L-Tryptophan??

[louise]

Tobacco, Alcohol and Dopamine

I'm wondering if the reason L-tryptophan works better than Gaba has something to do with the 2 types of alcoholics described in this article. I have not ever had physical withdrawal symptoms so I'm not sure which group I fit into, but I started researching dopamine because of the nicotine-alcohol thread since I did not really have a drinking problem until I quit smoking. Anyone know anymore about this or where to refer? From my reading, it sounds like some of these amino acids can contradict each other (probably why the all-one is good as has them all).

[beatle]

I sent RJ a PM this morning (morning for me, late night for her) asking her if she could find that 5-HTP post. Hopefully she'll get back to us soon.

[beatle]

The thread I was talking about has been bumped by Nancy (Thanks Nancy!). I think it will answer all questions about safety of 5-HTP.

[Doggygirl]

Originally Posted by louise

Tobacco, Alcohol and Dopamine

I'm wondering if the reason L-tryptophan works better than Gaba has something to do with the 2 types of alcoholics described in this article. I have not ever had physical withdrawal symptoms so I'm not sure which group I fit into, but I started researching dopamine because of the nicotine-alcohol thread since I did not really have a drinking problem until I quit smoking. Anyone know anymore about this or where to refer? From my reading, it sounds like some of these amino acids can contradict each other (probably why the all-one is good as has them all).

Hi Louise. Thanks for posting that link. Although I will admit having difficulty following all the terminology!! But I do have something in common with you....by desire for alcohol went WAY up when I quit smoking. Don't get me wrong - I was a too heavy drinker when I WAS smoking. But quitting the cigs put it off the charts. I figure there is a dopamine connection in their somewhere...I'm just not able to understand the jargon enough to figure it out. Anyone who can share info in laymen's terms...bring it on!!!!

I'm also not sure what to conclude after reading the older Trypt / 5HTP thread. I guess if L-Trypt seems to be producing positive results, stick with that?

Thanks to all for your input!

DG
*********************

[beatle]

DG, yeh, I think either one is ok. As I understand it, the 5-HTP doesn't need to be taken with fruit juice and it is not as important to take it on an empty stomach. Otherwise, pretty much the same, I think.

[meditation mama]

Hello!!

Well, I have to say I still take my L-Tryp and have fantastic results. Not only does it keep me calm, I am convinced that is is affecting my stress/cortisol level. I talked to my doc about it and he seems to think it could. The reason I say this is because when I am taking it consistantly I seem to lose weight around my mid-section! I have tested this a few times and WHAM, when I am back on it the weight starts to come off... ANOTHER PLUS!

ALso, DG, you said yo ustill have problems sleeping. I started taking this for sleep.. my suggestion is to keep yoru moring dose, but go ahead and take an evening dose (500mgs) at least an hour before bedtime. The reason some folks have nightmares is that they are probably taking it too close to bedtime. I learned that the hard way.

For me, 1000mgs a day is perfect. I take 500mgs in the morning on an empty stomach with my vitamins, then 500mgs at least an hour after eating dinner and an hour before bedtime.

I tried the 5htp and for some reason I didn't feel a thing???

I hope my input helps!!

MM

[Ripple]

I need to go back to taking sleep and calm supps..ASAP..they work when you use them.

[Lila]

MM
What time of day do you take your tryptophan?
I have a tummy from all that beer - horrible now that it is summer and me and my kids always go to the pool! I take 5htp but I really have not noticed anything from it.
Also, I take an antidepressant, Trazodone to help me sleep. It works great, but I would rather not be taking real drugs. Do you take Tryp at nite?
Please share your secrets!!
Lila

[meditation mama]

Hey, Lila!

L-Tryptophan is an amazing little supplement! L-Tryptohan is a precursor to Seratonin and Melatonin. If you take it during the day, it should not make you sleepy as it is converting into Seratonin - which makes you happy and MELLOW. When you take it in the evening it converts to Melatonin, so it makes you tired. So, I take one 500mg in the morning and 500mgs an hour before bedtime.

Hope this helps!!

MM

[Doggygirl]

Hi MM. Thanks for sharing your experience and how you benefit from L-Trypt both day and night. I am going to try taking another dose an hour before bed. The other night when I could NOT sleep I think it might have had something to do with a dose of L-Tyrosine that I took. I don't think that agrees with me. We'll se what happens this time with nothing else different tossed into the mix, to F up the results of the experiment LOL!

DG