Review on Natrol 5-HTP 50mg, 45 Capsules (Pack of 2): Boost Serotonin Levels Naturally! by Amy Kearse

About three years ago, after a very stressful period in my life, I started having serious problems with anxiety and insomnia. I got to the point where it was ruining and controlling my life and reluctantly agreed to try an antidepressant. I first tried Prozac, which helped relieve my anxiety, but my insomnia worsened. Also, I didn't want to eat at all, which was a real problem since I'd already lost 25 pounds and wasn't overweight to begin with. My doctor switched me to Lexapro which made me feel a lot better mentally and helped with sleep but had side effects. These include stomatitis, rapid weight gain and complete loss of sex drive. Initially the relief was worth it and the first few pounds I gained were welcome. But I gained 30 pounds in 3 months and no matter how well I ate and how much I exercised, I couldn't lose a single pound. It cost me everything to stop typing. Also, after a few months, I felt like Lexapro was making me mindless and a little lazy. After six months of taking it, I felt mentally good and gradually gave up. After giving it up for a few months, the fear came back. So I started seriously looking for natural supplements. I finally settled on 5-htp and it really worked after about a week. I started with 50mg and gradually increased to 200mg per day. It took me about a month to get the full effect and the right dosage. I feel like it works a lot better for me than antidepressants. It keeps the anxiety at bay and I still feel like myself. Plus I didn't have any side effects, plus it made me more regular for the first month or so if you get my meaning. It also seemed to help me shed the extra pounds from Lexapro. I only gave it four stars because after a few months I switched to Natrol's extended release formula which is much more convenient. I take 1 100mg tablet in the morning and 1 in the evening and it works like a charm. It's definitely worth trying if you want to try something natural.