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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 91. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Penny on September 4, 2003, at 13:32:53
Any thoughts? My pdoc recommended it to me, and I tried taking it, but was having some SEs that may or may not have been caused by the 5-HTP, so I stopped. I think it's kinda pricey as far as supplements go, but I'd be interested to know what others think of it.
The guy at the vitamin/supplement store tried to tell me that 5-HTP and Kava Kava would cure all my problems. Yeah, right. I've tried Kava Kava and it did nothing for me.
P
Posted by Kira on September 4, 2003, at 14:48:21
In reply to 5-HTP, posted by Penny on September 4, 2003, at 13:32:53
I tried a supplement with 5HTP, DL-Phenylalanine, and L-Glutamine to treat a depressive episode, and it induced hypomania. I asked a doc about this, and he said that there have been indications that 5HTP can trigger mania...not sure about other symptoms, though.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 4, 2003, at 20:08:25
In reply to 5-HTP, posted by Penny on September 4, 2003, at 13:32:53
Though it's much more expensive, l-tryptophan is more likely to help than 5-HTP, I'd say. And the kava in health stores is absolute crap -- I only use Mahakea kava, which I buy direct from Hawaii by the pound, and it has an overwhelmingly wonderful effect.
Posted by McPac on September 4, 2003, at 23:49:31
In reply to Re: 5-HTP » Penny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 4, 2003, at 20:08:25
Ame, found this product on the net...called Serotain, it contains 5htp...note what it says re: 5htp VS. tryptophan (and also SJW)....I don't know if those claims are true or not....:
How Does Serotain™ Compare to Tryptophan?
The natural 5-HTP in Serotain™ is readily absorbed from an oral dose with approximately 70% bioavailability and easily crosses the blood brain barrier(2). The absorption of tryptophan from the intestine is significantly less than 5-HTP from the intestine and much of the absorbed portion is metabolized by enzymes found in the liver(3).In a double-blind comparative study, tryptophan was not as effective as an antidepressant as was 5-HTP(4).
Why Use Serotain™ Instead of St. John's Wort?
Because there are many potentially active compounds in St. John's wort it is very difficult to determine its precise mechanism of action(1).Independent bioassay results indicate that Serotain™ appears to be safer and significantly more effective than St. John's wort 0.3% extract in increasing serotonin levels.
Posted by McPac on September 4, 2003, at 23:51:47
In reply to Ame, Re: 5-HTP, posted by McPac on September 4, 2003, at 23:49:31
So, is tryptophan or 5htp better????
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:25
In reply to Here is the link for that Serotain product........, posted by McPac on September 4, 2003, at 23:51:47
> So, is tryptophan or 5htp better????
Tryptophan, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I prefer not even to read the biased and spun information they put on commercial websites -- they're trying to sell a product, but what they're saying just isn't backed up by real-world comparisons between tryptophan and 5-HTP. What they say about less intestinal availability of tryptophan is true, but that's why I told you to take it with a low-protein, high-carb snack. This greatly increases the amount that is utilized.
Bottom line -- there is a reason tryptophan is FDA-approved. As for St. John's Wort vs. 5-HTP, I'm not quite so sure... probably equally effective, when used by the right people.
Posted by McPac on September 5, 2003, at 0:48:14
In reply to Re: Here is the link for that Serotain product........ » McPac, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:25
Tryptophan, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
>>>>>>> Ok Amester.
I prefer not even to read the biased and spun information they put on commercial websites
>>>>>>>>> I just got done reading loads of crap on various sites re: tryptophan vs. 5htp.....nothing but one site contradicting another.....bunch of crap....(you got mail Ame! lol) Thanks!!!!!!!!
Posted by Larry Hoover on September 5, 2003, at 12:25:45
In reply to Re: 5-HTP » Penny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 4, 2003, at 20:08:25
> Though it's much more expensive, l-tryptophan is more likely to help than 5-HTP, I'd say. And the kava in health stores is absolute crap -- I only use Mahakea kava, which I buy direct from Hawaii by the pound, and it has an overwhelmingly wonderful effect.
Check out this price for tryptophan:
http://www.buygpdirect.com/gpefeed.htmAlso, other stuff like grape seed extract, glucosamine, etc., also at great prices.
Lar
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 6, 2003, at 11:55:10
In reply to Re: tryptophan expensive? » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Larry Hoover on September 5, 2003, at 12:25:45
Wow -- that's unbelievable! I have only one question before I place my order: do you think this stuff is safe for *human* consumption? Of course it's possible contamination that I'm worried about.
Posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 12:06:14
In reply to Re: tryptophan expensive? » Larry Hoover, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 6, 2003, at 11:55:10
> Wow -- that's unbelievable! I have only one question before I place my order: do you think this stuff is safe for *human* consumption? Of course it's possible contamination that I'm worried about.
I can't promise you that it is, but I believe that it is. The process that led to contamination a decade? ago has been discontinued. The vast majority of the tryptophan being produced is for livestock feed, but I have no reason to believe that the standards for human consumption are substantially different. The ultra-pure product is probably pharmaceutical grade.
Lar
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 6, 2003, at 12:10:00
In reply to Re: tryptophan expensive? » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 12:06:14
> The ultra-pure product is probably pharmaceutical grade.
I was assuming the same thing and had already planned on ordering the ultra-pure variety. Thanks!
Posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 12:29:34
In reply to Re: tryptophan expensive? » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 12:06:14
"The ultra-pure product is probably pharmaceutical grade".
>>>>>>>>>> Lar, ok, the ultra-pure product is likely pharmaceutical grade but that's a HUGE price difference per ounce(2.5 POUNDS for $10 vs. 4 OUNCES for $11???) Do they put a sprinkling of tryptophan in the cheap one and then fill the rest of it with manure or what? What exactly is the difference between pharmaceutical grade and non-phar. grade? The cheap one looks more fit for Trigger, lol.
Posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 12:31:27
In reply to Re: tryptophan expensive? » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 12:06:14
Anybody think the tryptophan that GNC sells is worth trying?
Thanks!
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 6, 2003, at 12:37:14
In reply to GNC tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive?, posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 12:31:27
IMO, as long as it's tryptophan, it's worth trying provided that cost isn't an issue -- otherwise I'd go for the "tryptophane ultra-pure" on that site!
Posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 12:49:39
In reply to Re: GNC tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive? » McPac, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 6, 2003, at 12:37:14
Thanks Ame!
I just wondered about the GNC tryptophan because I could drive there right now and get it and try some....got to do something quick....if that doesn't do anything it's back to the Lexapro. Take care.
Posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 14:54:37
In reply to Ame., tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive?, posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 12:49:39
Ame/Lar,
GNC DID carry tryptophan just a little while back (I saw it there).
Anyway, they don't now.
The employees at BOTH GNC AND the Vitamin Shoppe tried to tell me that 5HTP was the same thing.
Sheeesh......I know that the Amester strongly prefers the tryptophan over the 5HTP.....Lar, where do you stand on tryp vs. 5htp---does one work better than the other? If tryp>>>5htp>>>serotonin, why is it that 5htp wouldn't work better, being one step closer? Want to know what you think Lar. (It's funny, the pharm. co's no doubt had big influence in getting tryp yanked from the market (and KEPT off the market for over a decade! when it wasn't even a problem with the tryp itself....funny how that just 'happened' to occur RIGHT BEFORE the rollout of Prozac and the other slew of pharm. co's swill (ssri's)...nothing like eliminating the competition....Vitamin Shoppe has PLENTY of 5htp products to choose from though but I didn't see any tryp.......I definitely want to try the tryp and not the 5htp...which do you think is better Lar?
Posted by tealady on September 6, 2003, at 16:34:35
In reply to Ame/Lar, tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive?, posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 14:54:37
> Ame/Lar,
>
> GNC DID carry tryptophan just a little while back (I saw it there).
>
I don't know about in the US, but in Oz GNC has just stopped stocking Musashi brand products..they reckon their own covers all basa...and Musashi had all the amino acids in powder form..small quantities though, like 50g tyrosine.
I haven't tried Musashi yet but I did buy some Musashi l-tryptophan last week..from a different health food store. Dumb marketing move on behalf of GNC, IMO with everything sourceable from the net or elsewhere these days.
If I had the choice I would probably opt for he horsey products if suitable for racehorses, they always looked after racehorses more than humans healthwise..being more valuable dollar wise <g>.
Jan
Posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 22:21:57
In reply to Ame/Lar, tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive?, posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 14:54:37
> Ame/Lar,
>
> GNC DID carry tryptophan just a little while back (I saw it there).
> Anyway, they don't now.
> The employees at BOTH GNC AND the Vitamin Shoppe tried to tell me that 5HTP was the same thing.
> Sheeesh......I know that the Amester strongly prefers the tryptophan over the 5HTP.....Lar, where do you stand on tryp vs. 5htp---does one work better than the other? If tryp>>>5htp>>>serotonin, why is it that 5htp wouldn't work better, being one step closer? Want to know what you think Lar. (It's funny, the pharm. co's no doubt had big influence in getting tryp yanked from the market (and KEPT off the market for over a decade! when it wasn't even a problem with the tryp itself....funny how that just 'happened' to occur RIGHT BEFORE the rollout of Prozac and the other slew of pharm. co's swill (ssri's)...nothing like eliminating the competition....Vitamin Shoppe has PLENTY of 5htp products to choose from though but I didn't see any tryp.......I definitely want to try the tryp and not the 5htp...which do you think is better Lar?
Posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 22:27:42
In reply to Lar, Re: tryptophan expensive?, posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 12:29:34
> "The ultra-pure product is probably pharmaceutical grade".
>
> >>>>>>>>>> Lar, ok, the ultra-pure product is likely pharmaceutical grade but that's a HUGE price difference per ounce(2.5 POUNDS for $10 vs. 4 OUNCES for $11???) Do they put a sprinkling of tryptophan in the cheap one and then fill the rest of it with manure or what? What exactly is the difference between pharmaceutical grade and non-phar. grade? The cheap one looks more fit for Trigger, lol.I don't know how this didn't catch my attention before, but the lesser quality of tryptophan is only about 7% tryptophan by weight (2 grams of every 28). I'm going to assume that the product is a hydrolyzed protein product, with the remainder made up of various other aminos.
In any case, I'd have no qualms about using either product. There are stricter standards applied to animal care products, in many cases, that are applied to those for human use.
Lar
Posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 23:15:54
In reply to Re: Lar, Re: tryptophan expensive? » McPac, posted by Larry Hoover on September 6, 2003, at 22:27:42
Posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 23:20:35
In reply to Re: GNC tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive? » McPac, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 6, 2003, at 12:37:14
I did order a pound of the ultra-pure!
Ame, how long does it take tryptophan to really begin to work (if it will work)--- are we talking days, weeks, a month? (Just trying to get some ballpark idea).
Thanks!
Posted by matthhhh on September 12, 2003, at 19:58:37
In reply to Ame, Re: GNC tryptophan, Re: tryptophan expensive?, posted by McPac on September 6, 2003, at 23:20:35
Ive tried SJW, 5 htp, and SAM-e and none really had any noticeable benificial effects- just made me a little sleepy.
Anyways, i was wondering if its worth trying tryptophan. If all these other supplements didnt work is it worth a try?
Posted by Larry Hoover on September 13, 2003, at 9:05:39
In reply to Tryptophan vs 5HTP Please Help!!, posted by matthhhh on September 12, 2003, at 19:58:37
> Ive tried SJW, 5 htp, and SAM-e and none really had any noticeable benificial effects- just made me a little sleepy.
> Anyways, i was wondering if its worth trying tryptophan. If all these other supplements didnt work is it worth a try?If 5-HTP didn't help, I doubt tryptophan will help. With respect to SJW, you need to also consider whether you used a product that is of appropriate quality. Some SJW is substandard.
Lar
Posted by matthhhh on September 17, 2003, at 17:15:18
In reply to Re: Tryptophan vs 5HTP Please Help!! » matthhhh, posted by Larry Hoover on September 13, 2003, at 9:05:39
Hi Lar, you said in one of your posts that tryptophan is a much better than 5htp, so why dont you think that it will work as an alternative to 5htp? By the way do u know of any good SJW? thanks
Posted by matthhhh on September 17, 2003, at 17:22:18
In reply to Re: Tryptophan vs 5HTP Please Help!!, posted by matthhhh on September 17, 2003, at 17:15:18
by the way the SJW that i am taking is by organika and it says it is a standardized extract
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