5HTP Off Topic

[Guest guest]

Hi all

Thought I'd share my experience with Dr Murphrees sleep protocol, this may help you Lynn.

Started taking 5HTP approx 1 month ago. Like Lynn I also have unusual reaction to meds. Initially Amitryptiline kept me awake at night (took to help with sleep) and Baclofen made me feel wired (supposed to act as central nervous system relaxant). However, though these opposite effect scenarios happen often they often resolve quickly if I persevere with a drug.

So naturally, 5 HTP if taken at night keeps me awake. So I have switched to day time dosing with meals as per Dr murphrees instructions. I now take 100mg with breakfast, lunch and evening meal and try avoid taking my last dose any later than 7p.m. This works for me and my sleep has now improved from waking 3-8 times per night to 1-3. However, some of this may be attributed to LDN which seems to help with my sleep also. This wasn't the case initially but as mentioned before, perseverance usually gets the desired results. I also haven't experienced increased daytime sleepiness with 5 htp despite taking it during the day.

What is far more noticeable are the changes in my mood during the day. This again could be attributed to LDN, but I'm more inclined to think its the 5HTP. I feel much more positive and happy and I'm certainly easier to live with. I worry less about what tomorrow will bring and actually find myself looking forward to things again. Again in part I can attribute some of this to LDN and my reduction in pain levels. I still have lots of pain but at a more manageable level.

Sorry, not sure who mentioned it, but I take LDN for CFS/FMS and though my pain levels are lower and energy slightly higher, I also feel fluey from mid afternoon through to morning. This was a common feature of my CFS in the early days some 17 years ago and so is a common symptom for me but I haven't experienced it for years until starting LDN. I presume if the immune shift theory is correct, this may be what is happening. Any thoughts on this from the group would be appreciated.

I have also had a flare of acne which I am treating with topical antibiotics which seem to be working. Anyone else experienced this. I have been taking LDN for approx 2 months, titrated my dose slowly to 3.5 ml. tried 4ml but felt worse and so now settled on 3.5ml. I also follow all of Dr Murphrees protocol and DR St Armands Guaifenesin protocol.

Lastly, theres been alot of discussion recently regarding D, L and DL Phenylalanine. I understand the theory and know the difference between the two and as such opted for D Phenylalannine for pain. Not sure if it worked, maybe, difficult to evaluate, but I ran out recently so gave the DL form a try. I had tried previously and gave up, and gave up this time because it made me feel wired, very much like I had drunk caffeine which i am very sensitive to. So a word of caution for those sensitive to drugs or stimulants, I can tolerate D Phenylalanine but not DL so beware it may not suit you.

Thanks

le (UK)