Taking 5 htp with korean ginseng

[kiwi1234]

Is it safe to take them 6 hours apart? Some websites say ginseng also produces serotonin. If ginseng really produces serotonin then why would we need to take dangerous anti depressants instead of ginseng?

 

[RhythmSpring]

1. 6 hours seems like a safe interval of time, though I would be interested in knowing how the two interact.

2. Nothing really "produces serotonin" other than your body. Consuming 5-htp, a precursor to serotonin, may boost serotonin levels in the body. Where did you hear that ginseng increases serotonin?

3. Who says we need to take anti-depressants? They clearly aren't for everyone, especially with all the safer alternatives out there. There are so many out there, like the ones you mention and Rhodiola rosea, and better diet, exercise, and jeez, the list goes on and on.

 

[Morphling]

Different strains of ginseng have different effects, but it's really not anything to be concerned over. 5-htp, is supposed to be secreted from the body when there's too much, it should be ok?

I looked at a few studies, and some people on the combination seem to have suffered overstimulation/mania, but that was super rare, I highly, highly doubt you'll end up with serotonin syndrome or something.

Yeah, I've read that 5-htp should be dosed several hours after any other agent that affects 5-ht, so that's a good bet.

 

[kiwi1234]

2. Nothing really "produces serotonin" other than your body. Consuming 5-htp, a precursor to serotonin, may boost serotonin levels in the body. Where did you hear that ginseng increases serotonin?

This is one source that says ginseng with st. johns wort can lead to serotonin syndrome: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/serotonin-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatments