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5-HTP: The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia
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- 5-HTP: The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia
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Most helpful positive review
169 of 170 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsWell written book
ByA customeron January 26, 2001
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.
Most helpful critical review
109 of 140 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 starsIncomplete and full of inconsistencies
ByA customeron August 27, 2003
While this book presents some interesting and possibly even helpful information, Murray destroys his credibility by his glaring contradictions. For example, on page 33 he says, "5-HTP...cannot be metabolized by the liver into kynurenine." Then on page 238 he says, "...if vitamin B6 levels are low, then more 5-HTP will get converted in the liver into another substance, kynurenine."
Another troubling oversight is that Murray's mention of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is very brief, and is in reference only to the L-tryptophan scare of 1989. He never mentions that 5-HTP has also been linked with EMS. He also states that the manufacturing process of 5-HTP prevents any possible contamination, which simply isn't true.
I read this book hoping to find reassuring information about the safety of 5-HTP, but in light of Murray's poor research, inconsistencies and inaccuracies, it's hard to trust any of the information presented.
Another troubling oversight is that Murray's mention of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is very brief, and is in reference only to the L-tryptophan scare of 1989. He never mentions that 5-HTP has also been linked with EMS. He also states that the manufacturing process of 5-HTP prevents any possible contamination, which simply isn't true.
I read this book hoping to find reassuring information about the safety of 5-HTP, but in light of Murray's poor research, inconsistencies and inaccuracies, it's hard to trust any of the information presented.
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169 of 170 people found the following review helpful
ByA customeron January 26, 2001
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.
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89 of 91 people found the following review helpful
ByA customeron June 22, 1998
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.
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.
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87 of 90 people found the following review helpful
ByA customeron January 28, 2000
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.
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78 of 82 people found the following review helpful
BySuzanne Chonokon July 21, 2000
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.
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48 of 50 people found the following review helpful
ByA customeron January 23, 2000
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.
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66 of 71 people found the following review helpful
ByA customeron September 19, 1998
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!
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!
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43 of 47 people found the following review helpful
ByTrudy Winslowon February 11, 2000
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!
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
ByTexas Girlon January 19, 2009
I have had this book on my shelf for a while occasionally scanning it for information about headaches. For some reason I picked it up the other day and my life has been changed. I use to take a ton of meds for migraines and not to mention the cost of my rescue meds. I checked with my neurologist before taking the 5 HTP. He thought it was good to try it. I have been headache free for over 2 weeks now. I feel great and have energy and wake up feeling rested. My suggestion is if you have headaches, of course check with your doctor, but give this a try. No side effects except feeling much better and off toxic meds. I have tried EVERYTHING. This is the only thing that gives me hope. I found his book very informative.
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46 of 51 people found the following review helpful
ByA customeron December 11, 2002
I have suffered from mild depression for years. The therapy described in the book has worked like a miracle.
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31 of 34 people found the following review helpful
ByShasheon March 23, 2011
My father committed suicide after suffering major depression most of his life and in my late 20's I started fighting off symptoms that escalated with the birth of my first child. Like my father, I started leaning on temporary mood boosting remedies such as 5 hour power, energy drinks, coffee, lots of excercise, keeping myself busy, socialing, etc, etc. I tried everything I could to try boosting my energy and help fight my feelings of negativity, worthlessness, hopelessness. Still, I have migraines all the time and I wake up with a foggy feeling every morning that I try fighting off the rest of the day. I catch myself unable to keep my switch from flipping in even slightly stressful situations, and all I want to do is just lay in bed and wait for my body and mind to finally feel back to "normal" again while I try sleeping this phase away.
I then tried these wonderful little pills called "Happy Pills" that contained 5-HTP. They worked famously in the short term on half the suggested dosage, however, there was too much caffeine in them which again did harm to my overall health. So I went to a local health store and found these 5-HTP pills in 50mg by NOW FOODS (for Seratonin production) along with Rhodiola in 500mg (known to increase energy, physical endurance and well-being).
After my FIRST dose of each, yes...FIRST, I felt that after all the money I've spent toward this...5-HTP is the best darn 5 dollars I have ever spent! The quality was questionable for the cheap price but my goodness...the pain/fogginess/numbness in my head was instantly lifted and I feel so clear minded and almost warm & tingly! If only I could have introduced my father to this. :(
Please, please, please...try this if you are suffering like me and want a solution that works or if you know of any negative nancies or close friends with lack of energy and worrisome or depressive moods. I can't wait to see the long term results and how much better I can start feeling again.
Happy days ahead!!!!
I then tried these wonderful little pills called "Happy Pills" that contained 5-HTP. They worked famously in the short term on half the suggested dosage, however, there was too much caffeine in them which again did harm to my overall health. So I went to a local health store and found these 5-HTP pills in 50mg by NOW FOODS (for Seratonin production) along with Rhodiola in 500mg (known to increase energy, physical endurance and well-being).
After my FIRST dose of each, yes...FIRST, I felt that after all the money I've spent toward this...5-HTP is the best darn 5 dollars I have ever spent! The quality was questionable for the cheap price but my goodness...the pain/fogginess/numbness in my head was instantly lifted and I feel so clear minded and almost warm & tingly! If only I could have introduced my father to this. :(
Please, please, please...try this if you are suffering like me and want a solution that works or if you know of any negative nancies or close friends with lack of energy and worrisome or depressive moods. I can't wait to see the long term results and how much better I can start feeling again.
Happy days ahead!!!!
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