5 HTP for Dysthemia/Depression

[Lila]

At the health food store they recommended 5 htp for depression. I'm AF for 11 days now, and feeling all the feelings alcohol was taking away. SOOO does anyone know if I take this during the day instead of just in the evening will I just fall asleep. They say at nite for insomnia, but 3x a day for depression.
I always dream of a pill that can solve everything!
I saw earlier threads but it doesn't answer this specific question.
(Today is not so miserable)
Thanks all,
Lila

[Thankful]

Lila ~ good question. I think it depends on the person as meds and supps work a little different for us all.

I take 5-HTP at night. Sometimes it makes me sleepy, sometimes not. As far as taking it during the day, I would try taking when you know you don't have to go any where. See how it works in your body.

Another thing you could try is Omega Fish Oil. It is very good for your heart and it helps with depression. My mood improve greatly when I started taking this. I take only one a day (after my largest meal of the day). To my knowledge fish oil has no side effects.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

Love, Me

[Lila]

Maybe I'll try that too.
Thanks!
Lila

[CMCEREZA]

Hello Lila - I have been taking 5HTP religiously for over 4 years. I started it as a way to get off of prescribed depression meds. As far as curbing my drinking, it didn't help much there (my habit is bigger than that, i'm thinking), but it helps me control my weight a bit and I haven't taken depression meds in 4 yrs. I take it every morning with juice. As long as you don't eat protein 2 hours before/after taking it, you won't get sleepy during the day. I learned this by reading a couple books on 5HTP and it's uses. Hope it helps..

[MyHeartIsDrenchedInWine]

Originally Posted by Thankful

Lila ~ good question. I think it depends on the person as meds and supps work a little different for us all.

I take 5-HTP at night. Sometimes it makes me sleepy, sometimes not. As far as taking it during the day, I would try taking when you know you don't have to go any where. See how it works in your body.

Another thing you could try is Omega Fish Oil. It is very good for your heart and it helps with depression. My mood improve greatly when I started taking this. I take only one a day (after my largest meal of the day). To my knowledge fish oil has no side effects.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

Love, Me

Fish oil thins the blood and must be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery for this reason. Alcohol also thins the blood so this can be a problem for some of us : ( I would not recommend this supplement for anyone that bruises easily, otherswise it's great and highly recommended by many.

[Lila]

Thanks for responding cmceereza and mhidiw, I didn't know that about the 2 hour protein thing. I just had coffee with cream, so I have to wait 2 hours???
I will try to locate some of those 5htp books.
Lila

[greeneyes]

I don't know about the 2 hours, but I know protien knocks it out. A little fruit is good to go with. I always have apricots or raisins around in case I run out of fresh fruit. Also check into taking anything in the same time zone as caffeine. It destroys many supps.

[Lila]

Thanks Greeneyes
this is good information. How long is the caffeine zone? I have about 3 cups in the morning with cream. Maybe fish oil too, or any omega 3. I have always had dysthemia and bouts of depression.
All these supplements - too many and I forget to take them! And what brand does everyone recommend? Theres a store that sells NOW products buy 1 second half price. Right now I'm taking Natures Way 5htp 50 mgs 3 x day. It is hard to know what works becasue my moods go all over the place, and I have 21 days now, so that must be doing something.
But I will hopefullly never take zoloft again becasue I had the worst time going off it, even tho I did taper.
Lila

[MyOwnWoman]

I take NOW 5-htp in morning and at night, also with GABA and St. John's Wort, and have been depression free for the months I've been consistent with this. I don't notice being sleepy in the morning from taking it - I surely have more energy than I do when I'm depressed.
It has also been a huge help with my drinking.

[Lila]

Did you mix it with food or coffee?