Sunday, 14 July 2013

5-HTP for depression


I have mild depression and would like to take 5-HTP. What dose should I start?

5-HTP is a well-known dietary supplement that is extracted from a plant. In the body, it is converted to serotonin, which is thought to be a neurotransmitter for depression. Unfortunately, the dosing of 5-HTP is variable. Like all dietary supplements, there is no quality or quantity control. 

Some people recommend 50mg daily and others recommend 1000 mg daily, I would recommend start low and then gradually increase the dose. The increase in dose should be about 100 mg every week, to a maximum of no more than 1,200 mg per day. 

If you do not see any response by the end of 4-6 weeks, I doubt it will ever work.

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