Social Anxiety Forums

Quest · Anonymous

I would like to tell you my experience with 5-HTP so that it may help anyone hoping to find hope.

I have had terrible anxiety with panic attacks with bouts of depression for most of my life, and have been through the Celexa and the Klonopin and the Xanax...the list trails on.

After kicking the Klonopin, as it was dragging me down, I was once again searching for an answer, some hope. I have studied alternatives for many years, and tried quite a few. Some work, some do not for me. However, I must say that TWO alternatives have worked far better than my expectations.

1. Sam E. In THREE days I was shopping in a mall, going out to eat, and laughing again. This happened, after having a horrible spell of agoraphobia. I would NEVER have believed it. The only drawback for me was that I felt slightly buzzy and almost caffeinated. It stopped my fears of going out and made me feel bright and full of energy but it didn’t stop some of the anxiety attacks. Sam E can actually cause anxiety so I would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with a lot of GAD or PAD. However, on a low dose of 100-200mg a day it might do the trick. Some people get slight nausea, and if you are one of them, take a ginger capsule. It should stop it in its tracks. I’ve decided to use Sam E to cycle with and not on a daily basis as it aggravates my anxiety.

2. 5 HTP. The first day that I took this I was having one of those really shaky days, feeling panicky and down. After I took the first 50mg capsule I must admit that I was expecting the worst - more panic, light headedness, too much energy, a caffeine buzz...my kava was on hand in case. However, within 20 minutes, instead of panic, I felt calmness. Again, instead of hiding in my house, I felt like going for a walk. Mind you, I’m one of those that have had fears of walking in case I faint - all the old agoraphobic weird frights. After taking 5-HTP I walked, I rode my bike, I went out to eat at a restaurant AWAY from an exit. I felt so "normal" that I cried. Not one thing, no pharmacy pill, no therapy, had ever done that for me.

As for the depression, 5-HTP helps, but not as evident as the Sam E. Just thought I would share this information with you. I have also tried other natural treatments. I tried St Johns Wort 3 times, but the light headedness triggered my panic attacks. Hope this helps some looking for some alternate views. Bless.

By Quest

cpanon · Launch Team Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 22

nothing here

Josh · Posted: Tue March 06, 2007 Post subject:

Yes they are. You can get them in health stores. However 5-HTP is not available in Australia.
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