Depending
on the actual bioavailability provided by different 5-HTP preparations I would
say a good pure preparation of 100 mg daily should be a sufficient amount in
this situation. Taking too much could end up in a serotonergic reaction
(agitation, consciousness impairment, tachycardia, hallucinations, etc.)[1]. Therefore
with a reliable preparation, as seen with ‘PureEncapsulations’ I would stick to
100 mg daily only.
Rhodiola
Rosea: In Russia and Scandinavia, it has been used for centuries to cope with
the cold Siberian climate and stressful life.[2]
The theory is that is has a positive impact on serotonin, dopamine and acts as
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. This would affect depression in a positive way.[3] In
light of what it can do and the lack of studies, and lack of standardization I would
only use it with a high degree of caution and under direct supervision of your physician
lest you trigger a sertonergic reaction as described above. I have never used
this substance before but after reading about it, it does look interesting.
For
depression: Are there any other herbs, amino acids, or vitamins you would recommend?
I also like Copper 2-3 mg once daily with a meal (which can be in a multivitamin).
Be cautious with other amino acids though as they can have some pretty
significant effects and side effects. Sometimes I will also use St. Johns Wort at 300 to 900 mg daily in divided doses. This last is a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
[3] Monoamine
oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots. [J Ethnopharmacol. 2009] -
PubMed - NCBI . http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19168123.
Accessed 10/7/2012 2012.
