Why do you think psychiatrists refrain from using amino acids such as 5-HTP in their practice?

Which do you think would be a better choice for the brain (weighing in effectiveness, side effects, and long-term use): Tricyclic Antidepressants (SSRIs do not work for me) or a more natural approach with 5-HTP?

I think psychiatrists refrain from using amino acids and such because they tend to not work as well as pharmaceuticals. Or sometimes not work at all. I've even had an ND tell me that natural remedies are not as potent as pharmaceuticals, and that you're better off using a pharmaceutical for a nasty episode than using something natural.

They're also not as tightly regulated in the U.S. as pharmaceuticals, so you don't always know what you're going to get.

What type of depression do you have? If you have atypical depression, I'd be looking at MAOI's over tricyclic antidepressants. If you don't have atypical depression, tricyclic antidepressants would be a logical next step. You also have the option of taking Lamictal, which seems to help depression (usually used for Bipolar Depression and mood stabilization, but can be used for "unipolar" depression). There is also lithium (hey, that's natural!), but the side effects are a little nasty.

You said SSRI's don't work. Have you tried something that affects norepinephrine, like Effexor, Cymbalta, or Remeron?

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