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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> 5ht question
        
(Message started by: the_old_man on Dec 27^th, 2004, 9:40pm)

Title: 5ht question
Post by the_old_man on Dec 27^th, 2004, 9:40pm

Is 5ht a possible preventive for ch? Has anyone tried it? I heard that it might work on those nasty nite time hits and right now I'm willing to try anything. Any thoughts?

The Old Man

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Dec 27^th, 2004, 10:28pm

What is that?

Carol

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by the_old_man on Dec 27^th, 2004, 11:11pm

5ht is supposed to be a precursor to seratonin. Taking 5ht is supposed to up the level of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is what we CHers lack. I think I have it right.

The Old man

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 28^th, 2004, 5:32am

5ht is serotonin

Read about it at O.U.C.H. > http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/serotonin/

I believe if it were a viable preventative, we'd all know more about it. [smiley=huh.gif]

Unsolved

edited because I had to edit !! LOL

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by guesst on Dec 28^th, 2004, 8:49am

I know Giovanni used it as part of his preventive coctail. It seemed to work well for him. Make sure you are not on any serotonin re-uptake inhibitors though.

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by Melissa on Dec 28^th, 2004, 8:57am

In the past there have been some people who have had some success with 5htp. It is not an end all to clusters, but it may help and I'd say it's worth a try. As the saying goes with ch's, not everything works for every clusterhead. I have some myself, and it did help a bit a couple cycles ago, but in all my flurry I had completely forgotten about taking it for my last cycle. I am going to include it again in my ammunition for Sept.

Good luck!
:)mel

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by Bob P on Dec 28^th, 2004, 9:00am

I think what you asking about is 5HTP. It is an over the counter form of tryptophan which is a precurser to serotonin. A few people have tried it, including me, and it didn't do anything. Personally, I wouldn't waste my money on it again.

The deal with serotonin (5HT) is not to just increase the amount but you have to have the specific 5HT neuro sites involved. Here is a link to an article that explains the various receptor sites from the OUCH Library:
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/serotonin/90%27s.htm

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by floridian on Dec 28^th, 2004, 9:35am

I think it helps me with clusters. I am certain that 5htp helps me with my sleep - I wake up feeling more energized and refreshed. It also helps me with some types of anxiety and depression.

Don't mix 5htp with any type of anti-depressant. I only take it for a few days at a time.

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by Giovanni on Dec 28^th, 2004, 11:59am

By itself, 5-HTP, will not stop the clusters, but will elevate your mood. It helps with depression that we get when in cycle. In combination with melatonin at night, it helped me. This should not be used if taking the "alternative" treatment or anti depressants. I had taken 50mg X two per day. You probably should not exceed a couple of weeks at a time.

Worth a try...........

John

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by sailpappy on Dec 28^th, 2004, 3:37pm

;;DActually I believe 5ht is just one of many brain chemistry enzymes, all of which all end with ace. Its not seritonin its seritoninace, seritonin is a counter enzyme that inhibits the action of the seritoninace, such as many drugs in the seritonin uptake inhibitor catagory, my memory is a little foggy on this as its been 30+ years since I discussed it with my first neuro, but I believe there are some 21 such enzymes in the brain such as Histamineace which is why some people take anti-histamines to increase the action of the histamineace,
But then again I only have a GED and almost remember my name after 35 non-stop years of being chronic! Pappy

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by nani on Dec 28^th, 2004, 3:41pm

So pappy....does all that mean it's good or bad? I'm having one of my many brain fart moments and no matter how many times I read that...I'm just not getting what you said. :-/

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by the_old_man on Dec 28^th, 2004, 7:29pm

So...if it's worth a try, do you take it in the daytime or night time? I only meet the beast at nite. Should it be 5ht in the morning and melatonin at nite?

The Old Man

Title: Re: 5ht question
Post by sailpappy on Dec 28^th, 2004, 8:29pm

;;D I've done the 5ht and the histamine destention 5 times: with the only result being non stop clusters in a controlled enviorment, 3 hours each day for 3 days in a row, did nothing for the clusters as far as slowwing or abating them, my Opinion is that unless there is a definitive test to see if your seratonin levels are low I would pass!
There are several seratonin uptake inhibitors that are new and work in different ways, Geodon is one I would consider. Its primary developmental purpose is to help people with schizophrenia much like Lithium and Bi-polarism
JMHO Pappy

http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/geo1590.htm Geodon link

http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/des1128.htm Desyrel or Trazadone works in a very similar manner and has helped me sleep during very bad days

The thing to remember is that like Nurontin,keppra and Imetrex they were developed for a specific reason, but may be applyed to other conditions