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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
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,
Poetess
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
Posted by Poetess on November 27, 2004, at 0:55:25
In reply to Re: 5HTP » Poetess, posted by Larry Hoover on November 26, 2004, at 12:54:50
Hi Lar,
*Thanx so much* for the info, this is incredibly helpful.
I read the link you sent me as well as your message and I'm wondering something. Where is the line between having serotoninergic syptoms and having serotonin syndrome? He has several of the list of symptoms.
One thing I did notice with him is that since he's been slowly decreasing his Lexapro, the symptoms have improved somewhat. He decreased the dosage a little over a week ago. If the problems were side effects from the Lexapro,would his symptoms improve that quickly? If it was serotonin symptoms/ syndrome would it improve this quickly?
Sorry to ask all this, I'm not seeking any medical or diagnostic advice, just general info. Only asking because won't talk to his doc about this - he barely talks to me about it and I get worried.
Thanx
Poetess
> Rather 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
>
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 10, 2004, at 10:20:38
In reply to Re: 5HTP » Larry Hoover, posted by Poetess on November 27, 2004, at 0:55:25
> Hi Lar,
>
> *Thanx so much* for the info, this is incredibly helpful.You're welcome.
> I read the link you sent me as well as your message and I'm wondering something. Where is the line between having serotoninergic syptoms and having serotonin syndrome? He has several of the list of symptoms.
The symptoms have an infinite range, from non-existent to over-powering. Not everyone will exhibit every symptom, and the same symptoms can possibly have other causes than serotonin overload.
The real concern is how well the subject tolerates the symptoms. There's nothing wrong with somatic treatments, either. Treat a mild serotonin headache as you would any headache, i.e. tylenol, rest, or whatever.
> One thing I did notice with him is that since he's been slowly decreasing his Lexapro, the symptoms have improved somewhat. He decreased the dosage a little over a week ago. If the problems were side effects from the Lexapro,would his symptoms improve that quickly? If it was serotonin symptoms/ syndrome would it improve this quickly?Either explanation is possible, and so is the timeline. Yes to either, or both.
> Sorry to ask all this, I'm not seeking any medical or diagnostic advice, just general info. Only asking because won't talk to his doc about this - he barely talks to me about it and I get worried.
>
> Thanx
>
> PoetessSorry I was gone for a bit. I hope his symptoms have fully remitted by now.
Lar
This is the end of the thread.
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