LNN Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 My DD7 has been using inositol since Oct. Initially, it helped enormously. But then she contracted EBV and we went thru a series of events that spiked her anxiety, including needing to use L-lysine to conquer the EBV. Unfortunately, l-lysine is a seratonin antagonist and it made her more anxious. (we stopped it a few days ago but haven't seen a reduction in anxiety -in fact she had a nightmare 2 nights ago and now won't be left alone). I could increase the inositol (she is only on 2.5 grams) but we're nearing the end of the bottle and I'm considering switching to something else. I've done a little reading on 5-htp but even adults seem to say that a small dose (25mg) can make them wired after a few days. Does anyone have any 5-htp experiences to share, including dosing? Any alternatives that have proven helpful? Our biggest challenge is anxiety, not OCD. She is on abx and we're using NSAIDs and CBT/ERP but we're all growing weary.
trggirl Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 We tried it for one day at a very small dose (less than 25mg) so I don't know if you can even count our experience but that one day she was extremely happy but very out of it (dingy). I have been reading about lemon balm. I came across it when I was looking for meds for hyperthyroidism and I remembered that Chemar's son used it and had great success with it. Just another one for you to look into. You might want to read her story in her link. I think she also mentions 5-HTP. Not sure though.
SSS Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 We tried 5HTP and it had a negative effect- but that was just us. We also recently had the neurotransmitter test done, I don't have the results, but it said dd is producing way too much dopamine, and also too much seratonin. It gave a recommendation for another neuroscience product, another fail, but it had an herb in it, and she doesn't react well to a lot of herbs. What it did have in it was phosphatidylserine (PS 100) which I happen to supplement separately, and it is a nice positive. I'm sure I didn't help you here. All this to say I think it is individual, and perhaps if the seratonin is lacking, 5HTP might be a good one- unfortunately, they are pricey supplements for trial :-(
trggirl Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 S & S, We did the neurotransmittor testing also. It's interesting isn't it?! We were high on Norepinephrine and Dopamine but on the low side of normal of Serotonin.
Kayanne Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 We use L-tryptophan in our house, and have never seen any side effects. We make sure that we are taking P-5-P sometime during the day too.
SSS Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 S & S, We did the neurotransmittor testing also. It's interesting isn't it?! We were high on Norepinephrine and Dopamine but on the low side of normal of Serotonin. I actually find it disturbing- she is really high in many things, so the Dr. said over the phone- don't have a copy of the results yet- and it sounded like he couldn't believe how high the dopamine- I don't know where to go with that. The neuroscience supplements didn't help her. I actually started her on .50 dose, 1x a day, after school, on Clonidine. It slows her down- which I hope will allow her body to chill out and maybe heal better.
PowPow Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 What was the process of the neurotransmitter testing? was it lab testing or q&a type testing?
SSS Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 It is a urine test- one time catch, you have them wake up and urinate, then no eat or drink, until you get the 2nd urine of the day (for the test) Kit comes with all you need to mail back. Needs a Dr. signature- google 'neurotransmitter test'
SSS Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 Our LLMD- but any Dr. can sign it, although the results go to that Dr., and you get the results from them-
eljomom Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 I have heard not so great reviews of those tests, even from a certified nutritionist, who generally believes in that type of testing. If they were accurate, I would think psych's would utilize them more frequently in order to determine the best meds, vs. the crapshoot method they use now. I know, some will say they don't use them because it keeps them in business.....but what I have "heard" is it only tells how much neurotransmitter is in your blood, which really doesn't tell you much about how your brain is using it.
LNN Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Posted February 17, 2012 We use L-tryptophan in our house, and have never seen any side effects. We make sure that we are taking P-5-P sometime during the day too. When do you give the l-tryptophan and how much?
MomWithOCDSon Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 Have you thought about SAMe? Especially given the methylation component, along with the serotonin component? I have a barely-used bottle I can send you!
LNN Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Posted February 17, 2012 Have you thought about SAMe? Especially given the methylation component, along with the serotonin component? I have a barely-used bottle I can send you! I considered SAMe - it was my first thought, given the methylation issue. But it's 2-3x more expensive than l-tryptophan and as S&S mentioned, these darts on the dart board gets pricey. Our LLMD used to recommend SAMe a fair amount but stopped because he didn't see overwhelming results. So I'm on the fence. I wish they sold "samplers".
Sequin Posted February 19, 2012 Report Posted February 19, 2012 I often find good info from Dr. Weil on his website- He posted the following about these tests that you might find interesting... I checked with David Perlmutter, M.D., a neurologist colleague in Florida, about the accuracy of urine testing for neurotransmitters. He told me that neurotransmitters and their precursors are produced in abundance throughout the body and to assume that "what is collected in the urine reflects what's going on in the brain is a stretch." Here is the link- http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400661/Neurotransmitters-What-Tests-Work-Best.html
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