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

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 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!

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.

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.

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!