Posted by Larry Hoover on December 14, 2004, at 14:29:01
In reply to Typtophan reaction - need advice, posted by Victoria995 on December 14, 2004, at 9:53:48
> I am new to posting on this board, though I have been a voyeur for some time. I find the information much more helpful than anything my Pdoc can provide. My diag. is GAD - stressed, irritable, moody, racing thoughts of doom & gloom.
>
> In response to information I have read on this board, I decided to order the vet grade tryptophan. I did not have a good experience. It affected my the same way as the SSRI's. Mind racing, heart palpatations, no sleep - even at very small doses. The reaction with the Tryp was milder, but similar. Dosage was 500mg.A paradoxical response is possible with all interventions. I'm sorry that happened to you.
> I have tried Wellbutrin (made me angry, irritable)
> Zyprexa - no noticable effect.
> Neurontin - no noticeable effect, and the horrible SSRI's. The only drug I have had sucess with, unlike most people, is Buspar. However, this is become less effective, and I would like to find a natuaral alternative. I worry abouth the long term effects of Buspar, and don't want to really increase my dosage (15mg x 2. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.Buspar is a serotonin type-1a (5-HT1a) receptor agonist. If you took tryptophan with Buspar, the competition at that receptor class would have inhibited the calming effect of serotonin release. In short, Buspar and tryptophan are not a good combination.
An alternative to Buspar might be St. John's wort. It substantially upregulates 5-HT1a activity. You may find this has exactly the effect you're seeking.
Two naturally calming nutrients may be very effective for you: magnesium, and niacinamide.
Magnesium is a general inhibitor....takes the edge off. The only thing you have to watch is that too much causes diarrhea. Most people can tolerate 300 mg/day, so start there. Increase by 100 mg each week, until you get up to 600-700 mg. If diarrhea occurs, back down by 100 mg, and try and raise it another time. Your tolerance to magnesium will increase, if its a common part of your intake.
Niacinamide is a special form of niacin, vitamin B3. Do not use niacin for calming. NiacinAMIDE is the form you want. You can take 500 mg up to four times a day. It's generally calming, because it enhances activity at the GABA-A receptor (where benzos work).
For a complete explanation of all possible nutrient interventions, see: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/247312.html
Good luck,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:429371
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041212/msgs/429525.html