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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Advisable To Take 5-htp For Depression?

Hi, my brother is taking a low dose of risperidone. He was taking 2.5 mg and tapered down to .05mg. He is not taking any anti depressants . Would it be safe to take 5-htp or st. johns wart for his depression? He doesnt like paxil and other anti depressants.
Tue, 4 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello Welcome to HCM

He is taking risperidone and has gradually lowered the doses of medicine. He is showing symptoms of depression and don't want to take medicines like Paroxetine. A lot of individuals with depression show decreased levels of serotonin in brain. Serotonin is 5 Hydroxy Tryptamine (5-htp).

Taking supplements of serotonin or St Johns Wart will improve the mood but they can't be the definitive treatment. Both drugs help by improving serotonergic transmission in brain.

Alternately you can give him diets rich in Omega 3 Fatty acid which will also help in improving neurotransmission in brain and in improving the mood symptoms.

If symptoms don't improve with these supplements then consult his psychiatrist for medicinal treatment.

Hope this helps you. Thanks
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Is It Advisable To Take 5-htp For Depression?

Hello Welcome to HCM He is taking risperidone and has gradually lowered the doses of medicine. He is showing symptoms of depression and don t want to take medicines like Paroxetine. A lot of individuals with depression show decreased levels of serotonin in brain. Serotonin is 5 Hydroxy Tryptamine (5-htp). Taking supplements of serotonin or St Johns Wart will improve the mood but they can t be the definitive treatment. Both drugs help by improving serotonergic transmission in brain. Alternately you can give him diets rich in Omega 3 Fatty acid which will also help in improving neurotransmission in brain and in improving the mood symptoms. If symptoms don t improve with these supplements then consult his psychiatrist for medicinal treatment. Hope this helps you. Thanks