Depression Forum - 5-Hydroxytryptophan and exercise to treat mild depression?

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Q: 5-Hydroxytryptophan and exercise to treat mild depression?

asked by: Meowmix001 on June 23rd, 2008

New User

Has anyone tried this treatment method with any success?

I was put on Lexapro 5 mg/day for depression and anxiety last year.

I stopped taking the Lexapro last week because I gained a lot of weight (30 lbs in 1 year) since I started taking it with no change in exercise or eating habits.

I've ramped up my exercise from practically nothing to at least an hour an day of cardio 6 days a week to raise serotonin levels naturally but I still feel pretty blue. I read that 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and was wondering if anybody else has tried it.

Thanks for your responses.

Replies(3)

Georgia59

replied on June 27th, 2008

Especially eHealthy

Let us know if it works for you! I'd be interested to hear about it.

Remember that it might take a while, especially since you just got off the lexapro, it will take a while for you to adjust to not having the lexapro in you.

Kd121

replied on June 29th, 2008

New User

I have been on it for 4 days now and yes it works! It is the precursor to serotonin and it's a natural amino acid. It passes the blood-brain barrier and is converted to serotonin in the brain. Much more natural than a SSRI. More importantly it is working for me, I have been feeling a lot calmer and happier since I started taking it. I've also been sleeping better (awesome dreams too) and waking up more refreshed. This is the reason it's relatively unknown amongst the masses. Because it works so well - the big pharm companies spend millions on making and patenting their new drugs, so they don't want us to know about 5htp (a natural amino acid) because they can't patent it.

Georgia59

replied on June 30th, 2008

Especially eHealthy

Yay! Good to know!

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