Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): 5-HTP
(5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan which turns into
serotonin, the so-called ‘feel good’ brain chemical. Serotonin
brightens mood and induces calm and low serotonin levels are implicated not
just in poor sleep, depression, anxiety, pain and fatigue.
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5-HTP May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Because several studies suggest that
serotonin activity in the brains of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia patients is
impaired. Dr. Murphee stated that ‘increasing serotonin levels is the
number one priority for 95% of the patients I see".
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) – SSRI’s are popular
anti-depressant drugs that increase serotonin availability in the brain by
decreasing the ability of nerves to remove it from the synapses. 5-HTP and
L-tryptophan, on the other hand, work to directly increase brain serotonin
levels. Dr. Murphee reports that tests in Europe show ‘tryptophan to be
just as effective in treating depression as the prescription drugs ELavil
and Tofranil which have side effects"
Studies Two well engineered studies
found 5-HTP resulted in statistically significant gains in stiffness,
fatigue, anxiety and sleep in fibromyalgia patients.
Dose Dr. Murphee recommends 5-HTP be taken on an empty
stomach, 30 minutes before bed, with four ounces of juice. Start with 100
mg, then go to150 and then to 200. Don’t go above 300 mg. It may take
several nights to have an effect. If it doesn’t work in two weeks, Dr.
Murphee recommends you stop taking it and try melatonin. If its working then
stay on it for as long as it takes (months – years) to restore your natural
sleep rhythm. If you stay on it more than 3 months take a broad-based amino
acid supplement to balance out your other neurotransmitters.
Side Effects – both Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Murphee report 5-HTP can
create strange and uncomfortable dreams. Dr. Murphee states these dreams
usually go away over time. He recommended that if you feel hungover in the
morning then decrease the dose. Excessively high serotonin levels can cause
insomnia, hyperactivity, headache and increased heart rate. Some ME/CFS
patients may have a negative reaction to 5-HTP and should lower the dose.
Warning Anyone taking a prescription antidepressant such as Prozac
or Celexa should consult a health care professional before they take 5-HTP.
Using 5-HTP in conjunction with anti-depressants can cause ‘serotonin
syndrome’; a condition characterized by euphoria, drowsiness, clumsiness,
sweating, intoxication and more.
After contaminated tryptophan from Japan caused 30 deaths in 1989 from
eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) tryptophan was banned from the U.S.
There was some concern several years ago that a unique contaminant in 5-HTP
called Peak X may have caused EMS in three people. Several studies suggest
Peak X is not a concern in 5-HTP but both Dr. Bested and Murphee recommend
using brands that screen for it.
Alternative Allan Logan reports that the unique formulation of ‘Zenbev’
(using pumpkin seed and carbohydrates) provides tryptophan in the
correct combination to raise serotonin levels in the brain.
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(This and all sections of the Phoenix
Rising website are compiled by a layman. They are not a substitute for a
physician and are for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments
in these pages with your physician.)
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Allan Logan and Alison Bested Hope and Help For Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Roger Murphee Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome