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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> L-Tryptophan 1000mg
        
(Message started by: fiftyamp on Jul 30^th, 2007, 1:29pm)

Title: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by fiftyamp on Jul 30^th, 2007, 1:29pm

Was wondering if anyone knows anything about this. I'm not that astute with the chemistry, but sounds kind of similar to what the halluciagins do. Any ideas?

L-Tryptophan 1000mg

L-tyrptophan (LT) is an essential amino acid, which means that it must be consumed from food since the body cannot make it using other amino acids. It is present in virtually all plant and animal proteins. Once the body absorbs LT, it converts it into 5-hyrdoxytryptophan (5-HTP), and then into the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is primarily the serotonin which then does all the wonderful things attributed to LT. LT is an effective sleep aid. Certainly LT has significant sedative-like properties, although unlike other sedatives it does not appear to impair performance. At least 20 years worth of research (including 40 controlled studies) has demonstrated that LT can help induce sleepiness in humans. The weight of the evidence suggests that doses of 1 gram or more is effective. Although the precise cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is still unknown, it is increasingly believed that there is an alteration in serotonin activity. LT has been shown to help reduce PMS symptoms when used in doses of 2 – 6 grams daily. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of appetite, and about 3 grams of LT daily has been shown to reduce appetite by slowing down stomach emptying. Other research has shown that when 1500 mg of LT daily is given along with a low-calorie, high protein diet, LT significantly enhanced weight loss over diet alone in moderately obese subjects. Also available in 500mg

http://www.greatearth.com/productinfo.html?product_id=451

Title: Re: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by pattik on Jul 30^th, 2007, 2:26pm

Some people have tried 5-HTP supplements with mixed results. 5-HTP (Griffonia) is a precursor to serotonin. A fluctuating serotonin level is a large part of the CH problem. 5-HTP binds to some of the same receptors as many anti-depressants, hallucinogens, and triptans, like Imitrex.
L-trytophan is also a precursor, but there isn't a lot of evidence that much of it will convert into the amounts of serotonin that would make a difference for CH'ers. Here is a link to a little more information on 5-HTP from OUCH.
http://www.ouch-us.org/newsletters/08-2006/08-2006-20.htm

Pat

Title: Re: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by Brewcrew on Jul 30^th, 2007, 3:29pm

on 07/30/07 at 14:26:14, pattik wrote:

Where do you learn all this stuff? You're AMAAAAAAAZING!

Title: Re: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by Bob P on Jul 30^th, 2007, 4:38pm

L-tryptophan was off the market some years back because the Chinese or some other eastern country produced some tainted stuff that made people sick.

I tried the 5-HTP a few years back (think it was the same time Patti did). I was not in cycle but thought I may try it to see what the side effects were. None to speak of. Figured I was wasting my money after a while.

Title: Re: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by pattik on Jul 30^th, 2007, 5:08pm

on 07/30/07 at 15:29:57, Brewcrew wrote:

Where do you learn all this stuff? You're AMAAAAAAAZING!

;;D Aint the Internet wondrous!!

Yep, Bob P and I both tried it back in 1999. It helped just a little for me, and not enough that I can give it a big recommendation.

/ for accuracy

Title: Re: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by Brewcrew on Jul 30^th, 2007, 5:12pm

This would be the same effect as after eating a big turkey dinner?

Title: Re: L-Tryptophan 1000mg
Post by Bob P on Jul 30^th, 2007, 6:42pm

I get more sleepy after the turkey!

I think the key here is that 5-HTP and L-tryptophan are "precursors" to tryptophan whice is a precursor to serotonin. If the mechanism that changes these precursors to 5-HT isn't doing it's thing then you be crappin' precursors and not effecting the 5-HT levels at all.