L- Tryptophan Safe To Take For Insomnia And Will It Help? - Alternative Medicine Message Board

melanie in mary · 06-15-2006, 08:17 AM

Does anyone here take L- Tryptophan? I found it in the Vitamin Shoppe and was just wondering who takes it. I am thinking of taking it for sleep (insomnia) issues. I have heard some bad things about it, like some people died from it because someone made a contaiminated batch and people bought it, et. So I am nervous. Does anyone take this and do they see a benefit from taking this? Thanks

elmhar · 06-15-2006, 10:49 AM

I have an Rx for L-tryptophan that I use occasionally. After removing dairy from my diet, I was at a loss for a replacement for my warm-milk-at-bedtime. My Rx was for 500 mg., 1 to 2 capsules, however I have found that 1/2 cap is enough for me. However, I do not have severe insomnia.

I am not aware that L-tryptophan is available OTC? It was removed about 2 decades ago after some deaths due to contamination in manufacture, and as far as I know is available only by prescription in the USA. I could be wrong on that. However, you do want to make sure that if you do find an OTC L-tyrptophan, that it is certified as being "Peak-X Free," meaning, it does not contain the contaminant that caused trouble in the past.

Perhaps you are referring to 5-HTP?

You pretty much need to try a supplement to determine whether it will work for you or not ... the effect will likely be more akin to what you experience after eating a large turkey dinner, or after drinking a mug of warm milk, less like taking Ambien or Lunesta.

Best wishes.

melanie in mary · 06-15-2006, 02:56 PM

thanks for your reply. I did hear about the deaths a few years ago and that is scary! I did find this at the Vitamin Shoppe. But you are right, I was surprised to find it. Haven't taken it yet, a little nervous to!!

CrazyDogLady · 06-17-2006, 05:43 PM

I don't know about tryptophan, but my daughter is a horrible insomniac. I give her melatonin and it knocks her out. I've not heard of anything negative about melatonin. Has any one heard anything about melatonin?

ratboy83 · 06-19-2006, 10:44 AM

L-tryptophan and melotonin will do the same trick for insomnia as it is trytophan that is a precursor (although not direct) to melotonin. L-tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP, which is then converted to melatonin by the pineal gland which stores it until it is released when natural light levels fall in the evening. i'd imagine therefore that melotonin is faster acting than L-tryptophan as it doesn't have to undergo this conversion. i haven't heard anything negative about melatonin. i guess it depends on the overall picture for a person. 5-HTP or L-tryptophan are better if the insomnia is related to depression as taking these supplements can help to bolster serotonin levls in the brain too in the ong term. but if its not then possibly melatonin. this is something you would need to research further though as i am not certain of this.
someone mentioned 5-HTP. this can be bought over the counter but i have heard some negative about it. people on previous threads have mentioned that it makes them feel a bit groggy when they wake up. they then mentioned in the same post that L-tryptophan didn't have this negative effect. thought this was something to bear in mind when deciding between the two.

alex.