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Molly (Madison, USA) on 04/11/2008
0 out of 5 stars

Warning

One time I purchased a bottle of 5-htp, and after taking one capsule morning & evening, just twice, I threw the bottle away. My reaction to 5-htp was horrific; upon further research I learned that high levels of serotonin are associated with SEVERE ANXIETY. I also read that the spice ginger is a serotonin antagonist, so I have a bottle on hand, just in case I ever feel so anxious ever again.

Then I read somewhere online that there is a set of people whose depression responds to Acetyl L-Carnitine, they said the depression lifted in these people when using 3-4 grams a day, and to take two grams of acetylcarnitine on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.

This amino acid is the most amazing substance; I've never been able to take more than 2 grams per day - there is such great mental clarity, there is utter inability to be depressed, but there simultaneously is no euphoria - just calm lucid clarity. I've read that it assists the brain in making many different neurotransmitters - so it is not anything, not anything at all like 5-htp which floods the brain with serotonin - which, if you don't need it, might create severe anxiety.

REPLY   7      

Replied By Bodulica (Barrie, Ontario, Canada) on 03/12/2013

My reaction to 5-HTP was terrible. Felt like I ingested a poison. Very sick, felt like fainting, headache...
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Replied By Chadi10 (UAE) on 09/03/2013

Hi Molly, is Acetyl L-Carnitine same as L-carnitine or different?
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Replied By Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 09/04/2013

Hello Chadi:

I didn't see if "Molly" had responded to you. You ask if Acetyl Carnitine is the same as L Carnitine. They are not. Carnitine is used for fat removal and to help those exercising to use fat for energy... the chemistry of the mitochrondria is involved.

Acetyl l Carnitine, is a derivative of Carnitine and is primarily used as brain protection, being able to penetrate the blood brain barrier.

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