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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can 5-HTP Be Taken In Place Of Sertraline?

Hi, I am currently taking 100mg of sertraline each day for anxiety. This seems to ease symptoms. However, I would like to eventually come off it. How is 5-htp in comparison? I understand it is a completely different drug/supplement but just wondering the differences physiologically
Wed, 1 Apr 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

* The 5 HTP is hydroxytryptophan which is used in many cases of depression, anxiety and other neurologic conditions.

Sertaline is serotonin reuptake inhibitor and hence increases the level of serotonin in the brain and its secondary effects over the control of anxiety condition.

There would be synergistic effects of both through metabolic pathway and central nervous system circuits, and hence it is not recommended to take both simultaneously without medical advise.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
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Can 5-HTP Be Taken In Place Of Sertraline?

Hello, * The 5 HTP is hydroxytryptophan which is used in many cases of depression, anxiety and other neurologic conditions. Sertaline is serotonin reuptake inhibitor and hence increases the level of serotonin in the brain and its secondary effects over the control of anxiety condition. There would be synergistic effects of both through metabolic pathway and central nervous system circuits, and hence it is not recommended to take both simultaneously without medical advise. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel