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. :)

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

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

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. :)

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?):confused:
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! :)

First, I know what it's like to be afraid to start taking any form of medicine (natural or not) but trust me, 5 htp has really helped my anxiety and quality of life!

My ND started me off on 100 mg capsules twice a day (morning and night) and I had no reactions. Also, I am pretty small, 5'3'' and 110 lbs. With that said, I don't know if 25 mg would make a difference but I guess it's worth a try. When I started off taking the 5 htp, the first 10 days or so I didn't notice a difference (but it was NOT worse), after those 10 days was when I really started feeling better.

It is important to take the 5 htp on an empty stomach because it is absorbed much better that way. My ND has me taking it when I first wake up and waiting an hour until I eat and then right before bed, at least an hour since the last time I ate anything.
Also, you can split the capsules, in fact I mix mine with water because they were too big to swallow.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask, I know what it's like to have questions and no one to answer them!

Good Luck!

Shanna

I, too, understand your fear of taking anything. I'm much more fearful of prescription medication now, though, after all the side effects I've endured over the years. Another thing with the 5-HTP: Take it with a B complex vitamin, it will get metabolized better that way.

Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to update you on my use of 5HTP. So far I haven't had any bad side effects, and I am sleeping much better, Deeper sleeps and more dreaming! ;) My anxiety has been less, and my headaches have been not as intense as well. I feel a bit more calmer during the day, which helps with my clenching TMJD and in turn I guess is creating less headaches. I still feel lightheaded, but this is a ongoing problem with me for years, not sure if it's related to the anxiety, or Tmj and inner ear. I am wondering what brand 5HTP do you suggest? I am taking Natrol but mine doesn't say peak x free. I am wondering if this is something I should be concerned about. And whether or not anyone knows the long term effect of use? I was reading how some 5htp can be contaminated and cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), I was very concerned about this. ANY suggestions or advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.:angel:

First off, good for you! You will only feel better from here! I actually saw my doctor today (naturopathic) and asked about the long term effects and she said that 5-htp is non-habit forming and safe for long term use. Also, I did some reading a while back and it wasn't actually the 5 htp contaminated and causing EMS it was tryptophan (5 htp is hydroxytryptophan).

As far as brands, I get them from my doctor but when I ran out before my last appointment, she mention the brand MRM to be a good quality. I was able to get it in a health food store (New Leaf Market). Just be careful because all the brands are definitely not the same quality! Just curious, how much are you taking per day?

Good Luck!!

Shanna

Boxer, I take a guaranteed potency one by Solaray.

Thank You both for your replies. I will look into these brands as well.
I am currently taking 50mg at night by Natrol brand. I am sleeping better since beginning 5htp.
I am not sure how much of a potency this brand has, so I will look into purchasing one's mentioned here. ;) I will keep you posted on my progress in symptoms! Thank You Both again..