Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) describes a sense of exhaustion and post-exertion malaise, even when you have gotten enough rest and sleep. The disease is characterized by six months of incapacitating fatigue experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, and problems with concentration and short-term memory. The cause is unknown, but it is a...
Has anyone here tried taking a serotonin supplement? I heard from a friend their doc suggested it for their sleeping problems. She said she got it over the counter, at some kind of health food store, I think. She said it did wonders for her sleep.
My biggest fear is that years ago I tried very briefly taking anti depressants, which mess with your serotonin somehow, right? I got incredibly ill from the one pill I took for THREE DAYS, which makes me nervous to try anything else having to do with serotonin. But, since it's supposed to help your mood, brain fog and sleep, I'm interested. Any thoughts?
Sarah
My biggest fear is that years ago I tried very briefly taking anti depressants, which mess with your serotonin somehow, right? I got incredibly ill from the one pill I took for THREE DAYS, which makes me nervous to try anything else having to do with serotonin. But, since it's supposed to help your mood, brain fog and sleep, I'm interested. Any thoughts?
Sarah
Most likely the supplement was 5HTP. It is esentially trytophan which converts to serotonin. It is not the same as an anti-D. Anti-D's are supposed to use the serotonin in your body more effectively whereas 5HTP helps your body to generate more serotonin. If you think of a gas tank, the antidepressants use the "gas" that you have already, more effectively. The 5HTP fills your "gas tank."
You shouldn't have any side effects from the 5HTP. HOWEVER, it needs to be taken in gradual increments. Otherwise you could have problems. It is always best if you have a doctor guiding you through. If you are interested I can hook you up with a link (if I can find it) to a doctor who has more info on how to take it.
I know many folks have good things to say about 5-HTP. My doctor referred to it as a turkey meal in a pill! lol....but he is using it with caution. I will be happy to let you know what happens when I start this supplement. It is supposed to help with sleep....something we all need, as well as improve the mood!
We shall see! As with everything else, just because 5-HTP has worked for my friends, does not mean it will have the same good effect on me! We are all different, that's one thing we have in common with this illness....
I took 5HTP (I heard from others who had had some improvement from it) for a few months but it didn't do anything for me that I could notice. Perhaps because my body already had enough serotonin.
I also don't get depressed very often - only when the pain is more than I can distract away.