5htp

Graelwyn75

Anyone else taken this or taking it?
Meant to help with a variety of issues including depression, insomnia and binge eating.
Want to know others experiences and opinions as I am considering trying it.

Currently take temazepam and also wonder if it will interact badly with that.

quixoteQ

Anyone else taken this or taking it?
Meant to help with a variety of issues including depression, insomnia and binge eating.
Want to know others experiences and opinions as I am considering trying it.

Currently take temazepam and also wonder if it will interact badly with that.

I know this is an old post, but it's kind of an interesting one to me so I am going to bump it.

First of all, I'm not a doctor so don't take anything I say to be gospel.

5htp, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is an amino acid, and a precursor of serotonin. If you are taking 5htp, you do not want to take anything that additionally increases your serotonin levels, either by increasing serotonin production or by inhibiting its reuptake (ssri's--ssri's are bad ideas to take with 5htp, and if the two are both prescribed to you by a doctor, make sure you ask him/her about serotonin syndrome, a dangerous and potentially life threatening condition). You should also be aware that MAO-Is and -As and -Bs can produce similar conditions. Never take 5HTP or L-Tryptophan with an SSRI or MAO-(i,A,B) without consulting with your doctor, and questioning him/her closely regarding serotonin syndrome.

Temazepam is different--it's part of a family of hypnotics classified as benzodiazepine, and depending on the specific type, are used to treat, among other things, anxiety and insomnia. It is used to increase the effect of GABA (a neurotransmitter), working similarly to depressants, causing sedation and muscle relaxation.

It is important to realize that both 5htp and temazepam produce different sedative effects that add to (rather than multiply with) each other, and should not be taken together when you need to be alert--such as when driving. Alcohol and antihistamines will multiply the effect of benzos, however, and you should not take benzos and drink or take benadryl (or other antihistamines) together at any time--even when not driving--without a careful discussion with your doctor.

Finally, from what I have read, taking 5htp in the mornings or PRN as needed can make its sedative effect conflict with daily activity. People have had increased success with 5htp by taking it at night before bed.

I cannot stress enough that you should consult with a doctor before taking 5htp or tryptophan. and make sure to question him/her closely with your concerns.

Just because something is available over-the-counter doesn't mean it isn't potent. These substances can help people with a wide variety of problems, but they require a lot of self-advocacy. Gather whatever information you can find, and take that information to your pharmacist and your doctor.

Good luck!