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Protocols: L-Tryptophane

Description: Metabolic precursors to serotonin.

Method of Action: Raising brain levels of L-tryptophane will increase production of serotonin.

Indications and Usage: Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia, Alcohol Withdrawal, Weight Loss, Migraine Headache, Overweight, Natural aid to sleep.

Contraindications: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or lactating without first seeking advice from your physician. Scleroderma patients should not take L-tryptophane. Do not use this product if you have a predisposition to high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, or autoimmune disease. Persons with liver damage should not consume L-tryptophane. Persons with severe allergies or who have experienced a rash, difficulty breathing, or flushing of the skin associated with L-tryptophane use should discontinue use of this product.

Dosage and Administration: 500 mg daily taken at bedtime along with supplement of vitamins B-6 and C.

Clinical Effect In: Thirty to sixty minutes.

Adverse Reactions: Long-term controlled studies have not been conducted. May cause mild gastrointestinal upset during first few days of use. May cause mild sedation, or (infrequently) agitation and caution is recommended when operating a motor vehicle. Taken in amounts much higher than the above recommended dosage range or in conjunction with other SSRI or MAOI drugs 5-HTP can cause or contribute to serotonin syndrome. (Do not use this product without first reviewing our handout on serotonin syndrome for more information.) Very low levels of impurities such as peak E (l,l'-ethylidenebis[tryptophan], 3-(phenylamino)alanine, peak-x, and peak AAA have been reported in some 5-HTP products. Some of these contaminants are similar to those associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). EMS is characterized by elevated eosinophil (certain white blood cells) count, severe muscle and joint pain (myalgias), weakness (neuropathy), swelling of arms and legs (penpheral edema), hair loss, low grade fever, skin rash, pulmonary disorders, and severe fatigue. No cases of EMS have been linked to use of since contamination issues were resolved in early 1990's. However, if you notice any of the above symptoms in italics discontinue use immediately and consult your physician. Our office recommends synthetic L-tryptophane. If you suspect that an herb or other supplement is making you sick, call the FDA's Med Watch hotline at 800-332-1088 or contact the agency via its website at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Known Interactive Effects: Do not initiate use within 4 weeks of taking another SSRI including bright light phototherapy without professional supervision. Do not initiate use until 4 weeks after discontinuing use of a MAGI medication under any circumstances. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Not for use by children under 14 years of age. Can be combined with carbidopa for potentiating effect.

Additional Considerations:

Warnings: The information above is provided for educational purposes and may not be construed as a medical prescription or as a substitute for the advice of your physician. Do not use this product without first consulting your physician especially if you are pregnant or lactating. Be advised that some herbs and dietary supplements can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals and may also have an adverse result in conjunction with other medications, or treatments. You should regularly consult your physician in matters regarding your health and particularly in respect to symptoms and conditions which may require diagnosis or medical attention. Reevaluate use of this product after 6 months.

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