Has anyone taken 5-HTP? I'm having some issues with it...

[Driver]

I have been dealing with bulimia for almost a year. I am reluctant to get on prescription anti-depressants to help me combat it. I heard about 5-HTP, which is a form of tryptophan. It helps combat depression and is supposed to reduce cravings.

 

I have been taking 100 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night for the past week, and so far, I feel awful.

 

Nothing has improved (anxiety or depression). I feel super jittery and my appetite has gotten OUT OF CONTROL. My tummy is rumbling all the time and I feel like my appetite has gotten insatiable. I have done tons of research and can't find anyone that can explain this! The abundance of serotonin is supposed to REDUCE appetite...not increase it!

 

What should I do?

[sb129]

Stop taking it in the morning for starters!

 

Its also used as a treatment for insomnia as serotonin regulates the onset of sleep, so its best taken at night only. I used to take it for sleep regulation and migraines, and it worked pretty well.

 

Also, most things for depression take at least 2 weeks to reach any kind of therapeutic levels.