I have several environmentally acquired illnesses - and have decided I need to get my brain in order before I begin the long lask of fixing the other issues.
I started taking 5-HTP (50mg, x3 daily) to boost my production of 5HT; the immediate effect was positive. I gained a major boost in my mood, and my head felt 20-30% clearer.
However, over the last week or two, I’ve gained back brain fog and lost a little bit of motivation.
I know there is plenty of talk on the potential problems of 5-HTP with:
Peripheral conversion of 5-HTP into body serotonin (which can be inhibited by a peripheral decarboxlyase inhibitor)
Possible depletion of Dopamine due to hijacking of dopaminergic neurons to produce serotonin, and competitive inhibition at the AAAD enzyme
I’ve read two studies thusfar which support the theory of exogenous tryptophan-based depletion of dopamine -
The effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and some indole derivatives on dopamine metabolism in the corpus striatum of rat were studied. Striatal dopamine as well as its metabolic end-products, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were measured following 5-HTP or…
Certain typtophan analogs were found to be potent inhibitors of tyrosine hydroxylase and to act by a mechanism that is not competitive with substrate. The most active compounds in these studies were those with a hydroxyl group at the 5 position on the indole ring. The most potent inhibitor was…
I take 5-Hydroxytryptophan as a sleep aid a couple nights a week. I also take Ambien, Unisom and xanax.
OP if you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or panic attacks you are going to need way more than this mild sleep aid.
Have you done a male hormone blood panel? What about you thyroid? Ever do a full panel on it? If not you are way behind the ball in troubleshooting your issues. Spend some money and get your blood tested. There is no other way.
Is the Xanax for sleep or anxiety? I’ve never taken Xanax, though I’ve tried Midazolam for insomnia a couple of times.
For eliciting sleep I found Midazolam wasn’t great. Due to the short duration of action it was hit or miss as to whether I’d actually fall asleep. If I fell asleep, I’d wake up four hours later
Unreal24278 preferred oxazepam, Temazepam was also good but left me with a residual hangover. All was done with a prescription aside from the Midazolam.
For anxiety/anxiety associated insomnia I’ve found sparse use of cannabis can help (for me). Though this is not something I’d ever recommend due to the adverse effects I’ve found it can impart on my cognitive faculties.
Probably preferable to daily use of benzodiazepines.
Clonidine/guanfacine also work really well for acute sedation, but can leave one drowsy the next day
Melatonin also works (for me). But all in all, my last resort (and most effective) method of getting to sleep when I otherwise can’t is using a benzodiazepine.
Do you find Xanax elicits a “hangover” the next day? What’s more, do you feel as if it manages to keep you asleep?
Oxazepam/Midazolam would get me too sleep, but as the duration of action is rather short I’d usually wake up in the middle of the night. Temazepam worked, but as specified it makes me feel hungover.
Xanax is my last resort because I am so afraid of becoming addicted. However it works the best and I usually sleep 9-11hours waking refreshed.
Melatonin gives me a hang over I can’t take it.
I also have Doxepin 10mg which works well for sleep but lasts a long time. I take it at 5pm to crash at 8pm and will sleep until 10am. waking refreshed.
I can’t remember if it was 1mg or 3mg. I’ve never tried .5mg I might try that?
@jgainz bin all over what? I am sorry I don’t follow. Have you tried all the other sleep aids?
Since you are dealing with dopamine depletion have you asked your doctor for an SSRI or SNRI?
They are made to boost your dopamine.
I’ve had TT/FT, E2, Thyroid/antibody panels done. It’s a bit more complex than that, so i’m looking for neurological symptom relief while I get under the hood.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - Mayo Clinic
Sep 17, 2019 — SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.
