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Re:Is serotonin the happy brain chemical? by dustingetz on Tuesday January 26, 2016 @01:56PM (#10975138)
PSA for people to be careful with 5-HTP, it can be dangerous to stack with various prescription medications and if you're taking it OTC you need to remember to disclose it to your doctor
Re:Is serotonin the happy brain chemical? by Raphmedia on Tuesday January 26, 2016 @02:19PM (#10975286)
Yes!

Also, do NOT mix 5-HTP with St-John's Wort (don't mix St-John's Wort with anything, really.).

You may want to look up L-Tryptophan instead of 5-HTP. From my understanding (I am no doctor or scientist, but I do research what I put in my body), here is the order your body synthesize Serotonin: Tryptophan > 5-HTP > Serotonin > Melatonin. You may want to start with the Tryptophan itself. However, since taking 5-HTP, I have no interest in trying this out or taking any more of those supplements because I am feeling well now.

It's also recommended to take EGCG (green tea extract) along with 5-HTP to keep your gut from absorbing the supplement and producing Serotonin there instead of in the brain. (It could possibly lead to heart valve failure if you don't!)