Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort throughout the body. The condition is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Antidepressants are the common form of treatment for fibromyalgia, although natural substances, such as 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, may help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Consult your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement to treat a medical condition.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia may cause vague symptoms, making this disorder difficult to diagnose. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, although poor sleeping habits and an inability to relax your muscles completely may be a factor in developing this condition. Diagnosis usually relies on the existence of at least 11 specific body locations that experience pain during direct pressure. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, anxiety, headache, irritable bowel syndrome and urinary frequency. As with other forms of chronic pain, antidepressants often help to provide relief from fibromyalgia symptoms.
5-HTP
Your body naturally produces 5-HTP from the amino acid tryptophan. After converting the tryptophan into the chemical 5-HTP, your body then transforms it into serotonin. Griffonia simplicifolia is the name of an African plant that provides the active ingredient in the supplemental form of 5-HTP. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies indicate that 5-HTP can help reduce the pain, fatigue, morning stiffness and anxiety that people with fibromyalgia often experience. More studies are necessary to confirm these potential benefits.
Serotonin
Many types of antidepressants help to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps relay brain signals and regulate moods. Serotonin acts on the nervous system to help reduce pain perception. It may also help reduce aggression, impulsivity and irritability. Serotonin levels may affect your eating habits and sleep patterns. When it comes to increasing serotonin in your body and brain, 5-HTP may work in a manner similar to prescription antidepressants.
Precautions
Supplementation with 5-HTP is not a standard or proven treatment for managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This chemical may cause side effects that include heartburn, nausea, flatulence and feelings of fullness. It may interact with prescription medications, including triptans, carbidopa and tramadol. Taking 5-HTP with antidepressant medicines may increase the level of serotonin, causing serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition that can lead to mental changes, fluctuations in heart rate and coma.
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