Has anyone tried taking 5 HTP herbal supplements to help with their Fibro symptoms?! If so, could we have your comments please -

(Please remember when taking any supplements that it's best to get advice from your Doctor or Consultant before starting to take them as they might have adverse effects or not be wise to take them with your current medications.)

[dawny2187]

I am currently trying it as probably like most of you I have read that people with Fibro (out of those tested in america) have low counts of serontin in the system. HTP5 reeacts with the body to produce serotonin so in theroy it may help. i have been taking 100mg of htp5 at night for a couple of 3 weeks and no mircale cure so far however i did go off my anti depressants to do it and i have not had a mood drop. I have had 5 years of fibro so wouldnt expect a 5 min miracle so im going to keep it going for a couple of months. i will keep you posted

[ALS1953]

I tried 5HTP a few years ago.........afraid they didn't work for me!

[VonnyM]

I tried 5HTP one at night, it was wonderful, helped me to sleep all night long, I couldnt take it the way the instructions suggest, ie: 1 x 3a day as it knocked me off my feet. I would recommend it at night though, unless you are taking ssri's or st johns wort. 5HTP enhances the effect of medication. So needs to be taken with the approval of a doctor

[noisybadger in reply to VonnyM]

Hi MillyPeede

You said you triED one at night, it WAS wonderful. Did you have to stop it after a while? I would be interested to try that as my sleep is really erratic at the moment, and caused so much trouble.

[Hidden]

Thanks Christine, I looked on the Holland and Barrett site and of course their advertisement is very positive. But looking elsewhere on the internet about 5HTP and long term use and also taking it with other medications, it didn't look so rosy. I completely agree, don't even think about taking supplements or other medications without consulting your GPs or Consultants. Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

[Hidden]

As I understand it, it isn't wise to take 5HTP over a prolonged period even after approval from your GP or Consultant.

[Hidden]

Yes absolutely Christine, this is very worrying and I don't think people realise that actually taking supplements which we assume are healthy from health food shops can actually be potentially dangerous and harmful to us, with or without Fibromyalgia, so please be careful folks and consult medical professionals before taking any supplements.

[Hidden]

I just wondered what people's feelings were about 5HTP and if anyone was taking it Christine. Thankfully my meds are stable and help me, I don't need to consider anything else. I have heard so much about Fibro and 5HTP in other groups, it's all about awareness isn't it and realising that supplements are not necessarily safe and good for you.