Part 1 of this series described how taking only 5-HTP can exacerbate neurotransmitter imbalance because of issues during the production of neurotransmitters. Part 2 described a similar problem that can occur during the degradation of neurotransmitters. The upshot is that if you take only 5-HTP, it will cause (a) decreased production and (b) increased degradation of all the catecholamines, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Since serotonin and the catecholamines work as a system, this creates greater imbalance in the system, which will eventually either make your original problems worse or create new ones.
The solution to this dilemma is to take the correct balance of amino acids that your body needs to achieve optimal neurotransmitter function. Because this balance is specific to your exact needs, specialized testing is often necessary to determine the dosing necessary to restore proper balance. In order to achieve optimal neurotransmitter function, it is imperative that you work with a provider with specialize training in amino acid therapy and that has experience working with neurotransmitter imbalances.
We have worked with people from all over the world to achieve optimal neurotransmitter function. If you cannot find a provider that specializes in amino acid therapy near you, please give us a call and set up an initial phone consultation so you can get started.
Thank you for the explanation. I took over 2000 mg/day of 5-HTP for years!
I now take it with SAMe and have L-Trosine to replace the SAMe in yet another trial of a few months.
Are there scientific tests to prove the levels of neurotransmitters in one’s body?
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the comment/question. We are not actually interested in the body’s store/levels of neurotransmitters; what we are interested in is how we can optimize the production, transport and metabolism of serotonin and the catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine) in order to optimize neurotransmitter function. The only test that we have found useful in this regard is the Organic Cation Transporter Assay by DBS Labs: http://amino-acid-therapy.com/oct-assay-interpretation/. You’ll find some additional links for further information on this link as well.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
I have ocd, migraines etc
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for the comment; amino acid therapy is likely to help you get these conditions under control. To learn more, please visit: http://www.amino-acid-therapy.com. If this approach sounds like it fits what you are looking for, please contact NeuroResearch to find a provider that can help provide you direction: http://www.neurosupport.com.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Can you take 5HTP alongside L-tyrosine? Or do they react together?
Hi Phoebe – great question! The answer is definitely “yes”; we normally recommend that they be used together (i.e., taken at the same time) for most people.
Dr. Chad
Hi there, thanks for the article. My question is: what if you already have too much dopamine, and you need more serotonin? Then in that case, should you not supplement 5htp? If you supplement with dopamine precursors, won’t you end up making more dopamine as well, which you don’t want? Thanks.
Hi Angela,
This a great question, and intuitively, it feels right. However, we have found that no matter what, it is necessary to provider precursors for both systems, along with the cofactors/nutrients needed to convert those amino acid precursors into their respective neurotransmitters in order to avoid causing or creating more neurotransmitter dysfunction. Now, the amounts can be dramatically different depending on each person’s needs, but we have found it is absolutely essentials to determine and provide the right balance of amino acids in order to optimize functioning. This is where and why testing is so crucial.
Hope that helps!!
Dr Chad
Hi Angela – thanks for the comment/question. Intuitively, what you have said makes perfect sense; thus the reason so many people only take one precursor or the other. However, when you look at the biochemistry, it becomes clear that is isn’t an issue of “too much or too little” of one or the other precursors, it’s more of a function of the balance between them. What we need to do is optimize neurotransmitter function and this requires providing the right balance of nutrients so the enzymes that make as well as destroy these neurotransmitters work in a balanced fashion. It turns out this can only be done if precursors for both serotonin and dopamine are given together.
Now, to your point, the amounts of each of those precursors may be dramatically different if someone needs substantially more support for one system or the other; however, it is imperative that some amount (ideally the optimal amount) of each precursor be provided in order to prevent exacerbating or creating further imbalance.
If you’d like to learn more, here are a couple papers you could read: https://www.neurosupport.com/references/03-dual-gate-lumen-model-of-renal-monoamine-transport_0702101.pdf and https://www.neurosupport.com/references/16-5-htp-efficacy-and-contraindications.pdf.
I hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad