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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on December 10, 2004, at 22:40:23
I've been using 50mg of 5-htp with celexa 10mg. It really seems to help but is it safe. Some sources say not to combine the two.
Linkadge
Posted by jujube on December 10, 2004, at 22:40:24
In reply to Is 5-htp safe with SSRI, posted by linkadge on December 9, 2004, at 12:52:51
You are right. There are sources that say that the two should never be combined. There are also sources that say that SSRIs can be combined successfully with tryptophan or 5-HTP. In a book that I read a number of months ago, the author talks about working with psychiatrists who are happy to combine tryptophan with Prozac (I would assume that would mean all SSRIs) and that the Physicians' Desk Reference doesn't note any problems with combining Paxil or Zoloft with l-tryptophan (again, I would assume that this would include 5-HTP, which, as I understand it, is the precursor to l-tryptophan). I had asked my pdoc and gp in the summer if I could take 5-HTP, L-tyrosine and L-glutamine when I was taking Effexor, and neither of them had a problem. The only caution I would have is that you be familiar with the symptoms of serontonin syndrome and monitor your reactions. You are on such a small dose of Celexa that a small amount of 5-HTP should not pose a significant problem.
Good luck to you. Hope the 5-HTP provides you with some relief.
Tamara
> I've been using 50mg of 5-htp with celexa 10mg. It really seems to help but is it safe. Some sources say not to combine the two.
>
> Linkadge
Posted by Mistermindmasta on December 10, 2004, at 22:50:23
In reply to Re: Is 5-htp safe with SSRI » linkadge, posted by jujube on December 9, 2004, at 14:07:18
Maybe it increases the probability for serotonin syndrome, but not necessarily by a lot. You'd probably be more likely to get serotonin syndrome from a high dose of an SSRI + 5-HTP than the SSRI alone, but this doesn't mean combining an SSRI and 5-HTP is dangerous in lower dosages. I've read that only in theory does combining an SSRI and 5-THP lead to serotonin syndrome, but apparently it doesn't happen all too often in real life.
50mg of 5-HTP isn't too much. I've taken 300mg in one dose (not with an SSRI of course!). Be careful and observant, but you should be safe.
Posted by linkadge on December 11, 2004, at 20:19:39
In reply to Re: Is 5-htp safe with SSRI, posted by Mistermindmasta on December 10, 2004, at 22:50:23
I'm thinking like 5mg of celexa and 50mg of 5-htp.
Linadge
Posted by GeishaGirl on December 12, 2004, at 11:32:22
In reply to Re: Is 5-htp safe with SSRI, posted by linkadge on December 11, 2004, at 20:19:39
Hi everyone,
Does anyone know of any books or other resources on taking SSRI's and higher dosages (300 mg. or more) of 5HTP? What effects this may have on a person? My companion takes a low dose of Celexa (15 mg.) and either 300 or 400 mg. of 5HTP. He is working with a psychiatrist that seems to know something about both meds and supplements, but I'm beginning to wonder...
Thanx.
Geisha Girl
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 12, 2004, at 12:22:42
In reply to Re: Is 5-htp safe with SSRI, posted by GeishaGirl on December 12, 2004, at 11:32:22
> Hi everyone,
>
> Does anyone know of any books or other resources on taking SSRI's and higher dosages (300 mg. or more) of 5HTP? What effects this may have on a person? My companion takes a low dose of Celexa (15 mg.) and either 300 or 400 mg. of 5HTP. He is working with a psychiatrist that seems to know something about both meds and supplements, but I'm beginning to wonder...
>
> Thanx.
>
> Geisha GirlThe risks are likely to be mild symptoms of serotonin overload, the so-called serotonin syndrome. http://www.mindbodyconsult.com/protocols/serotonin.html
The potential benefits would be potentiation of the SSRI, and remission of symptoms.
I don't know of a good resource to refer you towards. This combination is being done under the direct supervision of a doctor who will certainly be assessing symptoms and responses. Is your concern about anything in particular, or general concern?
Lar
Posted by linkadge on December 12, 2004, at 15:00:11
In reply to Re: Is 5-htp safe with SSRI » GeishaGirl, posted by Larry Hoover on December 12, 2004, at 12:22:42
I've had life threatening serotonin syndrome before. I went to the emergency room with every symptom of serotonin syndrome. I could bearly speak I was so confused, but I had brought in a sheet with the symptoms I had printed off months before cluched in my hand.
The docotor said it was a panic attack and sent me home.
I self medicated for the next 96 hours by getting off the SSRI, and taking periactin, and warm baths
slowly the symptoms abated.I have never, in my life, been so utterly discusted with the state of medical understanding in my provence.
Anyhow, ever since I have have a healthy respect for these drugs, and a little leary of any combinations that might provoke serotonin syndrome.
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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