NOW Supplements 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) 50 mg for Neurotransmitter Support*, 180 Vegetarian Capsules

Alissa: I tried this supplement for anxiety and depression. I used to take Lexapro for about 4 years, but it caused me to gain about 30 pounds. I weaned myself off of Lexapro about a year ago, and slowly the anxiety and depression came back. I did not want to go back on Lexapro, but was starting to become desperate. I did a lot of research about 5HTP and decided to give it a try. I am happy to report that it has helped tremendously with both anxiety and depression. While it is not AS good as my prescription medication, it is almost as good and I would highly recommend it. I take 100 milligrams 3 times a day(breakfast, lunch and before bed) for a total of 300 milligrams. I took 150 milligrams the first week and started the 300 milligrams the 2nd week.

United States on Jun 15, 2021

mmctec: A Naturopath suggested I take 5-HTP to help induce sleep instead of taking prescription medication. Tryptophan is converted to Serotonin (the feel good chemical) in the brain, which induces sleep. Remember the last time you OD'ed on pasta? You slept like a baby that night, didn't you? If you ate some complex carbs each day and stopped drinking coffee or energy drinks, your insomnia would probably go away. But, that's not me.

I don't eat a lot of carbs (bread, pasta, potatoes or grains), complex or simple, because they cause horrible weight gain for me (but not for my sister who takes after the other side of the family!). I also drink some coffee daily. Besides my lack of carbs, the coffee I drink depletes Serotonin. I am "Serotonin deprived" on a consistent basis. So, I have no chance in H*** to sleep at night

I take 5-HTP twice daily, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, on an empty stomach. I started with 50 mg. and, when my schedule is really hectic or I drink way too much coffee, I increase my dosage to 100 mg. When I start yawning at 8 pm, I know it's working! I would definitely recommend this to anyone if they have insomnia. Taking 5-HTP with some Melatonin before...

United States on Oct 30, 2017

EndlessSummer: I take a 100 mg dose at bedtime. I began with 50mg in May 2017 and increased when effectiveness seemed to taper off. But I have not had to increase again. Has helped me sleep more restfully. I dream very anxious dreams and would wake in the middle of the dream and be unable to go back to sleep, my mind still racing. Tried Melatonin which helped falling asleep but once I woke up in middle of night, I could not go back to sleep. Not sure how this helps but I think it is helping me finish a sleep cycle. I still wake most night but not in the middle of my dreams and I fall back asleep very quickly. I sometimes remember enough to know I was dreaming, but no details, they do not invade my consciousness. I take a time release version in the AM. Between the two, my anxiety is down and my mood is (do I dare say) stable under stress. I have been battling with this since hitting menopause 7 years ago. I am a type A personality multi-tasker and a doctor said she thought the anxiety may be fed by my frustration in reduced memory and recall. My first success was with Phosphatidyl Serine in the AM, which I began 3.5 years ago, but I still needed more help and this is it.

United States on Oct 13, 2017

MimiReadsSometimes: I was recently advised by my neurologist to stop taking Zoloft. I thought I would remain unmedicated, but soon felt my symptoms creeping back in and was advised to try this supplement by the same doctor. I purchased 5-HTP with guarded expectations. I've been taking 50mg 3 times a day and as long as the doses are on time, my anxiety and depression remain greatly reduced. My appetite is also suppressed, and I find that my sleep is more restful and I require less sleep for the same amount of energy.

Of course I did say "as long as the doses are on time", and that is the downside of my experience. I have found if the dose is late by even as little as 30 to 45 minutes, I feel a bit manic and my anxiety slides right back in. Another downside is that I don't require as much sleep. I am not quite ready to say that this 5-htp induced insomnia, but it's pretty close. I've gone from getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night with no naps to 4 or 5 with a short 20 to 30 minute nap during the day. I also have to remember to eat. I don't feel hunger very strongly until the dose begins to leave my system.

I would recommend this supplement. I took another 5-htp brand before this one and...

United States on Apr 08, 2017

R. Pierson: 5-HTP is working great for me.

I had been feeling down for a few years and had a pretty negative outlook on life in general. I knew that mentality wasn't me but didn't know what to do about it. Also, it seemed like no matter how much I wanted to get something done I just had zero motivation or desire to do it.

I went to the the doctor almost three years ago and was prescribed an antidepressant. I took it for over three months with no change other than just not caring as much so I weaned myself off of it. If you have ever done that you know how rough it is.

Two months ago I went to another doctor for a heart issue that was brought on by stress. After blood work i was told i was low on vitamin D and my doc recommended 5-HTP and a 5000IU D vitamin to take daily. That evening I ordered this bottle.

All I can say is wow! After two weeks I started feeling a little better. Everyday after that things just seemed a little brighter. Things are great now. I feel like my old self again. After over three years of being depressed it is a huge change for me to be out of that slump. I wish I had discovered this a long time ago and not spent so many years like I did. A...

United States on Mar 06, 2015