Posted by Dennis on June 22, 1998 at 21:28:39:
In Reply to: Serotonin Musings posted by Hampton on June 22, 1998 at 10:37:57:
Hello Hampton,
I started on 150 mg 5-HTP on Friday 6/19/98. I have been having my longest cluster cycle ever (22 years of history) at 5 months and counting. My norm over 2 decades had been 6-8 weeks. The thing even started working on the other side of my head (very rare for me). Plus, my overall physical condition seemed to be deteriorating as well.
I too thought of the serotonin connection thinking about Imitrex and found quite a bit of research on the 'net. There is a close linkage between serotonin and melatonin as well. I remembered the ban on L-tryptophan a few years ago, and was about ready to go beg my GP to prescribe some for me. I saw the same TV segment on 5-HTP that DonnaM refers to in her reply to your post.
After only three days on the 5-HTP and mild exercise regimen, I felt like my old self. The headaches are not completely gone, but I feel "normal" in the pain free periods and I feel like I may be able to finally beat this episode. My wife bought me a book for Father's Day called 5-HTP by an N.D. named Murray, and he cites clinical evidence of results like mine and does an excellent job of explaining the whole serotonin phenomenon. Best results obtained after 2 weeks, so I am optimistic.
BTW, I have also been taking a prescription SSRI, propanolol, for 2 weeks, and some melatonin at bedtime. Your results may vary, but I hope they are as good as mine have been so far. Best of luck.
Dennis