5-Htp: Nature's Serotonin Solution

This is a eye opening book if you have an understanding of natural medicine or amino acids or are just curious about the many uses of 5-HTP. Ray Sahelian is specific and clear in explaining the various theraputic uses of 5-HTP as well as the fact that all of the vitamin companies that sell it in capsule form, usually offer it in a mg. strength that is at least double or triple of what is needed to obtain the desired theraputic results. If you have tried 5H and it hasn't worked for you, or has given you nightmares or made you really sleepy, I recommend you get this book and try it again, in the doses he suggests, and with the other supplements for your given conditon. Lots of good information here.

Regarding the previous two reviews, 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. Sahelian's book offers clear cut information that is easy to understand. 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.

I disagree with the previous reviewer. Perhaps it was Michael Murray himself or a family member who wrote it. I have read three books on 5-HTP and without hesitation I can say Dr. Sahelian's book was the most informative, practical, and clinical. The low dosages he recommends, along with his personal and professional experiences that tolerance can develop and one should not use 5-HTP all the time without a break are all very helpful. I got sick from 5-HTP when I followed Michael Murray's recommendation of taking more than 300 mg a day. I got nauseated and threw up. I don't think other authors of books on 5-HTP have as much experience as does Dr. Sahelian.I'm doing much better now with the Medical Doctor's advice.

The most honest report on 5-HTP that I have every read. The author relates his personal and professional experiences in addition to explaining the research in a simple manner. I loved the practical step by step guidelines outlined to treat obesity and depression, which is what I have. I found the caution and side effect chapter to be very honest.

I was extremely impressed by the effort it must have taken Dr. Sahelian to take the complicated science of 5-HTP and serotonin and explain it in a simple, well-referenced way. I feel I now know exactly how it works. He gives step by step guidelines on how to use low doses of 5-HTP with other nutrients and herbs for depression, insomnia, anxiety, and weight loss. Just like his DHEA book, I appreciated the full and honest discussion on cautions and side effects.