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Most voted positive review

482 People found this comment helpful

WebMD says not to take 5-HTP till more is known. However, the article is NOT dated! There was a scare about 5HTP in 1988 due to a contaminated batch from Japan, coming from the labs of Showa Denko caused 37 deaths and 1500 permanent disablements. Controversy at the time between big pharmas, the biotech and FDA resulted in a blanket ban of 5HTP. Pharmas would rather sell you the more expensive ...

Most voted negative review

30 People found this comment helpful

I have been diagnosed with depression and I didn't want to take any harsh medication, so I tried 5 HTP. Unfortunately I didn't look into it and when I would take it consecutively I would soon have random seizures, and I would black out. The seizures and black outs were not long, but I would have no idea it happened once I woke up. It was really scary. Please be very careful if you plan to take the...

Shared reviews and ratings

Marie | Age: 65-74 | On supplement for less than 1 month |
6/24/2009
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have insomnia and had heard 5-HTP might help with that. I only used it for 3 days and during that time it didn't help with the insomnia which was disappointing. I have a very sensitive stomach and did experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, and loss of appetite with just 50 mg a day. All these symptoms went away once I stopped using it. Maybe if I had stuck with it longer the symptoms would have decreased, and maybe even helped, but since I weigh less than 100 pounds, I couldn't afford to lose any more weight. I have tried several OTC sleeping aids, but haven't found any that work for me. Any suggestions?Read More Read Less

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Age: 25-34 | On supplement for 1 to less than 2 years |
5/4/2009
Condition: Other
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been using 5 HTP for about a year, and the benefits have been amazing!!! I've always been prone to depression, both genetically and environmentally. I have taken Celexa, Wellbutrin (for 2 days, it made me physically ill to the point where I couldn't function!!), Prozac and Lexapro. The Celexa and Prozac both worked well for about 6 months, and then tapered off. Increasing the dose had the same effect after a few months. I weaned myself off the Prozac (with my doctor's approval) during the spring and summer months, and found that with the use of 5 HTP I didn't need to go back on it in the fall for seasonal affective disorder. At one point I was out of my 5 HTP supplement for about a month, and EVERYONE noticed how much my moods were affected!!! I felt exhausted, miserable, angry and sad, like having permanent PMS!!! Within a week of returing to my regular 5 HTP doe, I felt so much better and more in control of my emotions. I felt normal!!! This supplement has really been a God-send for me and my loved ones. It feels great to not be on any antidepressant meds, and to feel good about myself not requiring the medication anymore. I strongly urge anyone who has depression issues to look into 5 HTP therapy. It can be used in conjunction with some traditional medications, but you need to check with your doctor. Please do your research prior to taking any supplement. I have nothing but good things to say about 5 HTP. It was definitely the best thing I have ever done for myself (and my husband appreciates it, too!!!).Read More Read Less

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hambone | Age: 25-34 | On supplement for less than 1 month |
5/3/2009
Condition: Other
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

felt it work great the very first time I tried it. I woke up happier than I've felt in a long time. You do have to take this with a high complex vitamin B and vitamin C for it to be affective. I also take Sam-e, which has helped w depression as well.

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Age: 55-64 | On supplement for 1 to 6 months |
3/15/2009
Condition: Other
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was experiencing some depression, did not want any Rx for this condition. I heard and read about 5-HTP for this condition, found it to be good. I tried it and found it works very well for depression. I found it also is an appetite depressor, too. I haven't expereinced any side effects from this supplement. I take 100mg per day. When I first started I took 300mg for 1 week and then the 100mg daily.

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kymya | Age: 35-44 | On supplement for 1 to less than 2 years |
12/8/2008
Condition: Other
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have a son who is diagnosed High functioning autistic. As I tried various therapies for my son a few things worked that I have kept up. A DAN specialist Rx 5HTP I thought I needed a Rx come to find out I can buy it at any store but I get the gluten/additive/preservative free kind. We had him on it for several months until we ran out WHAT A BIG DIFFERENCE when he was not on it. He did not sleep well and anxiety level high and lots of stimming. We immediately put him back on it and now he is a more calmer (still has stimming but not as bad). Even his teachers/therapist noticed a difference. I'm glad its a natural remedy I will keep him on it forever.Read More Read Less

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PMD | Age: 45-54 | On supplement for less than 1 month |
9/28/2008
Condition: Other
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I find 5-HTP to be as effective as xanax and it also curbs my appetite. I wish there was more information for doctors. Is there a perscription for this? I did ask my doctor to look into 5-HTP and I have found only suppliment information. I am not sure how receptive he will be. Regardless, I am determined to ween myself off the xanax. I feel just as calm if not calmer. I don't want to be dependent on such a strong drug such as xanax for the rest of my life.

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Age: 35-44 | On supplement for 1 to 6 months |
8/18/2008
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was taking Wellbutrin in the morning and Xanax at night to go to sleep. 5-HTP has truly been a 'natural' lifesaver!

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2/18/2008
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I take this for Fibromyelga. It lowers my stress, makes me rest better, and helps keep my symptoms under controll! I found this through The Capital Region Progressove Medicine and Longevity Practice in Albany, NY.

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emma_Colorado | Age: 35-44 | On supplement for less than 1 month |
11/29/2007
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I take it for anxiety. 5-HTP stops the constant over active thinking and stress and allow me to rest.

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missindepend32 | Age: 25-34 | On supplement for 1 to 6 months |
9/25/2007
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have bipolar disorder. I am less symptomatic when taking 5-htp. I ran across it at my local department store. Since I am trying to lose weight, it helps me there too. I can deal with issues that arise more easily.

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