What is 5HTP (natural medicine used for depression)?

Question

Vitamin C mentioned it in answer to someone's question about natural treatments for depression. I am wondering what it is. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

The acronym for 5-hydroxytryptophan (or 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan) is 5-HTP, a compound found primarily in the brain. This compound is made from tryptophan, a natural amino acid inherent in foods. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means that it cannot be made by the body. It must be obtained from food, particularly proteins. In the liver and brain, 5-HTP is converted to an important monoamine neurotransmitter called serotonin. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain.

Taking 5-HTP increases the body's supply of the compound, which leads to higher serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, plays an important role in controlling behavior and moods. It influences many normal brain activities and also regulates the activity of other neurotransmitters. Having adequate levels of serotonin instills a feeling of relaxation, calmness, and mild euphoria (extreme happiness). Low levels of serotonin, serotonin deficiency syndrome, leads to depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and many other problems.

Conditions associated with low levels of serotonin include:

* anxiety
* attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
* bulimia
* depression
* epilepsy
* fibromyalgia
* headaches
* hyperactivity
* insomnia
* obesity
* obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
* panic attacks
* premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
* schizophrenia
* seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

This compound has other effects on the body. It is an antioxidant that protects the body from damage by substances called free radicals (unstable, toxic molecules). In this role, 5-HTP may help slow the aging process and protect the body from illness. Because serotonin is used to make melatonin, taking 5-HTP may help achieve some of the same benefits as melatonin, such as treating jet lag, depression, and insomnia. There is some evidence that 5-HTP can replenish the supply of the pain-relieving molecules called endorphins. Studies have shown that low levels of endorphins are associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, stress, and depression. In addition, 5-HTP affects other neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine.-

The 5-HTP preparation that is available commercially is isolated from the seed of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. It is available as an enteric coated tablet, which does not break down until it reaches the intestine.-

Answer 2

Obviously something with such horrible side effects isn't worth using. While I can't give you the best advice (considering that it's a matter of opinion), as long as you can endure the side effects you should be able to notice that you're depression has lessened, within three days at the most, or I'd switch. In terms of it being natural, it's a dumb and cliche' answer but really the best remedy is to be around people and find things you like to do. You'd be surprise how often they adress this in anime and manga. Surprisingly, just working out, feeling confident, and getting a hobby is fantastic for depression.

Answer 3

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 4

a serotonin supplement

Answer 5

It is the immediate precursor (metabolicly) of serotonin.

Answer 6

I emailed you all about it...

If you want to know more, I'm full of random knowledge. hehe