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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 9:39:06
Hi,
I'm going to go to the doctor to check this out. Basically, I'm scared that I could have something like EMS.
I took Tryptophan for the past two weeks. The first week I took 1g a day in divided doses. The second week, I took 2.5g a day in divided doses.
On Friday(4/17) I developed dilated pupils and sensitivity to light as well as a headache and body aches.
My last dose of Typtophan was on Friday before onset of symptoms. My pupils seem to have returned to normal, but the some of the light sensitivity remains and the headache/body aches are still present.
I am really concerned about EMS.
Posted by linkadge on April 20, 2009, at 9:43:07
In reply to Concerned about EMS, posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 9:39:06
Its probably not EMS but rather mild symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
These symptoms are likely not permanent. Were you taking the tryptophan in conjunction with an SSRI or other antidepressant?
Linkadge
Posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 9:50:31
In reply to Re: Concerned about EMS, posted by linkadge on April 20, 2009, at 9:43:07
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. Hearing other comments helps.
I was not taking any other SSRI or antidepressant.
I have been taking a Multivitamin, Magnesium Taurate, vitamin D and a sublingual GABA tablet.I'm really disturbed about these symptoms and afraid (as you can tell).
Posted by SLS on April 20, 2009, at 9:56:39
In reply to Concerned about EMS, posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 9:39:06
Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2009, at 11:14:18
In reply to Re: Concerned about EMS, posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 9:50:31
What is EMS I've not heard of that before? Phillipa
Posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 11:17:42
In reply to Re: Concerned about EMS » Tepidarium, posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2009, at 11:14:18
Posted by Phillipa on April 20, 2009, at 20:34:08
In reply to Re: Concerned about EMS, posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 11:17:42
I remember this well. Pulled all the tryptophan. Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on April 21, 2009, at 2:55:28
In reply to Concerned about EMS, posted by Tepidarium on April 20, 2009, at 9:39:06
> Hi,
>
> I'm going to go to the doctor to check this out. Basically, I'm scared that I could have something like EMS.
>
> I took Tryptophan for the past two weeks. The first week I took 1g a day in divided doses. The second week, I took 2.5g a day in divided doses.
>
> On Friday(4/17) I developed dilated pupils and sensitivity to light as well as a headache and body aches.
>
> My last dose of Typtophan was on Friday before onset of symptoms. My pupils seem to have returned to normal, but the some of the light sensitivity remains and the headache/body aches are still present.
>
> I am really concerned about EMS.It does sound more like either a drug interaction or a reaction to the l-tryptophan itself. L-tryptophan was returned to the market after a long scrutiny of what was most likely an adulterant substance produced by bacteria modified to generate l-tryptophan supplements.
I take l-tryptophan but I only take the 1g tablets once a day, and actually I think some of those may be discontinued so I may take the 500g ones.It's possible you're sensitive to a high level of tryptophan. A variety of protein sources, both animal and vegetable have tryptophan in them so its just mimicking a high level of those foods, which may possibly help sleep like its metabolic cousin 5-HTP.
Also its a fairly complex syndrome that doesn't just present with those complaints although anything is possible. Muscle pain, fibromyalgia like symptoms, other sequelae are there too.
-- Jay
Posted by Tepidarium on April 21, 2009, at 10:46:32
In reply to Re: Concerned about EMS » Tepidarium, posted by yxibow on April 21, 2009, at 2:55:28
I went to the doctor. He thought that the chance that I had Serotonin Syndrome from the dosage I took was low but seemed to acknowledge the possibility. He feels the symptoms will resolve themselves.
I'm feeling somewhat better, four days after the initial symptoms. Still some muscle pain and sensitivity to light.
The doctor said that Tryptophan, in supplement form, doesn't cross the BBB, which I thought was inaccurate.
At this point, I am quite apprehensive about taking tryptophan (or other supplements for that matter) to help my mood/anxiety. Sadly, I do think I had some improvement while taking the tryptophan.
He suggested that after I feel better, besides CBT, we might explore Buspar, Klonopin and Citalopram. I would like to stay away from Pharma (that's why I tried Tryptophan in the first place, but now I'm concerned about self-medicating.
This is the end of the thread.
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