Customer Reviews

5-HTP: The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Minor obsessive-compulsive disorder run in my family. A brother of mine is taking Zoloft. I was looking for a natural alternative to treat symptoms that I've had that are considered "mild" by the psychiatric community (my symptoms don't prevent me from holding down a job and having relationships). I've been unable to find a cure with behavioral modification. This book had the information I needed to understand the neurological and behavioral systems that are affected by serotonin deficiency. I was impressed with Dr. Murray's presentation of scientific studies and comparisons of 5-HTP against pharmological alternatives. I'm on 5-HTP now and it "magically" cured my 20-year compulsion. 5-HTP is no placebo. Like one of the other reviwers, I have to take 5-HTP in the morning. Taken before bedtime, I experience very vivid dreams and wake up at 3:00 a.m., unable to get back to sleep.

This well-written and extremely interesting book is a must-read for anyone suffering from insomnia, carbohydrate cravings (which often lead to obesity), depressed moods, or migraines. All of these medical problems have been linked to lack of serotonin, a chemical that the human brain makes naturally, which plays a part in the ability to feel pleasure, feel satisfied after eating, and feel well rested. Dr. Murray introduces his reader to a naturally-derived serotonin booster, 5-HTP, which has had positive effects on obese, insomniac, and depressed patients in both medical studies and in his own patients, so far without the negative side effects associated with Prozac and fen-phen.

While I agree with Amazon's assessment that the in-depth neurobiology of Dr. Murray's book can be intimidating, I see that as more of an indication of his unwillingness to patronize his readers by omitting it because it's "too hard for us." I would actually greatly distrust anyone who advised me to introduce a new substance into my body without telling me exactly what effect it was going to have on me in great detail. Try not to be intimidated by all those Latin names and medical terms - Murray really does try to explain these very complicated concepts in layman's terms.

I also greatly respect Murray's holistic approach to curing depression and obesity - he is never satisfied with merely selling us a miracle pill that can cure all of the reader's health problems without any effort on his or her part in this book. In addition to detailing the positive effects of 5-HTP as a dietary supplement, he strongly emphasizes good nutrition, proper sleep and exercise, and having a positive attitude as well, which I find reassuring, given the number of crash-diet and snake-oil peddlers out there.

I had such a hard time falling asleep, accompanied by debilitating anxiety, until I read this book and started taking 5-HTP. My problem was so serious that I found I was sleeping with my eyes open (Ouch!) The very first night I took it, I slept like a baby. I was unable to take prescription sleep aids and anxiety drugs because of depression and other medical problems. I felt immediate relief with 5-HTP.

The scientific studies referenced in this book made be feel very comfortable in taking 5-HTP. They were written in an easily understandable format. The author basically drew a map of the path 5-HTP takes throughout the body. Well done Dr. Murray!

When I skimmed the book jacket it was like reading a list of my symptoms: strong need for carbs in the evening, depression, difficulty in sleeping. I bought the book, but wasn't expecting any miracles. Well, I found one. Dr. Murphy painstakingly documents hundreds of clinical studies that prove the effectiveness of this amino acid when used to treat everything from obesity to migranes. He never asks the reader to take a leap of faith; rather he explains everything about this product in exceptional detail. I was so impressed with both the book, as well as the results I saw within 3 days of my taking this supplement, that I gave my copy of the book to my doctor. He specializes in hereditary diseases and thanked me for passing this on to him. Warning: as is noted in the book, some people (like myself) do experience nausea when first trying this supplement. This was easily fixed by taking tablets that are coated -- like aspirin -- so they don't dissolve in the stomach, but in the intestines. Thank you Dr. Murphy.

Regarding the debate between Murray's book and Sahelian's, each has merit. The bottom line is that both books offer considerable information on the benefits of 5-HTP. For many it is proving to be a viable solution to the conditions that plague so many. Murray's book offers substantial information that is easy to understand, but the recommended high initial dosage has worried some consumers. My sister has taken 5-HTP for a while now and is seeing great improvement without suffering from the side effects of the SSRI she had been on previously. A site where she has had great service as well as a variety of product choices is iHerb. She is pleased that they offer several choices of 5-HTP with dosages as low as 50 mg. so she could initially start with a low dosage and then find what works best for her.

While at home recovering from a hysterectomy and tummy tuck, I knew I had to get a handle on my depression, insomnia and over-eating. Needless to say, when I came across this title, it jumped out at me. I have been on 5-HTP for only 2 weeks now, and the difference it has made in my mood is incredible! My sleeping patterns have changed as well - I'm actually able to get 7-8 hours a night now instead of 4-5! I am still increasing dosage slowly, as he recommends, to reduce carbohydrate cravings, and have absolutely no doubt (given the success of the other two areas), that this will improve as well. Perhaps one of the most important factors thus far is that with my depression lifted, I can think positively about my self-image and begin seeing myself exercising, stopping smoking, etc. I also must say that I took his advice and found a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement that meets his guidelines, and am also taking the few supplemental herbs he encourages one to take. After trying diets, taking sleeping aids, and being on anti-depressants for so long, it truly feels wonderful to know that this natural approach is my answer.

This book has lots and lots of excellent information. 5-HTP really works, as I suffer from depression and now take 5-HTP and it has greatly helped me. As for making one sick as one customer review said; you need to take the enteric coated kind of 5-HTP. This is something that is addressed in the book. Really good!

This is all natural. There are no known side effects. I have suffered from depression most of my life and this has helped more than antidepressants, but as you read in the book 5-HTP isn't the only supplement that you need to take. 5-HTP naturally occurs in biological chemical processes but people w/ depression are missing the normal levels found in "happy" people. You won't see any effects overnight as some people would like. Just follow the instructions in the book, you can't go wrong.

As are most people who read this type of book, I am looking for answers about brain chemistry and mood enhancement. I suffer from depression, but have never tried a prescription drug since a brief bout with tricyclics about 15 years ago. This is a great alternative. Nicely written review of the neurological action, and what the substance does. I take 5HTP, and it works somewhat for me. I have had to take it during the daytime, as it causes extremely vivid dreams if I take it at night. I have had no other side effects yet...though I haven't been taking it long. I am always interested when a Doctor puts out a book promoting an alternative method of achieving well-being.

I have suffered from mild depression for years. The therapy described in the book has worked like a miracle.