5-HTP READER FEEDBACK

[YEA]  01/18/2008: S. B. from Louisville, KY writes: "Just wanted to echo the positive experiences reported here. After a bit of internet research, I kind of guessed at a regimen that might work for me, which is one 250mg rhodiola capsule before breakfast, one before lunch, and then 50mg 5-HTP before bed. In fact I found this site because I Googled "5-HTP" and "rhodiola" to see if there was any danger in taking them both, but I see several of you have also come up with a similar plan. Very assuring, and I have to say I felt a bit of triumph for having arrived at the same conclusion that others have made of my own accord.

Anyway, I've been taking it for a short while and I am still flabbergasted at how effective it is. I really just can't get over it. I could feel the effects after the very first dose of rhodiola. Not only did it improve my mood, it made me feel, well, happy! And it improved my personality. Low seratonin levels were impacting my life in many negative ways but now I am a new person.

Also it seems to have eliminated my morning headaches and neck stiffness, but I can't say whether that is attributed to the rhodiola or the 5-HTP. From what I've read it may likely be the 5-HTP.

However as others have stated, I would take caution in the dosage of rhodiola. I have found that if I take the afternoon dose too close to the morning dose, I do become a bit jittery and restless. Still happy--not nervous--but jittery and restless nonetheless.

Rhodiola is obviously powerful stuff and I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you are the type of person that it can benefit, then like the others here that have reported positive experiences, I think you'll be astounded as to how effective it can be."

[YEA]  01/13/2008: kellie from vancouver bc, canada writes: "Hi' I found 5 htp a couple years ago on the internet , looking for some thing to help my saddness and depression, so i heard about 5 htp , well i was desprite and i took 2 + 100 every day  , it helped me so so much , i go off it some times because the side effects for me are, it makes me get my period more ofton , mind you i think that is when i was taking 300 mg . and also it has caused me to get itchy palms of my hand ,and the back of my head . but now that iv gone down on them  and taken a break for a few months , im good . but i have to go on them because it helps me so much for depression . i have just discovered  the 5 htp with 200 mg L- Ter , wow as far as im concerned its a bloody mirical  . it changes my hole mood . makes me very happy .but for sure  one other side effect im not as hungry when im on it . and i dream more vividly . but as fare as im concerned its a wonder drug ,  sorry for the spelling.lets just hope the drug companys don't take them away ."

[YEA]  11/30/2007: Susanne from Indianapolis, In writes: "I began taking 5-HTP for depression and anxiety and sleeplessness during a very emotionally stressful breakup. I have Not had an anxity attack since 3-07 which I had suffered from off and on for several years. I sleep so much better. I am able to think clearer and stay focused and concentrate so much better as well as improved my memory. I am thankful for this. My dr. wanted to put me on Wellbutrine. NO Thank U!"

[YEA]  11/11/2006: Terri from San Jose, CA writes: "5HTP is greatly helping myself and my daughter with our symptoms of fibromyalgia. I have tried low doses of antidepressants in the past but nothing worked as well to improve my sleep as 5-HTP has. I take 200mg per night. My type comes with several essential cofactors to assist in proper seratonin production. No side effects for me, unlike with the other drugs. I'm considering it for more members of my family. We have a genetic sleep and pain disorder. Hopefully we can find the right dose for all of us. I advise everyone to see a qualified ND or sympathetic MD before self dosing to be extra safe but side effects are rare thankfully."

[YEA]  11/27/2005: Harrier from Long Beach, CA writes: "I was recently diagnosed as having some mild anxiety was was given Zoloft. However the side effects were to great for me to continue. I have been trying L- Glutamine and 5 HTP for about a month and appear to find a leveling off or those problems. For me although it seems to have helped, the jury is still out and I'm not sure if this is helping or its me in the fact I only recently recognized it was a problem. I have read that 90% of the people who try natural alternatives for depression / anxiety return to prescriptions. That is very high. I only wish I recognized my problem earlier. The only people I see pushing the natural alternatives are people who have things to gain. There have been no real blind study on 5 HTP. I do not crave junk food or caffeine nearly as much. If that is a symptom of improvement, perhaps I'm getting there."

[YEA]  Kathryn from Toronto, Ontario writes: "I am taking 5-HTP to help me with sleeping. My 16 yr old daughter is also taking it to help with stress and weight control as well as sleeping. We have found it has helped a lot and I don't have to take it every day . My kids call them the turkey pills because the amino acid they contain are the same as the one found in turkey, milk, bananas etc. We both take 100 or 200 mg a day."

[YEA]  Charlotte from Richboro, PA writes: "My 6year old grandson was diagnosed with "Select Mutism" 2 years ago and rather than put him on "Prozac", my daughter did some research and learned about 5HTP and chose to try it first. He started on 50mg every night. His psychologist saw the same results with the 5HTP as children on prescribed drugs. It's been a miracle for him. I have since then also taken it since our family seems to have anxiety problems and ADD runs in the family and it has helped very much with these problems. I usually take 100mg to 200mg daily depending on my stress levels at the time. We are so grateful our little grandson did not have to take Prozac or a similar drug. I would highly recommend it as a first choice to try at least."

CANKER SORES

[YEA]  11/19/2005: Maya from Ft Leavenworth writes: "My daughter and I would get canker scores often, until a friend told me about Lysine. We both take one a day, and if ever one starts to appear, then take 2 pills and the scores are gone. I told a great friend who had very dry lips and the lysine has worked for her as well! Love it! The pain is gone!"

[YEA]  11/15/2005: Thesa from Colorado Springs writes: "My 5 year old daughter came down with a horribly serious case of canker sores. Her mouth had several sores on her tongue, cheek, and gums. Her gums were so red and swollen you could barely see her little teeth. Her breath was absolutely terrible and she barely ate or drank a thing. Finally after a week of different attempts, we had her gargle with 6 drops of tea tree oil in 4 oz. of water three times a day, gave her half an adult dose of L-lysine crushed up into water once a day, gave her a homeopathic every hour and had her drink 16 oz. of water with acidophilus/FOS throughout the day. We kept her completely off of sugar, dairy and meat and mostly she ate cottage cheese and plain yogurt. Within one day she was so much better and finally eating and within 3 days totally better!"

[YEA]  10/20/2005: Lynda from Durham, NH writes: "My nurse practitioner recommended L-Lysine for my debilitating canker sores. They would last for weeks and were so bad that the pain extended to my neck and lymph nodes. I couldn't even eat without excruciating pain. When I feel a canker sore coming on, I take 1 gram 3 times a day and the sore is gone within a day or two."

[YEA]  Donnie from Spartanburg, SC writes: "A supplement called LYSINE helps to heal mouth sores faster, just take a 1-gram capsule 2 or 3 times a day."

HERPES

[YEA]  04/01/2008: Jodi from AV, Minn writes: "L-LYSINE Keep it simple - you feel the tingle - take (2000 to 3000mg) lysine asap! then (2000 to 3000mg) 3 times a day -for 2 days. Day 3 reduce to (1000 to 1500mg) 3 times a day. Day 4 (1000 to 1500mg) 3 times a day. Day 5 & day 6 (500mg) 3 times a day. Your Done! You will either have no outbreak or only a day or two with a very small blister with this treatment.

Also note: L-LYSINE is an amnio acid not a vitamin. Do not take Lysine for long extended periods or mega dose as it can have negative effect on the liver. For mega dosing you may want to have your liver checked out. I have done this for 20 years with great success. I do not take it any other time.

[YEA]  09/23/2007: Sue from Waukesha, WI writes: "Ever since I was a child I would get really bad cold sores on my lips. about eighteen years ago a co-worker told me about L-lysine.  I bought some and as soon as I would feel the tingling like one was starting I'd take 2-3 L-lysine and later in the day 2 more and the next day only 3.  And the cold sore wouldn't form or come out.  For about a year I'd take it only when I felt one coming and a day or two.  For about 14 years I haven't had one cold sore! A miracle!"

[YEA]  05/11/2007: Sheila from Kansas City, MO writes: "there's a vitamin called LYSINE -they sell it everywhere>>>GO BUY IT IT HELPS STOP fever blisters from coming and helps them go away..... i crush them up and put them on my lips IT WORKS"

CAUTION: Do not take Lysine for long extended periods as it can have negative effect on the liver. Try to use foods instead and good care of the body. if necessary, milk thistle, dandelion root and burdock can assist the liver in rebuilding itself."

[YEA]  01/24/2007: Melinda from Arlington, VA writes: "I went to a homeopathic pharmacy yesterday and spoke to an herbalist and wellness counselor. She recommended I take 1,000mg of L-Lysine everyday. During an outbreak, she told me to take 3,000mg of L-Lysine everyday. Additionally, she gave me a Super-Oxygenated Anti-Viral Formula that I should take 1 dropperful in a small amount of water 2-3 times a day when having an outbreak. She also gave me an RMA Healing Ointment to use on both oral and genital sores when having a herpes outbreak. I will keep you posted on how they all work!"

[YEA]  04/13/2006: AJ from IL writes: "Lysine didn't cure the herpes but it clears it up in no time. I also put hemorrhoid creme on the sore if it doesn't get opened. The ulcer is gone by the end of the day. If it does get opened then I used Hydrogen peroxide. It burns but it clears it up faster."

[YEA]  Maria from New Jersey writes: "I used to have back to back cold sores. Neither over-the-counter nor prescribed medications worked for me. I discovered L-Lysine. It is excellent. I try to take one daily on an empty stomach. If I get lazy and the tingle of a cold sore starts, I take several for a day or so. The sore does not breaks out, but can still be painful .Though not a cure, L-Lysine is the very best possible preventative. All my family with the same malady have had equally great results." Liz from Louisville, KY writes, "I had frequent outbreaks of cold sores and my dentist recommended I take Lysine. Since I started taking 1000 mg Lysine daily, I have not had a single cold sore in years." Tina, from Weiser, ID comments: "When I was a child I used to always get cold sores on the corner of my mouth, when I was 12 I had this really bad one and I had used Blistex (for cold sores) well, instead it caused it to spread even larger and I ended up with a large outbreak all over my lips, horrible for a 12 year old girl. So my mom heard about Lysine, I took the tablets, and in about 2-3 days they were all gone and believe it or not I have never had a cold sore since (now I am 26) So yes, I believe in the Lysine treatment 100%."

[YEA]  Jane from British Columbia, Canada writes: "I use L-lysine. 500mg. Taken a few days each month. Or take at the on-set of symptoms. Very rarely do I ever get an outbreak of oral anymore. Used to get them regularly and now they are almost a thing of the past. L-lysine is the cheapest and most effective remedy that I have found. Love it."

HIV, COLDS, MONO, HERPES, CHICKENPOX, SHINGLES

[YEA]  11/10/2007: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "I also caught another co-worker alone one day and said, "I don't want to embarrass you but I do want to tell you that if I'm ever diagnosed as HIV+ I would be taking l-lysine like it was going out of style" after observing him cornering one of the doc's , to look at his throat for the umpteenth time. His reply, what is it, where do I get it and how do I take it". Answer Walmart, Kmart, Walgreens, GNC stores, etc. Try to find the l000 mgm or 1 gram tablets, take 2 tablets breakfast, lunch, supper and bedtime. He was also told that if it didn't help him it wouldn't hurt him. I never asked if he got it, but he started looking better, missing work less often, and turned in his resignation stating he was going back to art school. Sounds like he expected to have a future. Unfortunately this story did not have a happy ending - seems he had a little too much to drink, backed his wife into a corner, and died from a stab wound inflicted by the butcher knife she carried into that corner with her for self-defense.

The reason I suspected that it might work was because it works against the common cold, mono (kissing fever), influenza. herpes type i & 2, chickenpox, shingles (herpes Zoster), all viruses, so just maybe it would work against HIV also, since it is a virus. An interesting little aside here, I recently read where some psychic claimed to have asked the other side about a cure for AIDS and was told that it had been around for centuries, that the cure was at hand and involved a protein. L-lysine is one of the amino acids which are protein. just maybe it would work against HIV virus.

LUPUS

SHINGLES

[YEA]  06/23/2006: Pat from Ann Arbor, Mich writes: "For me, it's the only thing I've tried, and it works every time. I used to get shingles regularly, and have used l-lysine each time, except for the time the MD didnt recognise the condition, and gave me............ antibiotics! Wow. I also use the dietary guidlines, and eat foods rich in lysine, and low in arginine. Stress will up the arginine, and bring on the outward manifestation of the virus."