Posted by Larry Hoover on July 25, 2004, at 8:20:29
In reply to Hi Larry..can you answer this if you can plse, posted by Slinky on July 24, 2004, at 13:18:11
> I'm taking 20mg of paroxetine...I've started taking 5ht and it works.
I do presume you mean 5-HTP throughout. 5-HT is serotonin itself.
Are you aware of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome? http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/serotonin-syndrome.htm
Informed consent requires that one become informed. Just be aware of the key symptoms. You are your own best protection against this syndrome. Also, I hope your doctor is aware of this supplementation.
> Is the 5ht just adding to paroxetine increasing its potency as a sereton re-uptake or is it just increasing the seretonin in my head.
You're changing the total serotonin concentration. The effect may not last, though. Your brain may down-regulate. It would then become tempting to increase the 5-HTP dose, and that's when it gets much more dangerous.
> Does 5ht have any discontinuation effects or side effects
None I've ever heard reported. Possible rebound depression, I suppose, but that's always a toughie to link to any particular factor.
> Also is it best to refrigerate suppliments/ vitamins.
Generally, all you need do is keep in cool and dark. Not cold. Out of direct sunlight, for example.
> Maybe I'm taking too many alternitive pills but it can't harm me...
Dangerous presumption. Not all alternatives are created equally. You happen to be asking questions of one of the few with the potential for serious adverse interactions with SSRI meds.
Water-soluble vitamins (the B's and C) are generally totally safe. You'd have to be totally stupid to hurt yourself with those. Fat soluble vitamins (e.g. A and D) do have toxic limits, because your body stores them, rather than excreting them in urine. Minerals have Upper Limits of average daily intake, generally.
When you get into supps which directly influence hormones, neurotransmitters, or other regulatory biochemicals, you really do need to understand more fully what you're messing with.
> Thanks Lar..be well.
>
You too.Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:369978
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040718/msgs/370229.html