NOW Foods Supplements, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) 100 mg, Neurotransmitter Support*, 120 Veg Capsules

I've been using NOW Foods 5-HTP for a while now, and it has been a game changer for both my sleep and anxiety. Since I started taking it, I’ve noticed I fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested. It also seems to have had a positive impact on my overall mood, providing a gentle lift that helps me stay more balanced throughout the day.This supplement has really made a difference in my daily life, helping with both sleep quality and managing anxiety without any harsh side effects. If you’re looking for a natural mood booster and sleep aid, I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s become an essential part of my routine!

I was using a brand of 5-HTP that my doctor suggested. It worked well, but at $30 for 90 capsules, I was on the lookout for something a bit less expensive. NOW brand does just a good of job at keeping my mornings feeling "happy" as the more expensive brand. Most important to me - not a long list of ingredients.

This is my 1st time writing a review on Amazon, and I am only doing it because this product actually worked astonishingly well. Although I liked the fact that it is mainly used for people to improve depression, the reason I got this was to help my anxiety which it did. However, I will note that both my mood and anxiety took more than 1 day of doses to start to take in effect. And I noticed when taken at bedtime with melatonin to upgrade the quality of sleep, the supplement was better absorbed in my body and utilized when crossing blood-brain barrier than if I took it without a melatonin supplement.Advice to users of 5-HTP:I would highly recommend taking 60mg of 5-HTP instead of the 100. I found that at 100mg starting dose, it would make my cognition very foggy; however, if I opened up the capsule and poured/disposed the powder in the smaller half of the capsule, not only did I have improved mood but because my mind wasn't foggy it sort of made me feel like my cognition was not only significantly enhanced but also energized instead if that makes sense. A second reason I recommend a lower dose in general is because if your brain builds a tolerance to serotonin, then that can become dangerous/problematic in the future due to 'de-sensitization' of the serotonin receptors, making serotonin less effective towards your brain because it is adjusting to a sudden change in serotonin levels in order to maintain a sort of mental homeostasis.I noticed when my mind was foggy due to the 100mg dose, I would still have the problem of having negative thoughts in my head or pessimistic thoughts. But when I lowered it to about 50-60mg, my mind felt much more clear and I was able to prevent/block myself from the thought of forming those negative thoughts while maintaining an optimistic mood and positive cognitive/behavioral thoughts.Now I am not entirely sure of the 'energized feeling may be from another supplement I take, but I happen to take arginine and lysine supplements before bed which is important for protein synthesis and prevents a groggy feeling when waking up in the morning. I also take melatonin 1-3mg due to the noisy household environment that occurs in the mornings.Feel free to ask me any questions or comment on any supplement synergistic combinations to suggest.

I feel that regular use of 5HTP improves mood somewhat. I suppose if you have anxiety or depression to a mild level you may find this to be helpful. It’s not a replacement for severe symptoms in my opinion. From what I read if you are already taking a SSRI medication you should not use this supplement. It has not helped with sleep but my sleep issues are straight from the depths of hell.

From what I understand 5HTP is a precursor for making melatonin.. I take it at bedtime along with gaba and magnesium. All help prepare you for a good nights sleep. This is a good product that’s inexpensive.

Excellent product. As per the images and description in the ad. I recommend it to all buyers.

UPDATE: For the past 2 wks, I've been grieving the loss of my pet and also my son has left for 6 month, and I can't talk or see him. It has caused me to become very depressed and I couldn't stop crying. I wasn't eating or getting out of bed. I began taking these a few days ago and my mood has improved drastically. The first day I took 2 pills and by the following day, I felt much better. I now take 1 per day and I haven't cried once in the past few days since taking them. I pray they will continue to work. This time, my sleep hasn't been affected by the pills. I am able to sleep a good 8 hours without drowsiness.OLD REVIEW:If you do not have low serotonin levels or, issues with depression, anxiety, or insomnia/problems sleeping or staying asleep then DO NOT TAKE. I tried this because I thought it would help me focus but instead it just allowed me to fall into a deeper than normal sleep and I slept for nearly 24 hours and still woke up feeling like I could stay asleep forever. It did not make me groggy...I just felt like I welcomed sleep. I do not suffer from any symptoms that these supplements are intended for and what I've read, long-term use can negatively effect your body if you do not have low serotonin. These also caused me to have a little anxiety and moodiness.WebMD: It has been used safely in doses up to 400 mg daily for up to one year. But some people who have taken 5-HTP have developed a condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). EMS is a serious condition involving extreme muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia). Other potential side effects of 5-HTP include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems.

NOT FOR EVERYONE! It has the opposite effect for me. I feel super anxious and uneasy. I feel nauseous. When it took it before bed i had a hard time sleeping and I tried it in the morning once and felt even worse. Just want to put this out there. I know this product works for some. Maybe try 50mg first.