt. is helping with my sleep.
poster:jasmineneroli
thread:414892
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041108/msgs/414901.html