- EFFICACY: MONOTHERAPY AND ADJUNCTIVE USE FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: There
are insufficient data to recommend use of tryptophan or 5-HTP, but there is enough
promise to merit further research and to advise consumers using tryptophan or 5-HTP of
the promising evidence that exists. Though the list of noted drug interactions and side
effects is still short, it will grow longer as we learn more about 5-HTP and tryptophan. So a
consumer must decide whether to take 5-HTP or tryptophan now because it is promising, or
later, when science knows enough to make the call and more information is available. If you
are under a physician’s care, and especially if you are taking psychotropic medicine, you
definitely should talk with your medical doctor before trying adjunctive supplementation
with 5-HTP or tryptophan.
Although only five of eleven controlled studies showed statistically significant
improvement, according to Brown et al., increasing numbers of consumers are using 5 -
HTP as a treatment for depression.
Lake and Spiegel (through Settle, J.E.) cite the double-blind study by Kahn et al. (1985,
1987), which showed significant improvement in anxiety symptoms, but not
depression 5 - HTP was as good as clomipramine (Anafranil) for anxiety, but less effective
for depression.^1
As early as 1976, Walinder et al.^2 found that 24 depressed patients started on
clomipramine (Anafranil), an older tricyclic antidepressant, improved more rapidly with
tryptophan supplementation. There are also considerable data suggesting that
tryptophan depletion can increase depressive symptoms in patients with major
depression and seasonal affective disorder. Subsequent reversal of depression with
intravenous tryptophan supports the notion of an antidepressant effect. No interaction
was noted with tricyclic anti-depressants.
Lake and Spiegel (through Settle, J.E.) state flatly that the existing research on 5-HTP is
flawed by small sample sizes, uncontrolled study conditions and heterogeneous study
populations. Reports of a 20% relapse rate after the first month of treatment makes
longer studies essential in assessing the efficacy of 5-HTP.
sharon
(sharon)
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