Question & Advice regarding the use of 5-htp - Alternative Medicine Message Board

boxerlover227 · 08-30-2007, 12:57 PM

I am interested in taking 5-htp for chronic tension headaches. I am told and have read that this can be an alternative way of treatment. I have read so many mixed reviews as well as mixed side effects.
Does anyone have knowledge or experience with using 5-htp, and if so I would love to hear any feed back! Thanks in advance.

boxerlover227 · 09-08-2007, 02:50 PM

95 views and NO responses. How can that be? No ONE on this board has every had any experience with 5-htp?

Shannatoo · 09-09-2007, 03:16 AM

I am currently taking 5 htp but for depression and anxiety. I've never heard of it being used for tension headaches. I do know that it is a natural serotonin reuptake inhibitor. And I am feeling better.

I have no side effects but I wouldn't recommend taking it without consulting a doctor (preferably a naturopath) first. Like any other form of natural medicine, it can interact with other medications or supplements and you would rather be safe than sorry!

Just a little note: I know that magnesium is supposed to be good for relaxing muscles (it was prescribed to me for headaches in the neck and shoulders). However, I don't know if it actually works because one does made me so sick to my stomach I couldn't take anymore. But again, I don't recommend taking it without a doctor's guidance.

Good Luck!

Shanna

kittywitty · 09-09-2007, 09:40 AM

Hi, Boxerlover -

If you're having migraine headaches, the 5-HTP could probably help by elevating serotonin levels. I take it for depression and anxiety as well and it works great for me. The only side effect I really have is decreased appetite, that and I have to take it in the morning because, unlike other people, it doesn't make me sleepy. Good luck.

boxerlover227 · 09-09-2007, 12:05 PM

Thanks! I do suffer from headaches, anxiety, and TMJD (I clench in my sleep)
And some inner ear related issues which seem to be muscle related, which causes me lightheadedness/dizziness.
My Dr. prescribed muscle relaxers but they seem to not help very well, also migraine medication, but I won't take them do to the side effects. He mentioned that an SSRI seems the next route to go to break the cycle of headaches, and in turn hopefully help all the other associated symptoms. ONE being horrible sleep pattern as well, I wake up tired and go to bed just as exhausted, never a refreshed sleep!
I was not to happy about starting a SSRI my past experience with this was much more anxiety! And we know if you are an anxiety suffer already that more is never good.

I have been reading and researching 5htp and I am very interested to try it in hope that it may be my answer. BUT my anxiety has gotten the best of me and I am scared of having a bad reaction. I have read that the common side effects are much less then that of prescribed SSRI's which is a good thing, and that it can cause nightmares, nausea, and increased agitation (anxiety)
I am looking to start at a small dose 25mg. I bought 50mg because I couldn't find 25 and I am thing of just opening the capsule and splitting into 25mg. (I can do this right?)

I was going to take my first dose last night but came down with my 2 year old's cold. So I have been taking cold medicine and didn't know if the two can be mixed. I thank you for all your experience on 5htp and hope to have the same wonderful benefits as well. Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Oh and is it better with food or without? Thanks again!