djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
Hey guys-
I have narrowed down my insomnia to a few possible reasons, one of them being low seratonin. (waiting on neuro-transmitter testing for results)
Anyway, I began supplementing w/ 100mg 5-HTP @ bedtime and I notice the next day I am more hung over, more out of it, and less able to concentrate.
This lasts for 1-3 hours upon waking.
Question: Anyone else experience this? Is this possibly my serotonin levels trying to re-balance or is this a side-effect experienced?
I have noticed today my mood is a bit better, so it seems to have helped "some", but the sleep was no better and the morning symptoms as described above are not pleasant.
I have only taken it two nights though, and I understand that it not long enough to formulate an opinion.
Any user input would be appreciated.
I do have depression like symptoms (de-realization, detachment, overall lack of feeling) so I was hoping this would help that as well as sleep.
Thank in advance for any input offered.
Derek
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
posted
I am taking it at the same dose for insomnia, along with a low dose of melatonin, not time released. Seems to help and have not had the effect you describe, but people are different in their responses to anything.
If you don't like this one, maybe valerian or something else. Have heard that it works best to combine these sleep aids.
And benedryl can make you sleepy, but probably don't want to do this longterm.
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
Thanks Lou.
I am more interested in it raising my serotonin than having it put me to sleep, although that'd be nice too.
I am going to stick w/ it for a few more nights and see how I respond.
I am also taking it w/ Lunesta so that could be an issue, although I am unsure how to figure that one out..
Valerian is no good for me, and benadryl also.
Thanks for the recommendations though.
Best
Derek
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
posted
I felt like that for a while in the beginning, have been taking it for over a year now and only need to take 50 mg at night.
On a rare occasion I wake up during the night and take another 50, then I will have a hangover in the morning
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
Renee-
are/were you taking for sleep or depression symptoms or both?
thanks
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
posted
Have you tried taking a little less to begin with like 50mg? Maybe you could take it an hour before going to bed and see if that works. Many herbal supplements for sleep are taken that way.
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Your best bet is to wait for your test results to come back. 5htp converts to serotonin and serotonin converts to melatonin, which may be the reason why you feel the way you do.
When you have a complete picture of what is going on with your neuro transmitters, only then can a protocol be prescribed for you that will hopefully address your issues. As I mentioned before, it's a fine art to be able to re-balance neuro transmitters and they all work in concert, therefore, 5htp alone may not be what your body needs.
The testing results usually come back in about ten days.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
Yeah the kit is not even being sent until the 10th now and the results take 1-2 weeks thereafter I was told via phone today so the 5htp is just an intermediary attempt right now.
I am sure 5thp is not all I need and I may not need it at all but it's just for the here and now.
I am looking forward to the results and will adjust accordingly then.
Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.
Derek
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Gotcha. I thought you had already done the test and it was sitting somewhere waiting to be submitted.
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
For the symptoms you mentioned, Sam-e would probably be more helpful. But it will be good to see the NT testing results.
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Depending on the results sometimes they do recommend SAM-e, especially if your GABA levels are low. I was on it a while back.
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
I tried Sam-E for one week w/ no reuslt.
Perhaps I will return to it if directed.
I know it also improves methylation which is most likely an issue for me as well, so who knows.
The lower dose of 5-thp last night (50mg) seems to have left me w/ little hangover and I slept 6 solid hours last night. That's good for me.
Thanks for all your advice/comments..
Best
Derek
-------------------- "Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."
posted
My LLMD tested my serotonin level and found it was low. (I forget why she tested it. It may have been because of my poor sleep.) She started me on 5-HTP 50 mg.
I had no hangover, it doesn't help my sleep, either. What was really neat was all of the sudden I started remembering happy memories. I guessed I was depressed.
I increased it to 100mg, I don't remember why I did that, either. LOL I have found when I go off of it I get depressed pretty quick. It isn't a bad depression, but who needs it?
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