5htp vs st johns wort?

[powerhouse23]

Hey I am currently taking st johns wort for depression and anxiety, I notice that it only helps a little bit, just wondering would 5-HTP Probably be better? I also have trouble falling asleep as well. Thanks!

[LCking187]

bump i would also like to know this. all i can say though is that i take sam-e for mood and it helps a ton.

[Silleli]

Hey I am currently taking st johns wort for depression and anxiety, I notice that it only helps a little bit, just wondering would 5-HTP Probably be better? I also have trouble falling asleep as well. Thanks!

Try to take a low dose of 5HTP with St. John's Wort. There's a good product out there called Amoryn that combines the 2 that I have used before with good results. This same company also makes an anxiety and sleep agent.

St. John's Wort works similar to an SSRI in that it blocks the reuptake of serotonin, thereby, creating more. 5HTP simply creates more serotonin.

Envision a Ping Pong game. The balls are serotonin and the paddles (the synapse) are supposed to catch the balls and hold on to them. An SSRI or natural alternative like St. John's Wort makes the balls bounce off the paddles and not stick to the paddles. The 5HTP just puts more balls on to the table. Probably a poor analogy but I hope it helps.

In summary, I'd say just try out 5HTP and see what happens. Everyone is different in how they respond. Hope that helps.

[powerhouse23]

Try to take a low dose of 5HTP with St. John's Wort. There's a good product out there called Amoryn that combines the 2 that I have used before with good results. This same company also makes an anxiety and sleep agent.

St. John's Wort works similar to an SSRI in that it blocks the reuptake of serotonin, thereby, creating more. 5HTP simply creates more serotonin.

Envision a Ping Pong game. The balls are serotonin and the paddles (the synapse) are supposed to catch the balls and hold on to them. An SSRI or natural alternative like St. John's Wort makes the balls bounce off the paddles and not stick to the paddles. The 5HTP just puts more balls on to the table. Probably a poor analogy but I hope it helps.

In summary, I'd say just try out 5HTP and see what happens. Everyone is different in how they respond. Hope that helps.

I don't know about that statement. From everything I have read they have suggested NEVER to mix 5HTP with St Johns Wort.

[Vigor]

From experience...

5-HTP is significantly more effective than SJW, 5-HTP is prescribed in parts of Europe as an alternative to SSRI's so it has a pretty proven track record of being effective.

SJW is solid, but it works best when "stacked" IMO, on it's own, I suppose it could treat very minor symptoms on it's own. SJW works well when low dosed with SSRI.

Edit: You would want to avoid using SJW with 5-HTP, as mentioned SJW works in a similar fashion as an SSRI, 5-HTP enhances serotonin production. Increasing serotonin production when using SSRI can lead to serotonin syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome), which can be fatal. As always probably best to consult with your physician.

[MikeD4386]

SJW makes your seronin you produce last longer.
5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin, theoretically making you produce more.

SJW has a higher risk of dependency, and does nothing to cure the problem in the long run.

Think of SJW as Steroids, and 5-htp as a T-booster.

one makes u make more serootnin(5htp), the other lowers your production, making the problem worse, but seemingly better.

[95zj]

I vowed to never take an SSRI or SNRI again because of the sexual dysfunction is caused on my body. 5-HTP is looking like a VERY good alternative, maybe stacked with PEA.

[Silleli]

SJW makes your seronin you produce last longer.
5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin, theoretically making you produce more.

SJW has a higher risk of dependency, and does nothing to cure the problem in the long run.

Think of SJW as Steroids, and 5-htp as a T-booster.

one makes u make more serootnin(5htp), the other lowers your production, making the problem worse, but seemingly better.

Great post. Although, I'd say that SJW would be a better alternative to a prescription SSRI drug.

[powerhouse23]

ok guys I am going to stop SJW and start 5-HTP, how long should I wait till SJW gets out of my system. I don't want to get Serotonin Syndrome LOL!

[95zj]

If you want to start on a completely clean slate three to four weeks.

[powerhouse23]

If you want to start on a completely clean slate three to four weeks.

ok thanks! I am excited to try 5htp, seems much better to use.

[95zj]

ok thanks! I am excited to try 5htp, seems much better to use.

Definitely agree, I've been on SSRIs and SNRIs for about 5 years now. Currently not on anything, but I'm HEAVILY thinking of ordering some 5-HTP tonight with my GlycerGrow. Glad I could help .

[GhengisCon79]

How long have you been taking the SJW?

It takes several weeks before it fully kicks in. I've been on it for close to a year and I'd say it's rather effective. Before this, I was on SSRI's; been taking them for 10+ years. In my experience, SJW does the same damn thing, is much cheaper, and without the sexual side effects. When I was on the SSRI's it was nearly impossible to blow my load. With SJW I'm back to normal.

SJW: Good sh it man. You just have to give it some time.

[95zj]

How long have you been taking the SJW?

It takes several weeks before it fully kicks in. I've been on it for close to a year and I'd say it's rather effective. Before this, I was on SSRI's; been taking them for 10+ years. In my experience, SJW does the same damn thing, is much cheaper, and without the sexual side effects. When I was on the SSRI's it was nearly impossible to blow my load. With SJW I'm back to normal.

SJW: Good sh it man. You just have to give it some time.

See the reason I didn't want to take SJW was because of the sexual dysfunction people have reported. Not being able to finish may seem fun to some, but it sucks after awhile.

[haven-lily]

5htp is great for helping you get a great nights sleep which alone can help with a multitude of things including your depression.

other than that you don't need it if your getting in all your protein.

[powerhouse23]

I have been taking St Johns wort for a while, it is pretty good, but Im thinking 5-htp might be better for my anxiety and to keep me calm.

[95zj]

That's my problem, I worry too much over little things.