Hello….I have done research on both 5-htp and SamE but am confused as to which is appropriate for mild depression/anxiety.? Seems that either might be appropriate.
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confused about taking either 5HTP or SamE
Updated on February 29, 2016 in
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Either can be appropriate, you’re right. What brain type are you? That can help clarify which is more recommended for you.
Coach
For brain type 4, SAM-E would be more appropriate as it helps balance both emotional and physical symptoms. Pair that with a low glycemic diet and protein at every meal or snack for blood sugar control. If you want to hear more about the supplements, check out Dr. Amen’s video on them here.
Coach
This all has been very helpful Thanks!! Wondering though, I read The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions–Today by Julia Ross… which is what actually started my interested in amino acids for depression/anxiety which then lead me to Brain Fit.
One of the things that was suggested was that if taking 5-HTP was working ( 50 mg 2x a day for me right now) that you might stop after finishing the first bottle to see if the improvement sustains and may not have to then continue. However if symptoms return which they may not…to then resume the 5-Htp. Just curious if that sounds like good advice?
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I have had the same question! I am type 16. All the things I’ve seen say to take one or the other but not both. I began with 5-HTP but then switched over to the SAM-e, after reading about some people who got really sick on the 5-HTP.
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I don’t have joint pain, fortunately. Thank you for the video link. I will go check it out.
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Hi coach Zoe. I am brain type 11, not sure what that means but I take the serotonin mood support. It helps me quite a bit. How is that different from 5htp or Sam E?
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I’m glad to hear that Serotonin Mood Support is helpful for you. While all three can address mood, especially depression, 5-HTP is commonly used for sleep and anxiety as well, while SAM-E is helpful for folks who need to address both depressive symptoms as well as joint pain.
From what I gather, a person should take either one or the other, but not both. Is that correct? Maybe I should switch back to the 5-HTP then. I would take that before bed, correct? If I wait a day, since I took the SAMe this morning, then by tomorrow night it would be safe to take the 5-HTP?
Coach
Thank you, Coach Zoe! I do have a busy mind and it tends to go in circles–over and over the same things. The SAMe seems to have calmed me down a bit already. I noticed that I haven’t been as reactive when my husband is driving lately (don’t know if he’s noticed, but I’ve been more relaxed!). I will switch to the 5-HTP for a while and see what happens.
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This is a very helpful and interesting post…I’m taking SAMe and Dr Amen’s Serotonin Mood Support, but from what I have read here I should possibly switch to 5-HTP at bedtime. My issues are more around positive mood, relaxation and sleep. I take Dr Amen’s Restful Sleep, but I can’t say that it seems to help as much as I would like (it does help some, for without it my sleep is worse). I still wake up every hour or two and tend to have very wakeful periods without sleep during the night. Why is my brain so charged up to be awake at night? Melatonin also helps but only for a few hours and then it wears off. Otherwise I follow a very sleep friendly routine during the day and evening. I have come so far in my healing over the past few years, I know I can learn to sleep again!
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I have brain type 8 and I have been taking both Sam e and 5htp! I have primary insomnia.
i am feeling less anxious and more relaxed since starting these supplements one month ago! I have read the above articles and am wondering if I should be taking both or just one of these supplements
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You can certainly take both supplements without a problem. I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better since starting them! As Brain Type 8, you may consider taking Serotonin Mood Support (which has 5-HTP in it) if you feel you need more mood support, but it sounds like what you’re doing is working, so keep it up!
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Thank you for clarifying this, Coach Zoe. I’m glad to know a person can take both. Very helpful!
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