5-HTP anyone??

[MoxieGirl]

So, I cart myself down to the health food store planning on buying some Melatonin. Only to find out Holland & Barrett don't sell it. Something to do with a licencing issue or something. The lady I was speaking to offered me 5-HTP instead.

She went on to say this is really good for balancing out the serotonin levels, and ideal for people who get headaches in the night. I didn't mention I get headaches in the night, just that I was looking for Melatonin for clusters and to help me sleep. She said this should do the trick (my favourite word, 'should').

So, thought I'd try someone.

[diamondmaker]

Worth a try if you can't get melatonin. I have tried 5-HTP for insomnia... also L-Tryptophan. They can give your body more of what it needs to produce melatonin, but that doesn't mean your body will. Can't say it had any effect on the CH for me.

[FunGuy]

5-HTP was discussed extensively on ch.com a few years back

Here are a couple of links, or you can do the search on the home page:

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=medsarchive2003;action=display;num=1041532979

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1298027743

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=meds;action=display;num=1147538786

I don't think there was ever an consensus on its effectiveness.   

I'd stick to melatonin if you can find it anywhere.   Just me opinion.

FG

[MoxieGirl]

Thanks FG.

I also have bad daily headaches, so if it doesn't do a thing for my clusters, it might help them. Even if it helps me sleep, that would be a bonus. But still keeping my eye open for Melatonin.

[cludster]

I remember first taking 5-HTP about ten years ago and got a headache within about 30 minutes. Ginkgo Biloba also triggers headaches for me but even worse than 5-HTP. Everyone is slightly different but I thought I'd weigh in.

cheers,

C

[Brad]

I also tried 5-HPT as a desperate attempt for my clusters with no success.  I was very hopeful because I remembered it from my fun party days and wondered if it would work.  But of course the beast is VERY illusive and what works for one may not the other.  I am still waiting for my MRI date to arrive to check for AVM.  Fingers crossed.  Funny chance of luck that one of my new clients that I am training is a Neurosurgeon and he is willing to help me in any way he can!      

[MoxieGirl]

To be fair, I'd just be happy if 5-HPT would reduce the mornings I wake up with a headache. So if it doesn't help clusters, that's fine. I have something for that.

So, busting seems to be helping clusters and migraines.

Hopefully, 5-HPT and/or Melatonin will help with my headaches.