l-5-Hydroxytryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, a mood and appetite regulating neurotransmitter produced within the body. It has been combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, an important cofactor in the conversion to serotonin. Nature's Way uses natural l-5-HTP extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia beans produced in easy-to-swallow, enteric-coated tablets to minimalize any potential gastric discomfort. Dosage Use under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. Start with a low dose of one tablet (50 mg) taken daily with a meal. Increase the dose slowly (every 3-5 days) up to a maximum of four tablets taken daily (200 mg). Total daily intake should be divided into two or more doses, with no more than two tablets per dose. Dosage Form Does Not Contain No yeast, milk, lactose, wheat or soy. Precautions This product should not be consumed by children under the age of 12 years or by pregnant or lactating women. some may experience gastrointestinal (GI) upset including abdominal cramping, nausea or diarrhea while taking this product. This may be alleviated by reducing the dose or taking with meals. As with any supplement, if discomfort persists discontinue use. Some persons may also experience insomnia or headache when using this product. Those suffering from GI disorders such as ulcers, irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease, should not use 5-HTP. Those taking prescription anti-depressants, such as MAO-inhibitors or selective serotinin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or drugs containin
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61 of 75 found the following review helpful:
HAS MANY USES!Nov 12, 2005
By Heather L. Parisi
"Robert and Heather Parisi"
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT:
As 5-HTP goes, this is good stuff and reasonably priced. It does seem to cause vivid dreams and it seems to have the effects it is supposed to. However, it should be noted that although you need take only 1-2 capsules for insomnia, the short half life of 5-HTP from "GRIFFONIA SEEDS" necessitates rather frequent dosing for depression and appetite suppression, usually 4x per day and attention needs to be paid to the timing of doses with other amino acids. Serotonin syndrome may also be an issue for some.
Whereas many important issues are not certain or resolved regarding 5-HTP dosage and usage, it does seem to do a lot of good when used appropriately. Naturally a lot more can be said and books have been written on 5-HTP. It is a product that must be used with considerable care and professional medical monitoring is advisable due to the serious conditions it is used for and its effects on human brain chemistry. [Depression, Obesity, Insomnia] Nevertheless after taking it for 3 years I can say that I have experienced no negative side effects. Also, I have noticed reduced cravings for sweets, less anxiety in social situations and have slept better than I ever have. There has also been no sign of 5-HTP being habit forming in my experience.
NATURE'S WAY BRAND:
I have used several brands with good results. Nature's Way is probably my favorite because they have very strict quality control and it shows in the consistency of their products.
[I am not affiliated with any product or company]
19 of 25 found the following review helpful:
5-Hydroxytryptophan For DepressionFeb 09, 2011
By trooper2 There is an increasing trend towards the use of alternatives to treat depression. These alternatives include substances such as 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP).
5-HTP is synthesized from an amino acid called tryptophan. The body absorbs tryptophan, converts it to 5-HTP, and then forms it into serotonin. What's so notable about serotonin? Well, in your central nervous system, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating your moods.
To date, the available evidence DOES suggest that this substance is better than placebo at alleviating depression. However, be aware that side effects such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea have been known to occur. If so, consider another alternative such as exercise- suggest Exercise Beats Depression for more on that.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Caused InsomniaJun 18, 2011
By K. Poll I like 5HTP and I especially like that it makes you drowsy. However, for some reason, this particular brand caused me to have insomnia. It mentions that insomnia could be a side effect, which is strange, as I do not see that listed as a side effect on any other brands.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
better sleepApr 25, 2011
By D. Myers
"consumer"
This product does help me to sleep longer than I was sleeping before. There are issues with taking 5-HTP that a person should consider before beginning use. I do not claim to know all the information and I will not go into great detail, but the main side effect that I have noticed is an increase in headaches. When beginning use I had headaches more often than usual but they did subside after a week or two of regular use. I stress regular use because once your body becomes adjusted to the use of 5-HTP you need to take it regularly. If I miss a dose I get a headache again.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Helps Control Appetite in a Natural WayApr 28, 2009
By Dr. Jane Branam
"powerpathtolove"
Someone in a diet group mentioned this as a way to cut hunger, so I tried it. If I am on a low calorie diet, I have to take it more than once a day. It does seem to help and is a natural product. I feel like it is a good dieting tool and decreases my hunger. Power Path to Love