User Reviews for 5-htp

I took 5-HTP that I purchased from a popular warehouse chain. The first night I started it I had a horrible nightmare that I don't think I would of been able to go to sleep afterwards had my husband not been right next to me. It helps with appetite control but I found if you don't continue with it you become more hungry. I was as hungry as a bear one day I did not take this. Also othere should be warned this will give you unpleasant side affects such as nausea, gas, and fatigue. I also felt "dizzy". And not the fun dizzy, just dumb like it was difficult to process a thought. All people are different but I'm sure this negative occurrence is bound to happen to someone else. Please beware. A pretty serious supplement. Read More Read Less

My Dr put me on 5-Htp after the birth of my daughter since I had severe side effects to most standard anti-depressants. I was suffering from moderate depression and Fibromyalgia. I nursed my daughter for a year while taking it and have not had any ill effects in either of us. Instead, this product has helped TREMENDOUSLY with depression, anxiety, and has given me an overall feeling of well-being and calmness.

I initally took 5htp for two days to assist with the after affects of taking MDMA and found it to be an excellent aid in balancing my sleep, appetite and energy levels. I take 200mg a day in two doses. There is some GI but no nausea which I do not tolerate in appetite supressants. The vivid dreams do take a bit to get used to but are not disturbing.

have taken every SSRI on the list and nothing has worked. My last attempt was to try Pristiq, but that made me sit there all day shaking my foot and clenching my fist. I decided to try 5-hhtp and with one dose (25mcg) i could feel calm wash over me. Best anti anxiety and depression cure for me so far. I'm sticking with it.

After having had unsatisfactory results over the years with various medications, I found this solution reccomended on Dr Amen's website, after having used 5-HTP in conjunction with fish oil and coQ13 since 1/10, I can honestly say that I feel BETTER!

I really think this stuff may make a difference.

I have all the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and my doctor thinks I am "too young" to have it. I don't have medical right now so I researched and found this online. I take 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night. I sleep so much better at night, and my body doesn't ache anymore during the day. I am not stressed out like I was, and my IBS symtoms are almost gone (compared to what they were before). I can actually get up out of bed in the morning and not feel all stiff and sore. I would like more info on 5-HTP.Read More Read Less

I am allergic to lactose, maltodextrin and citric acid, so most prescription drugs (like Lyrica) are out. I've been taking 100 mg 2x/day of Natrol's 5-HTP for a few weeks and it has definitely helped with back and neck pain, IBS, depression, and most dramatically of all, anxiety. It's not a sleeping pill, but it definitely takes the edge off insomnia. It does cause some stomach upset, fleeting queasiness and looser bowels, as well as a slightly dopey feeling occasionally. These side effects are mild.I would especially recommend it to anyone with food allergies. Read More Read Less

5HTP has been a supplement that I have used for over 6 years. It matters what you get and the level of potenctcy and purity. I have used Thorne in this product and truly has made a profound difference in my life. I take 1 3 x a day and the max I take is 2 3x a day. You can build it up gradually and it can also be a 2x a day am and pm or lunch and dinner. Mild depression and anxiety I have had for many years and this along with a reduction of refined sugars and more quality protein and lots of veggies has changed my life. I have had no side effects from this brand.It should also be taken with B6 for better absorption and this brand has the B6 in with the 5HTP. Read More Read Less

I have ADHD and Anxiety. I Took this when i found it on a GNC web site under mood swings. I take aderol just to lessn the anxiety and my over activ over thinking mind. 2 days in and i do feel a lot better. I think less about the future and have been living in the now =) Only side effect so far for me is diharea and the first 10 min i get a lil headache and lightheaded =) i couldnt sleep last night and woke up really early. I think i will try a 50mg if i can find one and see if that lessons any of the side effects Read More Read Less

I started taking 5-HTP for appetite control. Then, I realized that it helped to regulate my mood. I have been taking it on and off for about 3 years or more. I noticed that it works best if I take it regularly. For me, it might be better to take the 100 mg capsule every other day for normal days, and once a day when anxiety and depression symptoms are higher. I used to take it when my depression and anxiety seemed overwhelming, but my therapist said that it should be taken more regularly to be most effective. So far, she was right. To my knowledge, I have not had any side effects from it. Read More Read Less

I was taking Mirtazapine antidepressant and had gained 30 lbs.on it, so I needed to cut down without giving it up entirely. So I now take 15 mg instead of 45 plus the 5 HTP and I sleep just as well. .. and have lost 7 lbs. Now I wish I could take a little more of the 5 HTP during the day but it seems to make me sleepy. Any suggestions?

Because I have changed my eating habits at the same time that I started using 5-HTP, I cannot say which, if either change had a greater effect on my weight. I made these changes 3 months ago and to date have lost 32 lbs. There have been other pro "side effects" that I would contribute to 5-HTP such as better, more sound sleep and reduced anxiety. On the con "side effects" I would list a metalic taste in my mouth (continuously), and my worry about using the product on a long-term basis. I have recently noticed blood in my urine and wonder if these two are connected. I use 100 mg, once per day.Read More Read Less

takes the edge off.. feeling well being

I have been using it to treat OCD for many years. It has lessened the compulsions but not completely taken them away. I prefer it to the regular meds such as Prozac because I do not suffer from any side effects with the 5HTP.

My M.D. suggested that I give it a try, after I asked her to consider a prescription for my mild depression. She told me that 5-HTP was worth trying, as she'd had patients who found it very helpful, without the weight gain and other side effects of prescription products. She did suggest however, that I alternate a few weeks 'on' with a few weeks 'off' for best results. I've found it very helpful!

I have been taking 5 HTP for about 6 months and have had no side effects and when i take on a regular basis, feel like my mood is definitely improved. I can tell when I forget to take it. i would not suggest anything other than antidepressants for serious depressions, but for me and my mild - sometimes depression and PMS it seems to work great and i have not noticed any side effects the entire time I have taken it. I did read that there is a serious risk of contamination just like with the Tryptophan that was manufactured in Japan. i wish we had a better system for the regulation of our supplements.... Read More Read Less

I normally am a very happy person, but when I got extremely anxious, extreme overthinking to where I couldnt sleep,and felt depression coming on, I KNEW I had to do something. I had been on paxil a few years back and loved it. I needed it but didnt want to do it again. Within three days I felt good, five even better. And now into my second week, feel so much better. I only take 100MG five days a week and will only do three weeks a month as directed, but wow do I feel great. Sleeping soundly, anxiety is gone and that incessant overthinking is totaly gone. So I will eventually quit taking it once I am all better, but did I ever need it. I have referred it to many friends but one will not take it due to the article on this site. Its a shame, he needs it more than most.Read More Read Less

I have been taking 5-HTP daily for 7 yrs and haven't seen any harmful side effects with it. I have heard that it tends to make you photosensitive, which may explain the light headaches I get occasionally. However it really does work if taken as directed, helping to calm the nerves and promotes clear-thinking. I have a happier dispositon when I'm on a regimine and it regulates my appetite, which can be erratic without them. Whether underweight or overweight, this product helps.

I have been taking 100 mg 5HTP for about 4 months now. It has helped my fibromyalgia pain immensley. Best thing that has helped me so far. Decreased my pain and increased my energy. Sleep has been so much better. My dr. was amazed at the difference.