5-HTP

Helloooo my WLS friends! (Ok, I feel like we are because I read your posts all of the time...I don't personally post a lot though).

Anyway...I am currently taking Zoloft and just started to transition to Wellbutrin due to LOW LIBIDO.  I am noticing that my sex drive is coming back (like, I actually get turned on when DH and I are making out..you know, the butterflies and tingly feeling in the nether regions?).  However, some of the depression symptoms are returning (holding tension in my shoulders, a little snippy every now and again, etc. I tease my DH and say that he can either have lots of sex and deal with my *****iness or no sex and I'll be nice to him! LOL).

So, I've tried quite a few anti-depressants in my attempt to find the correct one for me, but so far to no avail.  I read up on 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) and it is a precursor to serotonin.  When you take the supplement, it gets metabolized into serotonin, supposedly raising the level in your blood stream.  A lot of anti-depressants work by preventing your body from reabsorbing serotonin that is already in your blood.  So in theory, taking 5-HTP in lieu of the Rx anti-depressants should correct my problem with little or no side effects, right?

So, do any of you use this amino acid as a daily supplement?  If so, did you transition from anti-depressants or just start taking it without having been on anything prior? 

Sorry this is long winded.  Oh and yes, I will be talking with my doc about this; I'm not just going to do it on my own.  Just wanted to see what experiences or thoughts others had about it.

Thanks!
Carrie

I have not tried it myself.

Theoretically yes, it should work like you describe.  However, I imagine that, like antidepressants, it may work for some people and not work as well for others.

I just wanted to mention, don't start taking it while you're on antidepressants, unless your doc says it's OK.  It's actually possible to get too much serotonin.  I think it's called serotonin syndrome or something.  I read about it back when I tried St. John's wort and you're not supposed to take that while on antidepressants, either.

Carrie,

Please talk to the dr. prescribing the anti-depressants b4 just switching.

Amber

I said this in my original post but just wanted to reiterate - I will NOT be taking this without talking to the doctor first.  Like I said, I wanted to see if it's even worth mentioning before I say anything to the doctor.  My chiropractor is actually the one that suggested I look into it, but I definitely will be bringing it up at my next visit with the PCP before "taking it into my own hands."

Thanks for the advice, though, ladies! Keep it coming!

Oh, and yes, Kelly - I read about the serotonin syndrome too.  It can be fatal! That is why I want to talk to the doc first.

I know your post said you were going to talk to your doctor.  I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the risk of serotonin syndrome.  It's definitely worth discussing the 5-HTP with your doctor.  Some docs aren't very familiar with things like that and may discourage patients from using any non-prescription treatment, so if it's something you're really interested in, you may need to seek advice from another doctor.  Just depends on how yours feels about it.  But it's definitely worth investigating.

Are you sure some of the mood swing isn't from the hormone dump caused by the rapid weight loss? I was very touchy and snippy for months. It did get better after awhile. Just a thought.

 Of course I'd defer to your MD (since I'm not a dr) and this kinda tags-along with what Kelly said, but the SSRIs that are working for you in managing your depression indicate that the problem isn't necessarily a lack of serotonin in your body but how the neurotransmitters manage it. I would wonder if taking 5HTP would be like pumping the gas pedal in the car before you even turn it on - doesn't do any good to flood the engine with something that it's not going to be able to utilize. I've actually heard of a neurotransmitter test done at some natururopathy/apothecary places (not covered by insurances, not recognized by many psychiatrists) that tests where exactly the problem lies in depression - deficiency of serotonin or inefficiency of re-uptake. 
The only place I know of that does NT testing is this, but maybe you could find somewhere local:  http://www.myvillagegreen.com/t-wellness-services.aspx

 I'm currently taking Zoloft and Wellbutrin together. It seems to be working for now, and I'm on the lowest possible dosages for both. I know the Wellbutrin is meant to be taken twice a day, but I only take it once. I found I was too jittery and jumpy when I took the full dosage. I know once I have surgery, meds will change. 

I had taken 5-HTP for a while long before meds, and it worked keep things in check for the short-term. I've had better luck with prescription meds, IMO, even if it has been trial and error. 

 I take 5-HTP once in a while at night. The label identifies it as a form of triptophan. It acts on me just like L-triptophan, as a sleep aid. I did take it while on citalopram and had no ill effects, but didn't use it regularly. Now that I know about possible serotonin reaction I guess I won't take it until I ask my doc.