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Do you knw if 5 htp has any negative interaction(s) with food or medicines (non-depression, non-anxiety meds)? Thanks.

Hello, I have been taking 5-htp per my family physician since February of this year. I take a very low dose and have not had any problems with interactions with food or the meds I take but I think it is best to take 5-htp only under the supervision of a physician as it does affect the neurotransmitters in your brain. My serotonin level was tested before I started taking it. My physician first suggested Lexapro but I didn't want to take it from all the bad stuff I had read about it. The 5-htp brought up my serotonin level and I get my levels checked periodically. Hope this helps you!

Ms. Hopeful,

Thanks for the fast reply.

Is the your physician an MD or a homeopathic? I ask because most "regular" doctors (MDs) seem not to recommend 5 htp. Most seem to write a RX for the usual: Zoloft, Paxil, etc. If you have a regular dr that recommended 5 htp, please let me know if they have a colleague in Manhattan, NY.

Also, please let me know about the serotinin level test--not your results (that's personal ) but if this was done by a "regular" MD or homeopathic. I have heard of serotinin tests but it is usually done by a natural/homeopahtic dr/lab. My phone counselor from one of the major insurance companies told me the other week that sometime in the near future they (the "regular" drs) would be doing brain neurotransmitters tests to see which transmitter you are actually low on. Right now it is the hit or miss method (Prozac rx given, no benefits after a couple of months or side effects?, here's an RX for Zoloft, no benefits/got side effects with Zoloft? here's an RX for Paxil, etc.)

Thanks so much.

Hi Charlie, I go to a alternative medicine dr. She doesn't both traditional and alternative med. I know what you mean about most traditional drs. I went to several for years before the owner of a local health food store told me about my dr. As soon as I went to her she ran tests on me the "traditional" drs. have no clue about. The neurotransmitter test I get at her office. It is a urine test. It is sent off UPS to an outside lab. I think it is called NeuroScience? We also have a compounding pharmacy that people can get them at too. I live close to Indianapolis. I don't know of any alternative med. drs. in New York but I would think there would be with the population. I have to go in this week and get a blood draw. I will ask if they know of anyone in your area, and if so, I will let you know. Have you tried looking online for alternative med. drs. in your area? I know the one I go to has people come from out of state to see her as one time in her office some ladies where there from Ohio!! I hope you are able to find the answers you are looking for. You sound alot like me in not wanting to use the meds. that have the possibility of alot of side effects. As a side note, I also have a sliding hiatal hernia and the drs. wanted me to go on Prilosec or something like it. After researching, I found out Apple Cider Vinegar can help with Acid Reflux and I tried it and it helps greatly! I still have to watch my diet but I much prefer that to taking medication!! Keep up the search, it can be well worth it!

Thanks again for the super-fast response, Ms. Hopeful.

Between the reasons for the 5htp and reflux, we must be related . I have larynx reflux, which is reflux that goes all the way up to the voicebox area. Thankfully Nexium 40 mg and Tagamet (when needed) have been doing the trick.

I would love to go to a "natural" dr. I've always not pursued because they're usually not covered by my past insurance, though I am not sure with Cigna, my current carrier. I think I will check them out about the natural dr and neurotransmitters testing.

I believe NeuroScience is the testing place I previously heard of.

I had been on Lexapro for almost 3 years. It was beautiful: it helped with the depression and no side effects. Then 3 months ago things changed: 10 mg no longer help with the depression. After I went to 20 mg in August, the depression was improved--but I still had bouts--and I lost my libido. Between Lexapro's sudden lost effect and my lost libido--the two hit me pretty hard, adding to my already renewed depression.

I rebounded last month: the depression dropping off, I weaned successfully off the Lexapro in hope of getting into a depressions study (with free meds ), the libido is back, and things started going my way with a business enterprise.

But this was short-lived as old enemy of mine--anger--suddenly crop up and I cannot figure out why. I asked The Man Upstairs I would love to know the reason for anger's cameo reappearance, but I would prefer to over come it.

In late June I started getting another bout of anger but this seemed to be related to job dissatisfaction. I went back on the 10 mg of Lexapro it went away.

BTW: the anger is not violent, just upsetting and emotionally draining after a bout. I get angry at inanimate objects--something I have done since I was a kid. Nothing like throwing glass or physically abusing someone—God for bid. It’s more slamming a cabinet door or if say, my wallet was sitting on the edge of the table and it fell off the table, I will curse it, pick it, and fling it back on the table.

I feel bad about the anger. My wife and I are always laughing and joking on each other. One of her jokes is an imitation of me when I am upset and she goes through a string of course words. I laugh because it’s funny but I also feel bad that her imitation is based on truth. Earlier in our marriage she wasn’t a curser but now when I hear her utter a 4 letter word on her own like when she couldn’t fix her TV, I feel a little bad because she picked up the cursing from me.

I recently rediscovered a couple of books I had packed away from an attempted move of ours and one has a really great plan on overcoming anger. When I read it today my eyes bugged out because it seemed to be written for me. In another book, it mentions when people with depression who get angry, their serotonin supply gets even more depleted. Between the anger, the Lexapro debacle, and the usual medical “hit and miss” approach with SSRIs—I was inquiring about 5htp. I figure while I am working on the therapy end with the books, I wanted to also deal with the serotonin issue as well.

I am also “eating” up the Serenity Prayer. I have a printed copy of it on my desktop along with an mp3 version of it. I also rely on my faith to get me through this.

Sorry for the lengthy “autobiography” but I felt journaling here would help.

Thanks again and good night.

Hi Charlie, you sound alot like my brother! He gets stressed out and angry easily. He takes Klonopin and he also has Acid Reflux issues too. Isn't it frustrating sometimes to go through this different stuff?! I think that is probably where the some of the anger comes from! I've been reading some books lately about anxiety and there always seems to be a chapter on anger!! I haven't had too much trouble with that but I have had my days! I think it is so important to know we are not alone. So many people struggle with anxiety or depression issues. My problems tend to run along the anxiety side but I am getting much better with the help of the 5-htp. I also take xanax but I am hoping to be able to get off of that eventually. I also have alot of faith in God to see me through this. I went through similiar issues in my early twenties and now, at 43, some are back but this has been a really stressful year with a combination of health issues, my husband's job cutting back, and now we are about to forclose on our home. BUT, I know that through it all, the Lord will take care of us. Above everything else, He is the one helping me the most. Just remember you are coming through this - your not camping here - you are coming through. I hope you are able to find a natural doctor that takes your insurance. I know before I found Dr. Linda, I checked out a few others and they often didn't take insurance at all - even where a first consultation visit would be $245.00!!! I'm like yeah, I have that hanging around in my pocket! Since she does both, I think that is why everything is able to go through my insurance. I have Anthem. I also have read a few really good books lately. One is called, "A Spider in the Palace". She goes through anxiety and panic issues, and yes, there is a whole chapter on anger! It is from a christian perspective too. I am done with it if you are interested in it, I can mail it to you. Another one, my favorite so far, is "Don't forget to look up, uncovering the root of anxiety, panic and fear." It has a workbook and I can go back over it several times. I also purchased one called "It's not all in your Head", It mostly is dealing with health anxiety issues. I'm having a harder time getting through it as it is more technical and kind of a repeat of what I've already read in other books. Well, hang in there with the Serenity prayer. Add a few others as He is always listening and wants you free.

Just a quick reply:

Thanks for your early AM response...I will reply later--I am heading out to get text books for a business course and then I am going to my mother-in-law's...
I must admit yesterday when my wife said she wanted me to come over to visit her mom, I wasn't too pleased. I am one of the few guys who actually likes their mom-in-laws and she had been sick recently. But my plans for today were offset--which had me upset yesterday (though I didn't say anything to my wife.)

Frustrating—you hit the nail right on the head, Ms. Hopeful.

That’s interesting about the connection between anger and anxiety. I’ve known there to be a connection between anger and depression.

I am very, very sorry about the health issues, your husband’s job and the foreclosure. You have a great attitude. Amen to Him helping you. I feel the same way.

Just remember you are coming through this - your not camping here - you are coming through.

That is excellent!!

I tried emailing Cigna this morning about the natural dr and neurotransmitter test, but their website said to contact customer service by phone only. I didn’t have time. I guess I will try tomorrow.

$245.00!!! I'm like yeah, I have that hanging around in my pocket!

You are truly kind to offer mailing me the book. Let me take a rain check on it. The book I said I was reading and seemed to be good for the anger is Thought & Feelings Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life by McKay, Davis, and Fanning. One of its steps is to write down things that get you angry. Believe me, my hand, paper, and pen have been become good friends.

Now that I am going for business courses, I will print out The Serenity Prayer so I can read on the subway.

He is always listening and wants you free.

I agree!

After I picked up the business text book, I went to "Mom's." I stayed a little over two hours and when I prepared to leave she commented how short I had stayed. But my wife replied that I had alot of work at home. That actually is the truth. I have homework related to the textbook, I am researching another business venture, if my "friend" anger comes for a visit I'll deal with him, and I am researching my files for a medical bill from last year . My local hospital is fantastic medically, but administratively with bills/claims?

Much thanks!!!!!!

Hi Charlie, sounds like you are taking some great steps in the right direction. Hang in there taking one day at a time and I know you will accomplish much. God bless.

I cannot tell you how relaxed and peaceful I feel right now.

I had downloaded an mp3 of The Serenity Prayer but it was just of the first and more famous first half but I want and need the whole thing. The line "Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it" really hit home for me on a couple of reasons for the anger.

So I Googled to find a free download of the entire prayer. What I heard I didn't care for. Then it hit me like a left hook: YouTube! I go to YouTube for my rock bands. In fact I was just on it earlier tonight looking at clips from one of them. Why not go look for The Serenity Prayer on YouTube?! I went and boy did I strike gold. I spent almost an hour looking/listening to videos for the prayer, and boy do I feel peaceful and relaxed!

Maybe The Serenity Prayer will be my 5htp.

Good night and thanks for your help.