[slanker]

Been doing some reading and came across this supplement 5-htp, a nutrient which restores serotonin. Has anybody tried this or have any insight into this?
With me I believe I suffered severe long term trauma about 6 years ago which I supplemented with many drugs. I think this caused me to have the symptoms associated with serotonin deficiency:

• Depressed
• Nervous/anxious
• Worrier
• Fears/phobias
• Negative/pessimistic
• Irritable/impatient/edgy
• Obsessive compulsive tendency
• Think about the same things over & over again
• Self destructive or suicidal thoughts/plans
• Low self esteem/confidence
• Rage/anger/explosive behavior/assaultive
• Sleep problems/light sleeper
• Feel worse in & dislike dark weather
• Crave sugar/carbohydrates/alcohol/marijuana
  • Use these substances to improve mood & relax
• Chronic pain (e.g. headaches, backaches, fibromyalgia)
• PMS
• Antidepressants or 5-HTP improve mood
• Family history of depression/anxiety/OCD/eating disorders

Ok around about the same time I began to suffer from premature ejaculation. I am sure that my serotonin imbalance is a factor in my premature ejaculation. Does anyone know any more information on this area? For example a good SSRI that you could buy online and take a very small dose?

I know that people take SSRI's to treat premature ejaculation and I know it works from what I have read. These med's though are prescribed and have some dangers. 5-htp on the other hand, is a natural source from a plant and restores serotonin levels and could help with premature ejaculation in the same way by restoring the balance. As an imbalance of serotonin levels in the brain is what causes the reflex to ejaculate so rapidly. OR would I have to take prescription SSRI's?

5-HTP, 5-HTP Depression, 5-HTP Insomnia, 5-HTP Anxiety, 5-HTP Weight Loss - 5-HTP Side Effects

I am also beginning to realise how important b-vitamins are and these are top of my supplement list as these too help with anxiety and depression etc. Gingko also increases serotonin from what I have read.

Anyway I just wanted to hear if anyone has any more info they can give me and help me put together a decent supplement programme, that won't affect my bloodflow to the penis so I can still PE actively while work out other things too.

[remek]

Slanker: Sorry to hear about your ongoing troubles with premature ejaculation (among many other things).

I haven't read much about 5-HTP, but I do know from my own experience that Vitamin B and Gingko appear to help release sertonin. I'm curious, have you showed any signs of ADD over the past 6 years?

As a side note, SSRIs probably won't cause you too much trouble, as long as you take them in very minute doses from time to time (i.e. not every day, and way less than someone who takes them from depression).

Good luck,
rem

[slanker]

Remek: Thanks for that. I am looking into those three, 5-htp, ginko and vitamin b. With the SSRI's yes I was thinking the same, minute doses shouldn't be a problem. Curious to know how much is a minute dose and which type of SSRI? Anyway I am not having regular sex at the moment, but I am preparing myself for when I do.

[slanker]

Remek: Curious with the SSRI route, could I start taking them now when I am not sexually active or should I wait till I am sexually active?

[JonPop]

Slanker, if you will start on these Now. you might not have a need for anything else. Go with the "Super "B".

1 Super B complex.
1 Multi Vitamin & Minerals.
1 60 mg Zinc.
2 500mg L-Arginine capsule.
1 500 mg L-Lysine.

[slanker]

Thanks JonPop I will start the super B today. I might throw in some arginine when I get the chance.

[Dugger]

Hi Slanker, I have suffered with severe O.C.D. and anxiety for over 30 yrs. Tried just about every drug (ssri's) out there. I am currently on Cymbalta, again (having took it before). But it just isn't working so hot. I'll probably go back to Luvox (fluvoxamine). It seemed to help somewhat better. As far as a more natural, and, over the counter remedy, you might want to try Sam-E (maybe in conjunction with vitamins already sighted above). Some people swear by this product. You can get it at grocery stores and health food places. I'm considering this myself. About 30 bucks per mo. supply. Ssri's can sometimes mess with your 'wedding tackle' functioning. But not always. I hope you find something that works for you, and try your best to stay positive, though I know it can be rough. Dugger

[kingpole]

Be careful with cymbalta it can raise your blood sugar levels. i think the reason we are seeing an epeidemic of diabetes is due to SSRI use. Long before SSRI came on the scene they used cod liver opil in capsule form. It worked for depression and still works. Another supp to try is fish oil.

SSRI'S have a high failure rate.

[calixto]

St. John's Wort, all the way!

[going411by7]

I may try some of these remedies now that I have my blood sugar well under control and am working with a diabetes specialist. I would love to get off the Cymbalta. I don't think it is working anymore--kind of like "Prozac poop out." I suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) big time, and I have read that many bouts of depression subside after six months whether you are on one of these anti-depressants or not. I just think one should be real careful about going off them without consulting with people in the know and not winging it alone. I wish I could approach taking these natural substances in a more scientific way. But one man's poison is another man's ? whatever.