5-htp

[MikeG-2012]

I know many of you have recommended taking HTP to help with prednisone insomnia. I talked to my Rheumatologist Friday about it and he said not to take it and talked about a serious side effect. I came home and googled it and came up with this link: 5-HTP: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-HTP.aspx?activeIngredientId=794&activeIngredientName=5-HTP)

He did say he had no issues with the 3MG of Melatonin I am taking. So that one appears to be OK.

Now, let the discussion ensue on 5-HTP!

MikeG-2012

[pberggren1]

I've seen this on the shelf before but I don't know what it is.

[annekat]

I don't think I have ever heard of 5-htp. It doesn't sound like something we want to mess with at this point. I'm glad you got the OK for melatonin and I hope it helps you sleep. I haven't been using it lately, as I've generally been tired enough to sleep, but I will if I start having issues with that again.

[Pete]

That link about 5-htp you shared is enough to scare me off. I found that a little exercise plus 3 mg of melatonin 60-90 minutes before retiring helped me get to sleep. I'm down to 25 mg pred now, and it's easier to sleep at this dosage even without melatonin.

[MikeG-2012]

I've seen this on the shelf before but I don't know what it is.

This is the synthetic form of the ingredient in turkey that makes you sleepy. (tryptophan)

Some on this forum mentioned taking it for help with sleeping at night when on insomnia inducing medications. I jst wanted to post what I found out from my doctor about it.

[annekat]

Maybe we should just eat a lot more turkey! I did glance at the link and admit I didn't linger there, just noticed the warnings... sounds like something we might learn more about in the future.

[pberggren1]

I'll try for more turkey......lol

[annekat]

I'll try for more turkey......lol Sounds good to me! I like turkey, and sort of forget about it most of the year, but it is in the stores year round!