Posted by Larry Hoover on November 26, 2004, at 12:54:50
In reply to 5HTP, posted by Poetess on November 26, 2004, at 11:36:22
> Hi,
>
> I know someone who is taking Lexapro and 5HTP. From what I understand, Lexapro and 5HTP have similar effects on the brain. Is this correct?
>
> Was also wondering, if he slowly withdrew from the Lexapro is there really a maximum dosage for 5HTP? He has been labelled with OCD, so lower dosages of 5HTP or antidepressants don't help. Can extremely high dosages of 5HTP be toxic?
>
> Any other suggestions? Unfortunately, he can't afford to take a lot of supplements, so cost is a factor.
>
> Thanx,
> PoetessRather than having similar effects, they have complementary effects. 5-HTP increases the overall supply of serotonin, while Lexapro enhances the half-life of serotonin in the synapses, i.e. it increases the strength of a given serotonin "signal".
There is an increased risk of becoming hyperserotinergic, that is, developing serotonin syndrome, as too much serotonin in the blood can cause some very unpleasant and potentially dangerous effects. That said, usually that would happen very quickly upon combining two serotinergic meds. That it hasn't happened suggests that it may not happen. Still, being aware of the symptoms is a darn good idea.
http://www.mindbodyconsult.com/protocols/serotonin.html
High doses of 5-HTP can also cause serotinergic symptoms, the most common being headache, irritability, and stomach complaints. Individual tolerance varies.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:420496
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041123/msgs/420518.html