5-HTP?

pearlsonthebeach · February 2013

Hi there, been lurking here for a while and decided to finally post a question! I'm 28 weeks in to my first pregnancy.

My midwife suggested taking 5-HTP for depression/anxiety. Of course, there are no studies proving the use of 5-HTP is safe in pregnancy, and all the articles I've found have basically said not to take it during pregnancy because "in theory, it could cause complications to the baby and/or mother". These same studies suggest taking Prozac, Zoloft, or Wellbutrin instead...shocking! (Note: I am not against using these drugs in all circumstances, but I weaned myself off of an SSRI when TTC, and would be more comfortable taking something natural.)

I am currently taking fish oil caplets 4x a day along with my multi, which I find helps tremendously.

MW recommended I start at 50 mg of 5-HTP and up to 100 if I felt the need. I don't like taking things without researching them first (that goes for pharmaceuticals and supplements alike), and while I do trust her, I was hoping to get some anecdotal evidence on the benefits/risks before diving in to this one.

Anyone have any experience with 5-HTP, firsthand, secondhand, what have you? I'm appealing to your anecdotes because googling has just left me frustrated with "in theory..." and "no studies to prove it's recommended..." blahblah.

Thanks in advance!

breathlessbride · February 2013

I want to say that I feel your pain! I had to go off of my anxiety meds during my pregnancy and I could definitely tell a difference.

I have never heard of 5-HTP so I can't help you there. But there are classes of medication and there might be something you can take during the pregnancy. I think I ended up with Celexa post-partum because I really needed an anxiety med and even though I was breastfeeding, my daughter did fine.

So if you're not comfortable with trying the 5-HTP (and fwiw, I wouldn't be either), keep asking your OB/midwife for other options.

Also, I got a yoga dvd and somehow that helped. Lol!

breathlessbride · February 2013

Sorry, I missed that part about you wanting something natural. Reading comprehension for the win :-p

pearlsonthebeach · February 2013

no worries, it's Monday!

yes, I was on celexa prepregnancy. it worked well for me but I really don't like the idea of ssris during pregnancy.

I so want the 5htp to be the answer but all the "mainstream" sources use scary phrases. :

not that I don't trust my midwife, I just want some data!

junie216 · February 2013

I have taken it pre-pregnancy with good results. But I stopped a long time before I got pregnant and the two events were not related.

happywife2b · February 2013

I have taken 5-htp during this pregnancy, but I don't take it all the time. I would look for info on how high levels of serotonin affect the unborn, because 5-htp is a serotonin booster. Better yet, ask some doctors.

naturalarmygirl · June 2014

I've been looking for the same info myself. 5 HTP saved me from terrible anxiety pre-pregnancy, and the times I've taken it during pregnancy have led to five solid hours of sleep each time, which is a huge deal for me. I took kava kava during my 2nd pregnancy 16 years ago and my child is brilliant, sweet, kind and healthy. Kava kava is supposed to help with anxiety, and all the same weird info is everywhere about how dangerous it is prenatally. So, there's an anecdotal about a different herb. I'm with you on avoiding Rx stuff and preferring to go natural.

lovesazzie · June 2014

I love 5-HTP, and had great results with a supplement containing it prior to this pregnancy. That said, I weaned off prior to TTC this time because I was just not comfortable after researching. There really isn't a lot out there, but I decided I was just more comfortable avoiding it. I've been managing with a fish oil supplement, and so far that has been enough for me. I have no idea what I'll do after birth..

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