5HTP- getting my life back!!
I'm going to make this as short as possible. I'm new to this site but I already know all of us suffering have similar stories.
I've been suffering vestibular migraines/chronic daily headaches off and on for 3 years. Have tried it all- beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and the list goes on.
What does work for me when my migraine is out of control is Maxalt.
This got me thinking...how does Maxalt work? Essentially by boosting seratonin levels. Therefore I must be low in seratonin? Makes sense, right?! Also struggle with awful anxiety/depression.
A week ago I started a dose of 200mg of 5-HTP. A natural amino acid that is a precursor to seratonin.
After a week I am already getting my life back!!! I've been unable to work/drive etc but I can already tell it is working!
Wanted to post this Incase it helps anyone out there.
Hi NicoleC83,
Thank you so much for your post. And thank you for sharing your experience with us along with the treatment that is working for you! It is so wonderful, and hopeful, to hear that you have found a successful treatment. Please continue to keep us posted on your progress. We would love to hear updates! Hope you have a lovely day!
Warmly,
Meaghan (Migraine.com Team)
Hi NicoleC83, I'd like to echo Meaghan's thanks for sharing your success and your experience. I wanted to share an article which may be of interest to you. Thoughts on “Natural” Migraine Remedies shares some information and cautionary notes on a few natural remedies, including 5-HTP. We would advise that you let your doctor know that you have incorporated 5-HTP into your treatment protocol if you haven't already.
We're glad you're here! -All Best, Donna (Migraine.com team)
Hi Nicole
Ive been researching supplements to prevent my migraines and I'm curious about 5htp. Are you still taking it now? Also if i get a migraine while taking 5 htp am i able to still take my zomiltriptan (zomig) to treat it?
I also feel there's a serotonin link in my migraine condition. I get dreadfully upset belly with it like IBS, and when I get flares I always want to burst into tears and feel very sad. I just feel attacked from all sides and it upsets me I guess.
My own research led me to the serotonin balance and it makes a lot of sense. I am so glad to hear you have found great help from the 5-HTP treatment. I have been a bit scared to try it!
Hi, Silver! That's an interesting thought ... for some people, sudden emotional swings are a regular part of their migraine experience, whether that's in prodrome or postdrome. So you could be onto something there.
You might be interested in this article about crying during migraine. It could help release some of your tension, physically and emotionally. There are some great discussions in the comments there, too: https://migraine.com/living-migraine/to-cry-or-not-to-cry/
Does crying help you at all? Either way, remember that it's always OK to feel what you feel, and to have a cry whenever you need to. Take good care of yourself! -Melissa, migraine.com team
