5htpcurse: PSSD-like symptoms from 5-HTP

[5htpcurse]

Hi,

decided to share my experience with 5-HTP. In brief, I started taking it in February this year, hoping it would help my depression and anxiety. I took it in doses of 100-200 mg per day (one dose in the morning and sometimes another before sleep) and indeed noticed some mood improvements. However, roughly a month in, I took a dose of approximately 150 mg and another similar dose later the same day. Very soon after this, I noticed an almost total loss of genital sensitivity, developing also anorgasmia and watery ejaculate. At this point, I stopped the 5-HTP immediately.

 

Now, approximately 4 months after this, the anorgasmia has lifted completely. The numbness persists but is not as severe/complete as in the beginning. At times, there have been quite sudden improvements but then it seems to worsen somewhat again, making me question if I was just imagining the improvement. I can't believe I was naive enough to take the 5-HTP just because it appeared to be a seemingly harmless "natural supplement" despite being serotonergic. My only consolation is that "thanks" to this, I dodged the bullet of starting on escitalopram (I was a day away from it).

Furthermore, I have taken one or two doses of low-dose (about 5 mg) mirtazapine and doxepin for sleep a few years ago – didn't get any problems from them.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @5htpcurse

 

We are aware that if people take 5-HTP often enough, they can become adapted to it and get withdrawal symptoms when they stop it.

 

Good to hear that you've had some improvement. Like psychiatric drugs, recovery probably will be slow, in  

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Please be patient. Many people find fish oil and magnesium supplements helpful, see

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/36-king-of-supplements-omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil/

 

https://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/15483-magnesium-natures-calcium-channel-blocker/

 

You might try a little bit of one at a time to see how it affects you. Please let us know how you’re doing.

[5htpcurse]

Thank you!

A brief update: Some time after writing this post, I experienced full or at least something very close to full function for perhaps a week. I was (and still am) amazed! It did worsen again, but after some time I had another window. The waxing and waning is extremely frustrating but I do feel more optimistic than before, especially since even my baseline (during waves) seems to have improved.

[Altostrata]

Yes, it's frustrating. Please do let us know how you're doing.

[JerryL2]

HI 5HTP curse - how are you now? See my post about 5 HTP - 

 so good to hear from someone else who has suffered because of this horrible supplement