Posted by tecknohed on October 14, 2007, at 17:12:49
In reply to TECHNOHEAD 5HTP?, posted by clubfitter on October 14, 2007, at 16:13:10
> CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE RISKS INVOLVED WITH TAKING THE 5HTP WITH LEXAPRO...IM WEANING OF CURRENTLY AT 10 MG'S AND PRETTY DESPERATE AT THIS POINT....ARE THE RISKS SEVERE?? THANKS
The risk I refere to is Serotonin Syndrome which is basically excess levels of serotonin. Click on this link for more info including symptoms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome
In your case I think the risk would be low, as long as you stop the Lexapro FIRST, then wait 48hrs before starting the 5-HTP at a LOW dose (25mg for example). The fact that your mood has already dropped since you reduced your Lex intake suggests to me that there is little risk.
BUT I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR SCIENTIST OF ANY KIND! I dont know if the 5-HTP would interact with your other meds, especially Geodon which also effects serotonin (maybe someone can help out with this one? I'm not too familiar with Geodon).
Whenever I've used 5-HTP I've been off all serotonin effecting drugs for at least a day or two. I normally start taking it only when my mood starts to drop. In fact I always stop meds without tapering (Nardil being an exception, though it was still quick) - I've found tapering to be more trouble than its worth, particularly with SSRI/SNRIs. Why prolong the agony? BUT THATS JUST ME!
My final advice is IF YOUR NOT SURE THEN DONT DO IT! Sorry I cant be more helpfull.
poster:tecknohed
thread:789063
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071009/msgs/789216.html