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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by FredPotter on May 21, 2000, at 17:47:44
I've been given 3.5 months before I can see
a psychiatrist for adjusting my drugs. I get
anxiety and depression and take 20mg of Celexa.
So I'm experimenting as I can't take all this
anguish without trying something. Xanax doesn't
get near my anxiety, although the depression is less
marked. I also take SJW and 5-HTP. What's the story on
5-HTP? I follow the arguments for it, and sometimes it
seems to help quite a lot, but other times it doesn't.
Fred
Posted by Rockets on May 22, 2000, at 18:00:29
In reply to 5-HTP, posted by FredPotter on May 21, 2000, at 17:47:44
My experience has been that if you are going to take 5-htp, you should take it under the supervision of a pdoc who understands it and you should take it consistently within the parameters the pdoc sets up. Most people just pop one whenever they feel like as if it was a cup of coffee. Going off 5-htp cold turkey is like going off other SSRI's cold turkey. I don't recommend it at all personally unless properly supervised. Just my opinion.
-
> I've been given 3.5 months before I can see
> a psychiatrist for adjusting my drugs. I get
> anxiety and depression and take 20mg of Celexa.
> So I'm experimenting as I can't take all this
> anguish without trying something. Xanax doesn't
> get near my anxiety, although the depression is less
> marked. I also take SJW and 5-HTP. What's the story on
> 5-HTP? I follow the arguments for it, and sometimes it
> seems to help quite a lot, but other times it doesn't.
> Fred
Posted by JohnL on May 25, 2000, at 4:07:46
In reply to 5-HTP, posted by FredPotter on May 21, 2000, at 17:47:44
I think if the chemistry responsible is low serotonin, then 5HTP is the way to go. But the problem is that there are a handful of other chemistries that can all cause the exact same symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. If low serotonin isn't the cause, 5HTP is not likely a good way to go. It could work through a trickle down process, but it won't target the underlying cause directly. And if serotonin isn't the faulty chemistry, 5HTP may actually make the person feel worse. Too much is just as bad as not enough.
I think the only way to find out is to try it and see. If it's helpful, then we have gathered clues that suggest low serotonin. If it isn't helpful, then we know there's a different chemistry other than serotonin involved and we should be looking at other classes of medications instead.
I have experimented with all kinds of combinations of meds, herbals, and supplements. I think it's worth mentioning that as long as you already have a serotonin enhancing medication in your system, any 5HTP supplementation should be done with very small careful doses before considering increasing. Serotonin overload is no fun, and sometimes ends up being emergency room stuff.
You are obviously being careful, since your current cocktail hasn't created a serotonin overload for you. That definitely deserves credit. You have accomplished managing a combination that few physicians would be comfortable with. But I have to wonder if serotonin is where the focus should be. All the serotonin approaches don't seem to be doing the job. If low serotonin were indeed at fault, you would be feeling like a million dollars by now. In your shoes, I might be asking myself, "The heck with serotonin, what else could be going on here?" There are other pretty straight-forward chemistries to consider.
JohnL
Posted by FredPotter on May 25, 2000, at 15:26:36
In reply to Re: 5-HTP, posted by JohnL on May 25, 2000, at 4:07:46
Thanks for your help JohnL. I've got some Adrafinil heading my way (NZ) from the UK.
Can't wait.
Posted by JohnL on May 26, 2000, at 3:39:28
In reply to Re: 5-HTP, posted by FredPotter on May 25, 2000, at 15:26:36
> Thanks for your help JohnL. I've got some Adrafinil heading my way (NZ) from the UK.
> Can't wait.Fred,
There's a decent chance Adrafinil could help with your depression. I've seen it written that some feel it is far superior to Prozac and stuff. I have to agree.But I don't know about the anxiety part of the picture. One of Adrafinil's 'possible' side effects is 'inner tension', or anxiety. I don't experience that though. Over time (about 2 to 4 weeks) you will likely notice yourself talking more, becoming more involved, getting more interested in things. And in a way, that may actually be a roundabout way of getting around the anxiety. You'll just feel like getting into it, rather than getting anxiety about it, whatever 'it' is.
And just a note on Adrafinil, it isn't a fast acting stimulant like amphetamines. It truly does come on gradually over a period of weeks. It's very subtle and smooth. You will however--I did--notice a considerable boost immediately. That may fade but then return in a smoother fashion with continued use.
In any event, when it arrives, I'm cheering for you! Hope it goes well. Only one way to find out, right?
JohnL
Posted by FredPotter on May 28, 2000, at 17:16:05
In reply to Re: 5-HTP, posted by JohnL on May 26, 2000, at 3:39:28
JohnL many thanks for your ideas and support. I really think the serotonin approach has been given a fair chance. Trouble is, most doctors think it's the only way. One doctor, after 3 kinds of SSRI and moclobemide hadn't worked said, "well I don't know, you seem to have tried everything". Well, when I see the psychiatrist I'll present him with a list of 30 drugs I haven't tried, and not an SSRI among them.
Most people think of anxiety as the jitters, but mine is a deep nameless dread. A slow giant thing. I feel I need lifting out of it, rather than sedating, so your argument about Adrafinil makes sense to me.
see ya
Fred
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