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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by andy013 on May 28, 2011, at 5:58:32
Hey, I'm wondering if anyone else here has had a similar experience to me when taking supplements that increase serotonin levels.
I tried St. Johns Wort, and after 3 days I felt extremely anxious and started having paranoid thoughts like I was going to have a heart attack. It was very unpleasant and took a few days of me stopping the supplement for me to return to normal.
Recently I have been trying Tryptophan (500mg) and I have had a similar (but much milder) effect. I have noticed that when taking the Tryptophan I feel like I can be in 1 of 3 states. I will either feel depressed (no difference), anxious and on edge, or hyper and over excited.I'm really curious to know if anyone else has experienced these types of symptoms because I've not read about them anywhere.
Thanks
andy013
Posted by SLS on May 28, 2011, at 7:54:26
In reply to Increase in serotonin = anxiety?, posted by andy013 on May 28, 2011, at 5:58:32
> Hey, I'm wondering if anyone else here has had a similar experience to me when taking supplements that increase serotonin levels.
>
> I tried St. Johns Wort, and after 3 days I felt extremely anxious and started having paranoid thoughts like I was going to have a heart attack. It was very unpleasant and took a few days of me stopping the supplement for me to return to normal.St. Johns Wort is a drug, not a supplement. It must be treated with respect, as should be vitamin derivatives and monoamine precursors.
Very often, one initially reacts to an SSRI with an increase in anxiety. It very often disappears with continued treatment, though. Stimulation by serotonin of certain receptors (5-HT2b/c) can produce anxiety and dysphoria, and even worsen OCD. Try looking up mCPP.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on May 28, 2011, at 12:53:30
In reply to Re: Increase in serotonin = anxiety? » andy013, posted by SLS on May 28, 2011, at 7:54:26
Goggled mCPP and got a bunch of stuff unrelated to meds? Phillipa
Posted by torrid on May 28, 2011, at 23:27:13
In reply to Increase in serotonin = anxiety?, posted by andy013 on May 28, 2011, at 5:58:32
5htp gave me a heart arythmia, scary. I was taking large ammounts, not smart. I take SAMe on and off and have had great luck with it. It poops out quickly so I'm on and off it all the time
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 1, 2011, at 12:10:16
In reply to Increase in serotonin = anxiety?, posted by andy013 on May 28, 2011, at 5:58:32
Yes, initially like SSRIs, supplements that increase serotonin also can make you somewhat anxious in the beginning. This goes away after awhile. Also, some people actually have sufficient serotonin and actually don't need help with serotonin. There may be other neurotransmitters that you have problems with, say dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, histamine, etc. Be careful not to take too many serotonin-enhancing agents together, like SSRIs with St. John's Wort because of the possibility of Serotonin Syndrome. If you are bipolar, perhaps these supplements are not working well for you. I would talk to a doctor if you have questions about serotonin agents or supplements used for depression. Stay Well!
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 1, 2011, at 12:31:30
In reply to Re: Increase in serotonin = anxiety?, posted by Lao Tzu on June 1, 2011, at 12:10:16
Also, it really depends on what symptoms you are displaying to know what drugs or supplements will work for you. I always say if you have doubts or you're confused, talk to a doctor and get a proper diagnosis because for years and years I went on the assumption that I had unipolar depression, but only a few years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar/schizophrenia. So it was more serious than I really knew. I had to be on a particular medication to get well, but I have also added other vitamins to help. Serotonin agents or supplements will help if you have a lot of anxiety and have trouble sleeping, but if you have bipolar disorder, there may be problems with excessive dopamine as well, so the best thing to do is get checked out and really explain your symptoms to your doctor and get the help you need.
Also, there are some key vitamins that can help, such as B6, B12, Vitamin C, GABA, and fish oil. Stay Well!Lao
Posted by sregan on August 9, 2011, at 15:23:14
In reply to Increase in serotonin = anxiety?, posted by andy013 on May 28, 2011, at 5:58:32
Andy, It's important to take Tryptophan with a small amount of p5p(10-25mg) and some B3 prior would be good. If you take a small high carb snack with the tryptophan that is (insulin) supposed to clear the blood of the amino acids that compete with Tryptophan to cross the BBB, giving it a free ride to the brain.
I have responded poorly to SSRI's, St. Johns, 5HTP, basically anything that boosts Serotonin causes me anxiety. When I started taking my tryptophan in the above described manner I actually got some of the benefits of Serotinin I've read about like better sense of well being and calmness.
This is the end of the thread.
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