Enhance your Phentermine

[Regena22]

Hello Everyone

Another week has gone by and I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I am very excited and am ready to step it up in order to reach my first goal of 199. I did have some concerns; I have started to get my appetite back now. I can handle it during the day time but for some reason I have to eat everything in sight at night. This problem went away for a week but now is back, roaring its ugly head. I loved the control that I had when my appetite was not an issue and now that the Phentermine is starting to ware off I am concerned. Is there something else that could be mixed with Phentermine that could possibly continue to decrease my appetite? Did anything work with any of you?

[Tifanie26]

My doctor prescribed Zoloft 50mg and told me to take it around 3 or 4 p.m. to help control the p.m. cravings. I don't know if it would help or not. Good Luck!!!

[Princess S]

Try 5 HTP

[Regena22]

Thanks alot for the tips, I did have a quick question for Princess S is what is 5 HTP?

[twistedangel]

I know you asked princess but this is what I found out about 5-htp: What Is It?

The nutrient 5-HTP (the common name for the compound 5-hydroxytryptophan) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan. A mood-enhancing chemical, 5-HTP has attracted a good deal of attention lately because of its ability to increase pain tolerance, induce sleep, and affect how hunger is perceived. Unlike many other supplements (and drugs) that have molecules too large to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, molecules of 5-HTP are small enough to do so. Once in the brain, they're converted into an important nervous system chemical, or neurotransmitter, called serotonin.

The body produces its own supply of 5-HTP from tryptophan, an amino acid found in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products. Any healthy diet should include tryptophan-rich sources such as these. In addition, 5-HTP is available as a supplement; this form of the compound is extracted from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.

Concerns about 5-HTP's safety and effectiveness have been raised because of its close chemical association to L-tryptophan, a supplement once embroiled in controversy and now banned from the U.S. market. In the late 1980s, the use of L-tryptophan was linked to thousands of cases of illness and more than 30 deaths. Investigators determined that impurities in the manufacturing of L-tryptophan were the cause of these problems, not the tryptophan itself. In 1994, 5-HTP was introduced in the U.S.; unlike L-tryptophan the newer compound isn't produced with the help of bacteria. Therefore 5-HTP is thought to pose significantly less risk of contamination than L-tryptophan. Still, some experts continue to be concerned about impurities, and suggest avoiding high doses (700 to 900 mg a day) of 5-HTP.

Europeans have been taking 5-HTP for decades to treat insomnia and depression.

Health Benefits

Promising research indicates that 5-HTP may have a beneficial effect on a broad scope of complaints.

Specifically, 5-HTP may help to:


Elevate mood in cases of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. 5-HTP appears to increase the brain's serotonin levels, positively influencing such disorders as depression that have been linked to low levels of this brain neurotransmitter. A number of small European studies offer examples of people with depression who found little relief from traditional antidepressant drugs yet obtained good results with 5-HTP.

Treat insomnia. Several elements of a good night's sleep appear to be influenced by 5-HTP. In addition to reducing the amount of time it takes to nod off, this compound actually may enhance the quality of sleep itself, increasing both the duration of dream states (REM sleep) and of deep slumber. In studies, most people who tried 5-HTP also reported feeling more rested upon awakening.

Promote weight loss. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may curb the appetite when taken before meals. In a recent study of dieting women, those given 5-HTP reported feeling fuller than those who were given a placebo. In the end, participants in the 5-HTP group consumed fewer calories overall, and lost more weight than those in the placebo group. Another study reported increased weight loss among obese patients who took 5-HTP versus those who were given a placebo; all, however, had been restricted to a daily diet of 1,200 calories. In addition, because 5-HTP reportedly reduces cravings for sweets and starches, it may also be of use in helping diabetics adhere to a healthy diet.

Ease migraine pain. Migraine headaches have been linked to low serotonin levels. Studies are ongoing to determine if 5-HTP, which may boost the brain's serotonin levels, can help to reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of this extremely painful type of headache.

Increase tolerance to the pain of fibromyalgia. People who suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that commonly causes muscle pain and disabling fatigue, may have low serotonin levels. By increasing the level of these neurochemicals, 5-HTP may improve pain tolerance. In a recent Italian study, the 200 fibromylagia sufferers who added 5-HTP to a regimen of conventional antidepressants experienced less pain than those who took the drugs or 5-HTP alone.
Note: 5-HTP has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart for 5-HTP.

Forms

tablet
capsule
Dosage Information


For depression, anxiety, and panic attacks: Take 50 to 100 mg three times a day.

For insomnia: Take 100 mg 30 minutes before going to bed.

For weight control: Take 100 mg three times a day, 20 to 30 minutes before meals. After two weeks, increase the dose to 200 mg (three times a day).

For migraine prevention: Work gradually up to a dosage that controls migraine pain, starting with 50 mg three times a day but ultimately exceeding no more than 100 mg three times a day. It may take several months to get the full benefit of 5-HTP's migraine-preventive effects.

For fibromyalgia: Take l00 mg three times a day. If drowsiness occurs, reduce the dose to 50 mg three times a day
Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for 5-HTP, which lists therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.


Guidelines for Use


In general, to minimize the risk for side effects, begin with a low dose of 5-HTP (50 mg once a day). Continue for one week and then increase the amount by 50 mg increments each week, up to the dose recommended for your condition.

Take 5-HTP on an empty stomach for quickest absorption.

Don't take 5-HTP for more than three consecutive months without consulting your doctor.

The time it takes for an improvement in depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to develop varies among individuals. In general, however, it may take two to four weeks for a clinical response to occur.

If you're already taking a conventional antidepressant, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, or Effexor, check with your doctor before starting on 5-HTP.

Read ingredient labels carefully; some 5-HTP supplements contain unnecessary herbs or nutrients.

General Interaction


The combination of 5-HTP with conventional antidepressants, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, or Effexor, may cause such unwanted reactions as anxiety, confusion, increased heart rate, excessive perspiration, and diarrhea.

Don't try 5-HTP within four weeks of using an MAO inhibitor.

Consult your doctor before combining 5-HTP with the herb St. John's wort.

Avoid taking 5-HTP with sedating antihistamines; the combination can lead to drowsiness.

Don't take 5-HTP with over-the-counter cold remedies or any medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, because anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects may develop.

Muscle relaxants could cause excessive drowsiness when combined with 5-HTP.

Drowsiness may develop if 5-HTP is taken with a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine or morphine.

Consult your doctor before trying 5-HTP if you take levodopa for Parkinson's disease, because anxiety, confusion, or other adverse reactions may occur when the two substances are combined.

Psychiatric medications such as buspirone (to combat anxiety) and lithium (to prevent mania) may combine with 5-HTP in such a way that anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects develop.
For information on interactions with specific generic drugs, see our WholeHealthMD Drug/Nutrient Interactions Chart.

Possible side effects


side effects are typically mild but may include nausea, constipation, gas, drowsiness, or a decreased sex drive.

Nausea, should it occur, commonly disappears after a few days.

Cautions


Many experts consider 5-HTP supplements very safe and effective; adverse reactions to the supplement in a handful of users several years ago were traced to contaminants in the manufacturing process that appear to have been resolved.

Reduce the dose if drowsiness occurs. Also, because of this risk for drowsiness, avoid driving or performing any other potentially dangerous task until you've determined how the supplement (at various dosages) affects you.

Stop taking 5-HTP and call your doctor if you develop a bad reaction to it. Ailments Dosage
ADHD 50 mg in the morning and 100 mg at bedtime, if depression is also present.
Anxiety and Panic 50-100 mg 3 times a day
Chronic Pain 200-400 mg a day, in 2 or 3 divided doses
Depression 50-100 mg 3 times a day; can be taken with food
Fibromyalgia 50 mg 2 or 3 times a day; if no change after three weeks, increase to 100 mg 2 or 3 times a day. If you initially experience mild drowsiness, take 5-HTP at bedtime until you build up tolerance, then add the daytime dose.
Insomnia 100-300 mg 30 minutes before bed. (Start with lower dose; increase as needed.)
Migraine 50-100 mg 3 times a day
Tobacco Dependence 50-100 mg 3 times a day.
Weight Loss 100 mg 3 times a day; take on an empty stomach for better absorption

[GOD'S PRINZES]

TWISTED ANGEL, WHERE DO YOU GET THE 5-HTP FROM? YOU HAVE SAID ALOT, AND I AM LEARNING SOMETHING THIS DAY... THANK YOU.

[mom23girlstoo]

THANK YOU TWISTEDANGEL!!!! :D :D

I've been trying to get the answer to the 5HTP question for awhile too!!

You answered every question I could think of and then some!!

THANK YOU AGAIN!! :heartpump: :heartpump:

[sandi33]

Wow, I am glad i read this I was wondering myself what 5HTP was. O.k. anyone using it and having great sucess with it? And also where do you get it and what is the cost? Also does it make you drowsey all day?

[go phen]

Thanks been wondering about 5htp..
where do you get it some one said before walmart>??

[LadyBlue]

Yes I would definitely like to know where to get this also. I've noticed that after only a few days on the phen that my appetite creeps up in the early afternoon---I take my pill between 7:30 - 8:00 am every morning. So I'm also concerned about the appetite control. I thought it would work longer than it does and I definitely DO NOT want to take another dose.

Any help????

Thanks everyone & have a fantastic day!!!

[estrella]

My doctor told me to take the pill at 10 or 11 am. And so far it has really worked for me. I just try to stay really busy now. When I get home I mess around on the computer, clean the house, do gardening, then work out at 6:30, that way I only have time to take a shower, eat dinner, get ready for work and it is bed time. You can't be on phen forever, so it is good to train yourself out of the habit of overeating...or at least that is what I am trying to do! Also, exercise decreases my appetite big time. Has anyone else noticed that?

[Cheekz24]

You can get 5-htp at walmart or pretty much any other place that sells vitamins. Oh and I was having problems with phen not working as well also but I stopped taking it for like 3 days, and it kicked back in full force when I started back.

[momoftwins]

test

[Krati]

Hey Cheeks, you had the same starting weight when I started phen and are at the same place I am now. . .I am wondering if I should quit, so I could get some of the effectiveness back. I've been on this for 4 months. I need to get back on the wagon, I've been between 144-148 for the past month. You've been taking it for 2 months and quit for 3 days and got all the effectiveness back? I'm wondering if I should get more?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/kratissimo/cycles.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g305/kratissimo/smileypoop.jpg

[J-lo booty]

hey everyone! i am new to this site...but i have really enjoyed reading the forums and the success stories. i started phen on may 1st and the first week and a half i lost 13 pounds, and now i am at a standstill! it is so frustrating! anyone have a way of speeding up weight loss? i am doing the no carb thing, and i am so over it! i think maybe my problem is i am not eating all day at work and then i get home and have dinner. i try walking at least 2 miles a day. help me out of this funk! i have 27 pounds to go til sept. think i can do it?

[FitGirl]

Of course you can do it J-Lo! The thing is do NOT let yourself become frustrated and give up simply because you are not losing as fast as at first. That had a lot to do with water weight loss. Also, do not think you are off target because of the deadline...you may make it, you may not but that is not the ultimate goal. The goal is to remain on track and slowly take it off so that you can keep it off for life. I have decided to take it day by day-literally. I do not think about the day before (be it a good day or a bad day. I do this because if I had a great day and ran 2 miles in an hour on Monday then I can not complete the 2 miles or do not excersise (for whatever reason) on Tuesday, then I will become frustrated, depressed and start finding excuses to fall off the wagon or start doubting myself. If I had a terrible Monday and focus on that, then I may try to overdo it on Tuesday to make up for Monday which can cause fast burnout, injury and an overall feeling of "this is just too much"! Take it one day at a time. Today is a new day, do what you can. Each day this will gradually become a way of life. I am sure you make time to go to work, talk on the phone and watch a favorite show...right? Take 10 minutes everyday to walk the block or the treadmill. Do 10 minutes until you WANT to do more...not because you feel you are not doing enough. Believe me, 10 minutes coupled with a sensible diet will show results. It may not be as fast as you like though, but it will happen. When you see them, it will make you DESIRE to do more ans you will. Just take it slow. I, like you, can go all day without eating but it started hurting me cause my body was holding everything not knowing when it was gonna eat again. Try to make your lunch your biggest meal instead of dinner and see how that works for you. I think that you should eat what you want in moderation. Example, I was puttin down a 1/2 gallon of ice cream in 2 days (all after 10 pm). Instead, because I LOVE ice cream, I eat well throughout the day and may have 2 spoonfulls or so if I crave it...but then I also know that I have to "burn" it up through activity as well as there is no nutrition for the body to use, so I gotta get rid of it. I am noticing though, that as I eat healthier and excersise, I am not craving it as much. One day, just to get the craving to go away, I ate it and then spit it out ( I know it sounds crazy but it worked at the time). Keep us informed.

[Articleworld]

Check out this introduction article on Overweight:
http://www.articleworld.org/Overweight

Contents
* 1 Definition
* 2 Measurement
* 3 Health
* 4 Cause
* 5 Treatment

[Jackeethefila]

I am glad to here about the 5-Htp also. Just reading most of the forums I feel as though you guys have it going on. Most of you only have about 40 - 50 lbs. to get to your goal weight me on the other hand have a total of 73 lbs. to go and probally can stand to lose alot more. However being this big for so long I don't think I'll look right if I lose more than that. I presently weigh a total of 243 lbs. I also have the problem of binge at night. I love ice cream as well. I am going to try and take my pill around 10 or 11 am and see how it works for me. It just might be a good idea. I really need all the help and support I can get. I have joined the fitness center Curves for women hopefully I will soon see some results. If you have any advice for me please let me know

[phenlander]

i started on the 5-htp and seemed to be really short-tempered and nasty about the 4th hr..

anyone notice any similiar side effects..(or is it just my general nasty nature)?

[FitGirl]

OH

[sandra1]

hi sandra1 is back ,back and bigger since last year i`ve gone from one diet to another u remember i said i was 163lbs i just got on the scale this morning and am 175lbs what is wrong with me i think my metabolism is really slow i don`t know i can`t even believe ever since phentermine i `ve used nutrisystem so expensive which i did lose 5 pounds the first week and dat was it and didn`t lose again right now am back and am determined i started using adipex p well i stopped becos i wanted to see if i was gonna lose some weight on my own by getting on the treadmill i do an hour i just started last week nothing yet i haven`t lost any weight i was wondering while on phentermine can i use other vitamins such as conjugated linoleic acid they say it reduces fat and i also am trying to take something to help speed up my metabolism do u guys think it will mess me up i mean since am already taking phentermine am so ashamed i can`t even tell anyone i weigh 175 its so embarassing and i have a deadline i don`t have no ultimatum from him but my boyfriend hasn`t seen me in 2 years am finally goin to see him in august i mean not doin this for him but who doesn`t want to look good for her man i just want to surprise him like u know to see different side of me i need help people what do i do

[love4me]

a lot of great info. thank you ladies.

[need2shed]

I always thought you were to take the 5-htp at bedtime, it will help you sleep.
Also, I get my supplements from the health food store, the "NOW" brand has 5-htp at a very low price. I would rather buy from the health food store than at walmart.
:D

[ June 27, 2006, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: need2shed ]

[SarahMJS]

Hey Phenlander,
I ran out and took the 5-HTP because the Phentermine didn't appear to be working.

From the first dose I knew it was a mistake. But I took it for about 4 days before I threw it away. The directions say to take it with a meal, but I tried before and with and the side effects were the same.

I found myself getting weepy about 3-4 hours after the dose. As soon as I stopped, the effects went away.

It's on sale at Walgreens this week - 2for1, but I believe this is a VERY individual medication. My physician recommended not to take it and from what I've read in some articles, they stopped testing the effects in the late '80's.