Misc If 5HTP didn't work for me, will l-tryptophan work?

[kiwi1234]

Taking 5HTP makes me feel like I'm having serotonin syndrome i.e I feel exhausted and sleepy but cannot sleep properly, can't focus and have difficulty in speech. But I am sure I suffer from depression that leads to stress and deprived sleep (I have a proper sleep only 2 out of 7 days of week).

So I was thinking if taking l-tryptophan will be better or will it be more or less the same as 5HTP?

 

[MagickalKat777]

I have weird reactions to 5-HTP as well.

You can try l-tryptophan. 5-HTP is the direct precursor to serotonin while l-tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin and niacin.

I found it to make me tired whereas 5-HTP made me feel wired.

Those symptoms are not serotonin syndrome by the way, just seems like a sensitivity to 5-HTP. Serotonin syndrome is far more severe than what you have described.

 

[kiwi1234]

^ Thanks.

I do want to get tired as I find being tired to be better than going to office looking and feeling like a zombie (I'm on the verge of ruining my job).
I will give l-tryptophan a try, just need a few more votes

 

[sekio]

The limting step in serotonin synthesis is conversion of tryptophan to 5htps, so taking tryptophan isn't going to be any more effective than taking 5HTP.

A better option is trying to get as much excercise as possible. Not only is it proven to help depression in a major way, it also will help you get a more "natural" sleep cycle, especially if you excercise so that you get tired later in the day.

 

[velmwend]

There isn't really any firm evidence to suggest 5-htp helps with sleep. Hasn't for me, but check out my thread on Aswagahdha - it may help