My reason for taking 5-htp is for a general mood boost...i've been very down and defensive for the past year, but not so much so that I cannot function throughout the day, or that i'd need a presciption. So far, i've only felt prominent nausea and slight drowsiness during the day after taking the pill. I've been taking them for about 2 weeks, 100mg two times a day...before bedtime and once sometime during the day. How long before the mood enhancing takes affect? Any tips on maximizing it's effectiveness would be helpful as well.
2007-01-14 06:01:49 · 4 answers · asked by Breezie 3 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
I've been giving my daughter 5-HTP for her mood swings/depression/anxiety and I could tell a difference within about 3 weeks. I started her with 100mg. at night, 2 hours before bed. Then I gradually increased the dosage to 300mg per day. (100 mg. in the morning with food, along with a B-complex vitamin - - - then 100mg at dinner, then 100 mg. 2 hrs. before bed). I also supplement it with Omega-3 Fish Oil (which the brain needs) (1 coated oil capsule per day).
This week I also have added 1 capsule of Evening Primrose Oil (which can be found in any vitamin section).
You can also get 5-HTP in 50mg. capsules. You might want to buy the 50mg. and bump your daytime dosage down to prevent you from getting sleepy. Also, drink a lot of water and try to start walking/exercising a little bit each day. All of this helps. Stay with taking the stuff at least a couple of months though, to give it a chance.
2007-01-14 08:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by TPhi 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, 100mg of 5-HTP is a fairly high dose for daytime. I generally take 50mg when i wake up (as a mood stabilizer) and 100mg before bedtime (as a sleep aid).
If it's making you nauseated, try lowering your daytime dosage to 50mg. Also make sure you're taking it with a full glass of water (maybe two). Also try switching to another brand. Make sure you're taking one that's -just- 5-HTP: a lot of brands like to add St. John's Wort and other things.
When i started taking it, i notice some very small but immediate improvements. The larger and more noticeable ones came after about 3-4 weeks.
If you're female, and think that some of your mood issues may be hormonal, you may want to supplement the 5-HTP with some Evening Primrose Oil. I swear by the stuff: i don't get PMS anymore! Try taking 1-2 in the morning. I don't know if it helps hormone-related mood issues for men, and i can't find one who's interested in trying. Heh.
2007-01-14 14:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by squidpiggy 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It could take from a few weeks to 2 months. A good maximizer is massage therapy or exercise to stimulate the circulation and avoid caffine. Spray your pillow with chamomile fragrance to enhance your rest.
2007-01-21 09:47:32 · answer #3 · answered by Chucky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heart just started beating at full speed when I saw you.... so who needs coffee?
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2016-04-16 09:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋