5 htp

[Myrtle]

Hi everyone

I have very painful dry eyes, I have gradually learned what makes it worse - certain meds, antihistamines, etc.

However, I have recently started using 5 HTP for sleep - I sleep every badly and this makes sore eyes sorer, of course. Anyway, 5 HTP works brilliantly for sleep - but has made my eyes SUPER sore. So painful I feel sick. but i'm loathe to stop as i;m sleeping brilliantly!

My question is - has anyone else experienced this - and does it get better after a few weeks? I know side effects can often wear off with this type of treatment - a bit like anti depressants.

Any one out there with any knowledge?

Thank you!

[PhoenixEyes]

5-HTP is synthesized as serotonin in the body, so people try it as an alternative to antidepressant medication (which also work by increasing serotonin). Some experience dry eye as a side effect to some antidepressants, of course not all will experience it but it is documented.

Have you tried melatonin? It's a hormone our body should produce to indicate it's time to sleep. It's available as a supplement or some take it sublingual (under the tongue) to help with insomnia. University of Maryland has some helpful pages on alternative medicines which goes into both the benefits and contraindications:
http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/al...ment/melatonin

You can also try Valerian, a plant extract, which is meant to increase GABA levels which also may reduce anxiety and help with calmer sleep.
http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/valerian

There are mentions on the forum about melatonin and valerian but as with everything mileage varies, some find it helps them sleep without affecting their eyes, others do find a worsening of dry eye.

I'd probably avoid St John's Wort though, another herbal remedy as it can increase light sensitivity and some people with dry eye can be light sensitive.

[Myrtle]

Thanks PhoenixEyes

I've tried both those things and they don't work on me - for sleep i mean.

I'm more specifically looking for people who have used 5 htp .

Thanks so much, though!

PS Peeps- please don't start giving me sleep remedies. I've tried them all, so am like a walking encyclopaedia on them!

It's just the 5 htp experience I describe I'm interested in

Thanks!

[PhoenixEyes]

Ah I see,sorry to hear they didn't help.
I have taken 5-HTP in the past and didn't experience any problems with my eyes. That was before I had dry eye though which of course may make eyes more sensitive to changes.

[Myrtle]

Thanks anyway!