The best way to figure out if you have a particular brain chemical imbalance and if you’ll benefit from a certain amino acid, is to do a trial. This is something I do with all my clients with anxiety, when we’re working one-one-one and with those in group programs, and it works really well.
Because the effects of amino acids can be felt within a few minutes to a few days, it’s easy to confirm whether you do in fact have a deficiency in a certain area and whether you’ll benefit from supplementing with the associated amino acid.
How does doing a trial work?
- I have my clients complete the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution and check off their symptoms on the low serotonin, low GABA, low catecholamines, low endorphins, and low blood sugar sections. The rating uses scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst.
- I also have my clients review the Amino Acids Precautions and we figure out which amino acids they can and can’t use
- I have them do a trial of the amino acid that resonates the most with them. For example if they have really bad obsessive thoughts, anxiety in the head, negative self-talk we’ll start with trying to address low serotonin with tryptophan or 5-HTP. If they resonate more with physical tension and overwhelm, we’ll start with trying to address low GABA with GABA.
- We trial one amino acid at a time and use them opened onto the tongue or chewed (and held there for 1 to 2 minutes) for getting immediate feedback.
- I have my client rate themselves before the trial and then afterwards (10 is worst), looking for benefits and how many notches they improved. This helps us figure out how much to start with.
- If it’s a big improvement (like 4 or 5 notches) they may start on 1 of the lowest dose (for example 1 x 500mg tryptophan or 1 x 125 mg GABA).
- If they see a small improvement (like 1 or 2 notches) we may start with the lowest dose and give them a range to try over the next week (for example 1-2 x 500mg tryptophan or 1-2 x 125 mg GABA)
- During the trial and over the next week we also look for possible negative effects, such as a headache or feeling light-headed. If the adverse effects of supplemental amino acids are uncomfortable, taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C is an effective short-term antidote.
- If someone is very sensitive to small amount of supplements, we may have them do a trial with a dab or two rather than a whole capsule and start really low during the next week.
- We typically allow a week to see how the selected amino acid is working and adjust up or down during that week until we find the optimal amount.
What are the advantages of doing a trial?
- You are able to target the amino acid for your specific needs – I write more about this here: Targeted individual amino acids: what do we really mean?
- You get feedback immediately – the amino acid works or doesn’t
- You are able to figure out what your starting dose of the amino should be and are able to adjust upwards accordingly
- You get more in tune with your symptoms and how certain amino acids affect you
- You can use the results (provided you log them – this is something I recommend and encourage) if you ever need a tune up in the future
Which amino acids have you found to be effective? Did you do a trial to figure out which one to try and how did that work for you? We’d love to hear in the comments below?
Have you got questions about doing a trial? Feel free to ask in the comments below.
If this information is useful but also sounds a little overwhelming, check out the The Amazing Aminos for Anxiety homestudy program. This homestudy group program provides guidance with using each of the targeted individual amino acids and how to do a trial.
Trudy, would you consider putting trial parks together so we would t have to buy a whole container of all the different ones to try?
Gina
I assume you mean trial packs? Great idea and it’s something I used to do for one-on-one clients but it became very labor intensive and then most of the time they ended up needing a bottle anyway. So now I just have folks buy one at a time based on the amino acid questionnaire.
The problem with having it done commercially is that I use a variety of different brands. There are also the precautions and some people can’t do tryptophan/5-HTP (if one SSRI), some can’t do tyrosine (if melanoma) etc
Assuming it could be done what would you like to see?
In the meantime find 3 girlfriends and do it together or do your trial and if you find the amino does not work for you pay it forward and give the rest of the bottle to a girlfriend to do a trial etc
What is the glutamine/cancer connection? I haven’t heard that before.
Laura
There is conflicting research about glutamine and cancer – some studies say it’s beneficial, other say to avoid it. If you have cancer I would check with your doctor or err on the side of caution and avoid it.
I have used it numerous times and had been on it for awhile. My doctors are the ones who said to use it. I have CLL
Laura
If your doctors said to use it then I would go with their expertise. Cancer is not my expertise.
What would you suggest the starting dosage of Pure Life’s Gaba Max be?
Madge
Please share a link to the product and I’ll provide feedback – I think this contains phenibut which I am not a fan of
Re: Comment 11003
Here’s the link: http://rxstress.com/ Gaba-max was formerly Gabatrol Powder. Kindly share why aren’t you a fan of phenibut? Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
Madge
Not all GABA products are the same. A few reasons why I would not use this product with a client: 1) I have no idea how much of each of the nutrients it contains 2) I prefer single ingredient supplements most of the time – Source Naturals GABA Calm is an exception since it works so well 3) Phenibut/ phenyl-GABA concerns me due to some studies I’ve seen regarding it’s addictive nature, plus some feedback I’ve heard from folks who’ve used it and had a hard time quitting, plus some practitioners telling me they have patients use it for a certain number of days and then stop for a certain number of days so they don’t have issues.
Hi Trudy,
I think I need GABA, however I tend to have relatively low blood pressure (but the doctor has never said it is anything to be worried about). When I took one GABA the other day, it felt like a niacin flush was happening. Maybe it was too strong (750 mg. Whole Foods brand). From one of your interviews with Dr. Cass, I thought I remembered a mention of other ways to increase GABA – Theanine, Glycine, Taurine as synergistic. Would those be taken together? Or perhaps I should just get the brand of GABA you have recommended and use a lower dose. Thanks!
Sofie
750mg of GABA is way too much for most of my clients. I always say to start really low with GABA and typically start my clients on 125 mg (Source Naturals GABA Calm). Some people even need less and if someone already has the 750mg GABA I’d have them start with a dab or two
Yes, theanine, glycine and taurine can also all raise GABA levels
Hello Trudy,
I hope you’re fine 🙂
I’m a nutricionist, really keen on nutrient deficiency. I myself have experience a lot of mood disorders the last past 10 years . I am 28 right now. These mood disorders were the start and the trip through a big spiritual turnover. I really can intégrate spirit with physics and chemistry on my mind. I discover your existance months ago and read a couple of articles you have written. I had social anxiety , very strongly, since i turn 17 moré or less. I have treated it with clonazepam but since i discover about nutrients and neurotransmisors i have tried to supply myself with superfood like Spirulina and “beer brew” ? Dont really know How to translate IT to English but IT is the remant of the raw material IT is use to produce beer. IT is a Brown powder full of B complex. I have Gone very well with those two superfood. But still very anxious and overthinking, always in between two mood poles 🙂
Since i read your presentación on social anxiety i have tried with Zinc capsules and Piridoxina since i guess i had pyroluria. But i couldnt tolerate zinc neither the vitamin. I live in Uruguay, south América . Here were are very limited in offer of individual vitamins in the Market. We only have multivitamin and multimineral supplements. So i order MY Mum the Piridoxina whey she travelled to Europe. The zinc i could buy IT here, From the Nature’s Bounty brand.
I am Also taking aloe vera, so as to Keep IT up with the supply of nutrients since im nearly a vegan . A progression that started 4 years ago , i only Eat Some Salmon but not to often, mayor once a week.
So Trudy, what do you suggest i should do? Any recommendations? Should i try amino acids? Here in Uruguay i can find a variety of multiaminoacid’s supplements. Should i try any specific brand?
ThankS and looking forward to read your reply 😉
Xoxo
Delfin
Before trying individual amino acids, I’d recommend looking at your diet and trying to incorporate more animal protein. Can you eat salmon more often? and at least add some eggs and cheese if red meat is not something you’ll consider right now? Check out this interview I did with Lierre Keith https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-anxiety-depression-vegetarian-diet/
Depending on how long you’ve been vegan I’d look at possible low zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron – they’re all important for mood and anxiety. A free form amino acid blend may be a good option too – just make sure it contains tryptophan as many don’t and this can then cause low serotonin
Thank you for your reply Trudy 🙂 . What do you mean with “free form”?
You know , i’m diminushing the Salmon since it is imported From Chile and they are produce in fish factoríes. Do you know what i mean ? They are not free Wild salmon,
So i don’t trust the sanity of salmon . I rather avoid any animal food since the production is to manage by man and It’s Also complicated to digest. CASein From dairy products is no good and fat either. What do you think? Im interested in your opinión on this.
I Will search for a good blend of amino acid with tryptophane.
Im adding chlorella to the list of superfoods i take. It’s an sea algae like Spirulina and it’s full of aminoacids any micronutrients.
MANY thanks!
Xoxo
Delfina.
Delfina
I would really look for some good quality animal protein if you can
MANY thankS Trudy ! 🙂
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for all the wonderful work you do. I have this strange situation where I have anxiety even at the thought of driving on the freeway. I’m fine driving on the streets but the moment I get onto the freeway I start getting panicky, sweating, chills running down my neck and spine and I loose focus and want to get off the freeway as I feel I’m a danger to others. Please advice. I hope to get over it. It has affected my life a lot. Looking forward to hearing from you and
Hoping to find some clearing.
Warm regards
Su
Su
I’m sorry to hear this. I suggest doing the amino acid questionnaire and see how you score on the low serotonin and low GABA sections. If we were working together and you scored in the low serotonin section I’ve have you do a trial of tryptophan or 5-HTP. Low levels of serotonin can cause panic and fear. Low GABA may also be a factor as it causes physical anxiety – a trial of GABA would be a good first start.
Keep in mind that low levels of neurotransmitters are just one cause of anxiety so I’d also focus on real whole foods, no caffeine/sugar/gluten, gut health (we make 95% of serotonin in our gut), adrenals etc
Live in Canada, how do I get the trial packs?
Lin
Unfortunately there are no trial packs at this time. I’d like to hear what may be of interest so I can possibly create something in the future
OK,I have narrowed it down what I may want to try, from the symptom lists. You are working wonders here for people who really had no hope of trying to figure these things out!Thank you so much. My daughter is now on gaba, and has had much tension relief. She may also be low seritonin, as I may be. It is ok to take two amino acids at the same time? I will try to get your book through Chapters Books.
Lin
You’re most welcome! Wonderful to hear the GABA is helping your daughter with tension relief! Often we’ll add a second one at the same time so we don’t lose the benefits gained from the first one. So yes, once you’re in tune with what’s working then we combine them.
I encourage you to become well informed and well-educated rather than trying things here and there. Read my blog, get my book, listen to my interviews, do the homestudy program (which is about to start) – whatever works best for you.
I have a problem with ruminating thoughts when I go to bed and if I wake during the night–usually between 3 & 4 am. I have been using 300 mg of Gabapentin at night to help me sleep because waking so early was a chronic pattern. However, it no longer works so effectively for me. What do you think might be something I could try to help and what dosage would I take.
Lynn
Ruminating thoughts and sleep issues can be related to low serotonin so I suggest doing the amino acid questionnaire to see if you have other low serotonin symptoms and consider doing a trial of tryptophan
I may have my clients take tryptophan when they wake at 3 to 4am but often finding the right amount and taking it before bed does the trick. We may add melatonin too.
Keep in mind that high cortisol and parasites can cause early morning wakings too.
Thanks Trudy! I’ve tried melatonin but I experienced unrestful sleep and hot flashes. I have started using 500 mg of tryptophan twice a day and have seen improvement. I haven’t been able to stop the gabapentin and get good sleep with the tryptophan alone. What might I try to get off the gabapentin?
Thanks so much for all your work–it is amazing.
Lynn
When tryptophan helps I have my clients increase until no further benefits are seen. As I mentioned above we may add melatonin too.
I’d consider GABA too if low GABA symptoms are present
Hi:
I’ve tried Gaba in the past and it never seems like it does anything. I don’t get the immediate relief I hear talked about so often. I can tell with 5-HTP within an hour that my anxiety is lifting, but still have muscle tension and other low gaba indicators.
Should I try again with your preferred brand, and this time give it a week to evaluate?
Also, once you start finding amino acids that work, after a week trial of each, I assume it’s OK to combine them all at once?
Thanks so much for your insight!
Scott
Great to hear the 5-HTP gives you immediate relief. It’s hard to say about the GABA without knowing what brand, how you tried it and how much.
Often we’ll give one a trial and add a second one at the same time so we don’t lose the benefits gained from the first one. So yes, once you’re in tune with what’s working then we combine them.
Hi Trudy,
I currently take two meds (Lexapro 20mg and Wellbutrin 150mg). I have always wanted to stop taking these meds as I feel that I would rather deal with my anxiety in a more natural way. I am working on mindfulness training as one way to help. But, am very, very interested in trying amino acids. My question is in regard to weaning off my current meds and incorporating the amino acids. Do I wean off the current meds and then do a trial of amino acids? Or do I wean off the meds and try the amino acids at the same time?
Kristin
If a client is on one medication they talk to their doctor about stopping one of them and get the approval to add the tryptophan or 5-HTP and switch remaining medication to the morning if need be. We trial the tryptophan or 5-HTP and if we see good results we add it afternoon and evening 6 hours from the one remaining SSRI. Once they are feeling good and serotonin levels are up then they use the taper provided by the doctor, adjusting the amino acid up as needed.
This only applies for SSRIs/SRNIs and tryptophan/5-HTP. The other amino acids can be used with these meds but still best to discuss with the doctor.
Hello Trudy, I have been following you for a few months now. I just have a quite question. I have been taking tryptophan and GABA Calm everyday a few times a day for about 2 1/2 months. I will be going on a road trip next month with my 4 kids and husband . My anxiety started 6 yrs ago. Travel and traffic scare me now. I sometime have a hard time going to the next town over with just my kids, Is there a amino combo I can take in case a panic attack wants to hit while I am stuck in LA traffic? Thank you so much for all the great info you share. May God bless you and continue to use you.
Corina
If a person is on the correct amount (and form/brand) of tryptophan and GABA, the anxiety and fear should be resolved. If not then I’d increase the amount and/or look for other causes. For some people, just increasing the tryptophan and/or GABA during extra stressful times (like being in LA traffic) can help.
Trudy,
I am currently taking Lidtke L-Tryptophan 4 in AM, 4 MM, 3 MA and 1 or 2 before bed, along with 1 GABA Clam(source natural). If I was to trail 5HTP what brand and dosage should I start with? Its both mental and physical anxiety. I want to be able to enjoy our trip
Corina
I can’t give you specifics but this is what I’d try if we were working together – go up on tryptophan to see if added benefits and if not switch to 5-HTP as some people do better on one versus the other. I have brands on my supplement page https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
For the physical anxiety I’d add GABA Calm in the day and add 200-300mg GABA at night
This all assumes high scores on serotonin and GABA sections of the amino acid questionnaire.
If not then I’d look for possible high cortisol and address this
Hi Trudy,
How long should someone trial 5HTP to see it it will be effective?
Is there any info about DNA tests to see if someone might do better with Tryptophan versus 5HTP?
Thanks!!!
Sofie
We should see results on day 1 but I have my clients typically do a week long trial. I’m not aware of DNA tests to see if someone might do better with Tryptophan versus 5HTP.
Trudy,
I have been on the GABA calm for three days and I think it’s working. I have insomnia where I wake up several times in the night with a pounding heart. It’s been helping me sleep a bit longer before I wake up and seems to reduce the heart pounding. Tis is great. The first day I took two pills to test it out – one in the mid afternoon and one before bed. The second day I took four pills – mid-morning, mid-afternoon and two before bed. I had a couple of short, creepy dreams. (One was where I was dreaming I couldn’t wake up because I was almost “drugged.”)But I think I slept better, too. Yesterday I took four pills – one upon rising, mm, ma, and one before bed. I had one strange dream last night. (I normally remember my dreams, since I tend to wake up in the middle of a dream when my heart racing. I have also been on Vit B6 for awhile.)
My question is: is it a bad sign that I had a creepy dream? If I take one rather than two before bed would that help? I am willing to keep going if that’s my only side effect.
Thank you!
H
H
This is good to hear. As I mentioned before I can’t do consulting on the blog and feel these types of questions are best suited to the Q and As of the program, especially with all you have going on. (Apologies that you were directed to ask this on the blog – I have a new customer support gal and she’s still getting up to speed with all the great questions we’re getting)
I will say I don’t like the sound of “drugged” and side-effects (we don’t want adverse effects). I find many clients do better on GABA alone at bedtime and GABA calm in the day. Please review the GABA course material on this section.
Thank you for this article Trudy. An amino acid trial is definitely on the top of my to do list. I’m unsure if it would be effective for me though since part of my problem is malabsorption. Do you know if that could interfere with the results? Also, I know you are not a fan of the vegetarian diet, however, I have been vegetarian for about six years. I eat plenty of dairy but do not eat fish nor meat. With this dietary restriction could the amino acids still provide benefit on their own? (BTW I plan to eat meat again in the future but at the current moment I cannot. It just grosses me out to much. Maybe my tolerance will improve once my anxiety and GI symptoms subside)
thank you
Hi Trudy,
I was reading the questionnaire and it appears that I am low on catecholamines. What would be a starting dose of tyrosine?
Thanks
After the trial, is it necessary to open the capsules or chew them every time they are taken or can one just swallow them? They taste horrid, but I do want to get the best benefit and will open or chew them if swallowing does not get the same results. Please advise. Thank you.
Nisey
I have my clients try it both ways to see if swallowing gives the same benefits. Which one tastes horrible? tryptophan? adding some inositol can help
Thank you so much for responding so quickly to my question. I am using both tryptophan and tyrosine. I’ve tried swallowing them and also biting the capsule and holding it in my mouth for 2-3 minutes before swallowing with water. I do think the second method gives me better benefits. I also think I’m getting somewhat used to them because the taste seems more tolerable, but I will try the inositol suggestion. Thank you again.
Hi Trudy, I’m finishing your book now and soaking it all up! I’ve only ever followed your summits, Facebook and website but am so glad to finally have the book in my hands! I know you can’t give exact advice here but as I know you’re not taking new clients I’m hopeful I can ask a question. I’m almost six months out from my last dose of my benzo and still not healed. Good months and bad. One of the big things on benzo buddies is to not take anything that will hinder the healing of GABA receptors. Therefore I’m concerned that taking a GABA supplement will not be good for me. Not sure about tryptophan in regards to this. I score high on all of the questionnaires. My anxiety and agoraphobia are out of control since detoxing. If someone were to say that GABA could help even though it would slow my healing I’m so desperate for relief I’d try it. I’m sensitive to medication in the past and supplements since the benzo. I tried to take inositol last month and was left with a very heavy headed and scary feeling after just a minimal dose for four days. Sorry to ramble I just want to include all of my thoughts. Thank you!
Jill
I am sorry to hear your anxiety and agoraphobia are out of control.
I’m all about nutritional support during and after benzo withdrawal to make the journey/process more bearable and easier. I’m aware that benzobuddies.org doesn’t support this approach and get that some folks are too sensitive for any supplements. But I feel starting really really really low with the amino acids is worth a trial. This could mean one single dab from an opened capsule of say 200mg GABA – just once and monitor the response over the next say 4 days.
There is the risk that you’ll have a bad reaction but at least you will have tried.
Other non-supplement options to consider: light therapy (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/winter-blues-sad-light-therapy/), weighted blankets, exercise, yoga, heartmath/meditation, essential oils (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/essential-oils-to-alleviate-anxiety-improve-sleep/) and of course all the food changes go without saying.
Trudy, thank you so so much for your reply! I have cut out dairy, gluten and sugar and take some supplements now. I don’t recall if I mentioned already that I took an amino acid blend during my detox and know it helped immensely. It does not have GABA in it but does have just 84 mg of tryptophan. Do you think it would be OK to try tryptophan first? Especially if sleep is an issue as of lately. Oh and I’m curious when you said a dab from a GABA supplement capsule and then monitor. Would I only do the dab once or do you mean once every day for four days? I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your response. Also thank you very much for your other suggestions!
Hi Trudy
Could you please tell me the starting dose to trial 5htp. Also can you trial it while taking anti depression tablets and sleep tablets?
Lara
The starting dose is typically 50mg. Folks who are sensitive would start on less, even as little as a few dabs from an opened capsule.
5-HTP and tryptophan should not be used with SSRI medications unless the person is being supervised by the prescribing doctor and then taking the 5-HTP or tryptophan 6 hours apart from the SSRI.
Dear Trudy, I asked you other times but maybe due to the fact that I ask always more than one thing (!) I did not get the right answer. When I get directed to the anxiety page, the list of the various aminoacids, GABA, serotonin, etc does not show me a scoring part. so i am confused if the test is something different with a clear scoring column or if I just need to read the symptoms and chose which may be mine?
Antonella
Are you referring to this questionnaire? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
I have my clients score symptoms on a scale of 1 to 10 and then address those symptoms in each category. You may have one of two or 5 or more in each category.
Hi Trudy,
You’ve given me answers to so many questions I’ve had for years! Thank you!! I did your questionnaire and found I rated high on both Gaba and Pyroluria. Is that possible? If so which supplement should I start with?
Many thanks!
Jessica
You’re most welcome and yes many people have issues with both. I recommend one amino acid at a time so for low GABA it would be GABA. You could then start the pyroluria protocol a few weeks later. Here are some GABA and pyroluria supps I use with clients https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Hi Trudy – would you consider putting together a starter packet of amino acids samples, to help with trials for clients who can’t see you in person? I’d like to do a trial, but kind of hate the idea of buying a whole bottle of each type of amino acid if I’m not going to end up using it. Whereas if more than one of us were doing the same testing the product would be shared and not wasted… I have added Gaba Calm without really doing anything else after my first read through of your book, and it has helped me to not return to taking lexapro — which I weaned myself off of because I didn’t like the side effects. Next I’m going to try the dietary suggestions and I’d like to try the amino acid trials as well. Thank you for your work in helping all of those with anxiety.
Cindy
It’s a great idea and it’s what I used to do with my clients and then I stopped doing it because the amino acid questionnaire correlates so closely with symptoms and response to the amino acids. I was finding I’d send the sample, we’d have them do a trial, it would work and then they’d have enough for 3 days and end up running out while they waited for the whole bottle to arrive – and were not happy about this!
So pleased to hear the GABA Calm has helped you so much! and you’re very welcome – good luck with the dietary changes. Having the aminos on board help so much with quitting gluten, sugar, caffeine etc.
Hi Trudy,
I ordered your book and have enjoyed reading it – but am not finished yet. I am one of these people who is very sensitive. I have also had a severe case of Lyme over the past few years – beginning in 2011, and progressing to 2013 before diagnosed. I had severe pain in my head, and all kinds of neurological symptoms. I finally found a Lyme doctor in my area who was one of only two, and started doing IVs with him. My whole endocrine system was basically destroyed and I had severe insomnia, as well as the horrible pain. I did not take antibiotics because I could not tolerate them, so tried several of the Lyme herbals. About mid-way through 2014, I developed what appeared to be a thyroid problem, and my neck was killing me all the time. This problem has persisted, and I also tried at least two thyroid supplements. They seemed to help then my body began to react very adversely, with my throat getting much worse. Also, some of the herbals that my doctor gave me really irritated my throat. Long story short, the Lyme problem has finally gotten under control, although I still have minor symptoms, with some discomfort, and am still working on the sleep, but all has improved tremendously, with the exception of my gut and throat. My doctor also prescribed the L-glutamine powder for my leaky gut, so after reading above that there may be a connection with cancer, I am concerned. My throat was finally diagnosed as thyroid cysts, and there was basically nothing I could take to get rid of them. My neck and thyroid have been a big part of my problem I think with digestion, as well as sleep issues. Gradually the cysts have calmed down, but I just recently did an esophagram study, and they now think that I have some sort of issue with either the cyst, or something else. I am concerned that some of the things I was taking to combat the Lyme problem may have actually aggravated and brought on these other problems with my throat. I don’t know if you can answer this, but one reason I have not been able to take a lot of things that could help me, is because of this. I have tried GABA a few times, but I think I got too much – which is usually my problem with everything. I have also tried Inositol powder, and something from Xymogen called Relax-Max. I think these things have helped me, in moderation. I have also tried some other things called Glutathione, Cysteine and C, to see if I could reduce the cysts, (prescribed by Life Extension); and recently also tried Taurine as well as some other things with Phospholipids in them. Life Extension products seem to work well for me. However I am wondering what you think of taking all of these things, and could they actually be hurting me, if I have reached a point where I no longer need them? My body has made improvements, around the throat issue, but my gut and my throat and possibly thyroid, seem to have sustained a huge amount of what feels like tissue injury making it very hard for me to process or metabolize anything. After my esophagram study last week, my doctor said that they think I have a complicated issue, and they could not explain it all, but they think I now need an endoscopy. I had an endoscopy in 2013, and that did not show anything abnormal, but they now want to do another one. My biggest issue is that I am also majorly allergic to propofol, due to all of my MTHFR mutations, and consequent allergic reactions. So, I guess this is my story – and I don’t know if you would have any advice for me, or if this just all sounds too complicated. At first I was under the impression that much of it was caused by Lyme disease. I do believe the gut issue was, but I think that the thyroid cysts and whatever else is now wrong were a result of my taking numerous things that may or may not have agreed with me. I will take something and it helps at first, then I seem to become resistant to it. I think that part could be a Lyme issue, but I just have to be so very careful about what I take, and when I take it. Sometimes I think it might just be best to not take anything for a week or more, then see where things are. I just wanted to run this by you – I don’t know if you have any thoughts or if it all sounds too complicated to figure out! But anyway, I really like your book, and am enjoying reading about the different diets and how to eat, etc. You have really written a great book and health resource and it is nice to be able to connect too here on your website. So, thank you very much for all of your wisdom!
Jackie
Thanks for your kind words about my book! I can’t offer specific advice via the blog but when I hear about complex issues I think of these things: Lyme, heavy metals or other toxins, pyroluria (you have to address this to heal from Lyme according to Dr. Klinghart), connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/hyperflexibility (https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/joint-hypermobility-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-pyroluria/) and special diets (like low histamine, low phenol, low oxalate etc)
Thank you so much, Trudy! I need to read more about Pyroluria. I don’t think I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but I have had what feels like membrane damage. The phospholipid supplements including Phosphatidyl choline have been very helpful for me, and I now take Lecithin granules, as well as other things with the phospholipids in them. Powdered Vitamin C can be a really good overall supplement mixed in water to help reduce symptoms of all kinds – including allergy. Anyway, thank you for the suggestions. I will do more reading on all of it, here on your blog!
I also wanted to mention – I always have low blood pressure. I do take lots of probiotics, do detox powders and protein powders with lots of amino acids in them. In addition, the Life Extension supplements I have taken included AMPK Activator, which helps to turn back on metabolism, as well as PQQ Bio-PQQ, which is supposed to help rebuild mitochondria. With the Lyme, I believe that my body was so worn down and tissue injury and inflammation have created a lot of damage. But for now, my biggest problem seems to be my throat – and the cyst or whatever else is in there which can get “activated” and react to certain things; and also my gut. My gut has healed, and I do think the L-glutamine was helpful for helping rebuild the gut lining; but I can also have reversals of the gut healing, as well. Anyway, just lots of problems with autoimmunity, as well. I have just looked very hard for things that could help me, and Life Extension, Xymogen, and Seeking Health products have seemed to work the best for me. But the amino acids I think could help, if I just don’t react. When I have reacted to things I have had a racing heart, as well as very harsh pains throughout my body and especially in my stomach and gut.
thanks again for whatever you think might be useful for me to know!
regards,
Jackie
Hi Trudy:
I’ve been listening to the anxiety summit and learning a lot, feeling empowered to dig deeper. When looking at the amino acid questionnaire, I fit into almost all of the categories, so will be doing trials for GABA, Seratonin and Catecholamines. I know you have outlined how to do it, but can you specify what I would order to do the trial? Having never taken any of these as supplements, I’m not sure what to order for the trials.
Thank you so much!
Caitlin
Caitlin
I have my clients pick the area that is most problematic and start there. I will do catecholamines last because the tyrosine may be a bit too stimulating for my anxious clients.
Hi Trudy; I learned so much on the recent anxiety summit. Thank you for so freely sharing this information on your website; it’s been so helpful. Listening to summit speakers and reading your website on aminos for anxiety i haven’t heard anyone talk about people w adrenal issues. I’m wondering if the fact that I am on cortisol for adrenal Insufficiency and Armour thyroid prohibit the use of any of the amino acids? Thank you, mj
Mary Jo
We talked about the adrenals in Steve’s SCD interview https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-scd-diet-carbs-adrenals-leaky-gut/ We also covered adrenal issue extensively in prior summits https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/adrenals-anxiety-tranquility/ and https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-eliminating-anxiety-amino-acid-therapy-and-adrenal-balancing/ and https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-adrenal-health-energy-less-anxiety-balanced-hormones/
There are no issues with cortisol/thyroid meds and the amino acids
First, long story short, I am so glad that I found your blog (via listening to your episode on the Balanced Bites podcast!) and feel that I might have finally found a solution to my lifelong battle with anxiety, depression, shyness, negativity, etc., etc. All of this applies to my sister as well (and yes, we do look so alike people think we are twins).
I was taking inositol (after doing research and seeing all the great reviews on its ability to treat/help with anxiety) and whether by coincidence or due to the new supplement, I felt worse during the two weeks on 4800mg/day of inositol than I have in awhile, so I stopped taking it. Do you have any experience with inositol and/or do you find that it can exacerbate symptoms? My NC who does nutrition response-testing said my body tested for inositol, but I’m wondering if that was misguided. He recently put me on Zinc Liver Chelate (600mg/day I believe) and I transitioned off the inositol at the same time. Again, not sure if it’s a coincidence, but I feel worlds better. Can those two supplements have adverse reactions if taken together? Or is it just the fact that I probably needed the zinc more than the inositol?
At any rate, I’m wondering if my sister and I performed a trial how to go about testing different amino acids (I believe we will both fall under more than one category). Can we trial each amino acid one after another or is it best to do it on different days, or perhaps longer apart than that? Thank you!!
Sara
I have not found inositol to make anxiety worse but anything is possible and poor quality inositol with filler or wheat would do that). Too much for a person’s biochemistry could possibly do it but I have not seen it. I’m not aware of any interaction with zinc but a few days of zinc can alleviate anxiety in many people.
I have my clients trial one amino acid for at least a week
Thanks for your response! I have been feeling much better since stopping the inositol. I’m hoping that adding B6 and evening primrose oil will be the icing on the cake. Is it often that clients need more than just the three supplements for pyroluria? I have been terribly shy all my life and as I get older I hate thinking of what I’m missing out on by being too afraid to do a lot of things- talk to strangers, put myself out there, go after my dream of becoming a nutritionist. I’ve done a lot of the leg work for healing (mother was/is bipolar, alcoholic, and was not supportive of my crazy dreams when I was younger) by getting over my sugar addiction and working with a therapist, but this has all greatly affected how I relate to people, especially in intimate relationships. My worst fear is turning out like my mother did. I feel like I fall into all of the amino acid categories but perhaps something jumps out at you? My sleep has been great lately though I only get 6-7 hours usually. Diet is void of gluten and very limited dairy – focus on good fats and healthy carbs (Olympic weightlifting is my sport). But I am very (too) comfortable being alone, hyper aware of what others think and often play the comparison game, and now that I’m nearly 31, I want to be able to live my life to the fullest without these things holding me back. I of course internalize all this negativity and I’m sick of this cycle. This has gotten better over the last year and a half- I feel enlightened and I have experienced contentment and it’s wonderful. I want to feel that way all the time and stop getting these lows that just crush me and stop me in my path for weeks. Any advice would be appreciated. I am so grateful I heard that Balanced Bites episode!
Hi Trudy,
Waiting for my GABA Calm to arrive as ill be trying it for the first time. I realised that i ordered the lozenges instead of the tablets. Have you found that one is better then the other? If i start taking the lozenges do i start with one lozenge?
Janine
I’m afraid I don’t know what the difference is between the lozenges vs tablets so can’t comment. If you share a link to each I’ll take a look
Hi Trudy, I came across your site and it has a awesome amount of information. I have some issues a lot of serotonin and some in gaba. I have been trying tryptophan first and the whole capsule on the tongue seemed a little stimulating so I went with a half of capsule. After taking it I feel a little different and feel a little flushed, then I a couple of hours nerves come back a bit then feel ok to go to sleep. Is something I should be doing different or ? Or try gaba. And do you do it on you tongue all the time or just for immediate results and then just take the pill ? It seems even with a half of pill I get stimulated too much so what do you suggest. Thank you for your time.
Bryan
Some people find that just a pinch is enough, and some do better opening a capsule. If someone has adverse effects I think: too much, not needed (i.e. look elsewhere for the root cause), not a quality product (I only use Lidtke tryptophan)
You say that you never use phenibut. My ND has me use it, and it helps a lot with sleep, but not with anxiety. Since I read that, I’m worried that there are problems with using it. Now I’m even wondering if it could have possibly caused my anxiety in the first place, or have caused it to worsen. It just seems to be getting worse and worse. I have your book and am reading it and have trialed with a few things, but so far no help. I would hate to give it up because it’s the first thing I have ever found that consistently helps my sleep and even eliminates my restless legs, but I’d like to know why you avoid it, and what your thoughts on my using it are. Thanks.
Kathleen
Many people love it because it does work so well. My concerns are that if seems to be similar to benzodiazepines in terms of building up tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Many practitioners have their patients cycle it for this reason (a few days off and a few days on). I prefer not to take a chance and create any more issues.
What have you used to try and address sleep? real food, animal protein at breakfast, no sugar, no caffeine, no gluten, gut health, SIBO high cortisol, parasites, tryptophan (and only the Lidtke brand) and melatonin, GABA (sublingually), EMFs, hormone imbalances?
Hi trudy
I got my hands on GABA calm, I took one and about 30 minutes to 45 minutes later my heart was racing faster and I was more anxious for sure!
Could this mean that I’m not gaba deficient?
My main problems is racing, worried, negative thoughts, which if I’m correct is more serotonin
Is it possible that GABA can make the mental anxiety worse? I don’t see how it could but I’m very curious.
Also what are your favourite tryptophan brands?
I have high cortisol so 5 htp is out of the question
Also having high cortisol I would have tough GABA would help with that!
Thanks trudy
Kind regards
Hi Trudy,
I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. At present i am using 2 teaspoons of powder magnesium as well as 1 GABA dissolvable tablet per day.The gaba has helped a bit with feeling a little calmer but im still suffering from anxiety in general with intrusive negative thoughts as well i get emotional very easily over things that i normally wouldn’t. What can you suggest i try amino acid wise?
Also i wanted to ask what the best brand of magnesium was and in what form?
Hi Trudy,
Love the information! Question though: once you find a dose that lowers your score, is that your daily dose or do you take that dose several times daily?
Thanks.
Sorry, I forgot to also ask what kind of side effects can I expect from taking amino acids?
Thanks again.
Hi Trudy,
I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. At present i am using 2 teaspoons of powder magnesium as well as 1 GABA dissolvable tablet per day.The gaba has helped a bit with feeling a little calmer but im still suffering from anxiety in general with intrusive negative thoughts as well i get emotional very easily over things that i normally wouldn’t. What can you suggest i try amino acid wise? Also i wanted to ask what the best brand of magnesium was and in what form?
Hello Trudy,
In regard to the Phenibut discussion…..
I listened to a webinar talk (by Dr. Jess Armine I thtink).
He said that there are two forms of Phenibut and that the 4-amino 3 phenylbutyric acid HCL Is NOT habit forming / addictive.
Have you heard this before? Do you have a way to verify this?
I appreciate your thoughts. I had been using this form mostly to help with severe insomnia and it was helpful. I wasn’t using it every night as I was afraid of building tolerance, etc. Now I am afraid to use it. Unfortunately regular GABA (250-500mg) did not help with my anxiety or insomnia.
Hi Trudy,
I had paranoid symptoms started after taking tamiflu. it is still going on and I m trying to treat it naturally. Can you tell me what should I take that can help. I noticed vitamin d and probiotic increase my energy but also increase anxiety. Any guide to treat paranoid symptoms will help. Thanks in advanced. I could not work since this symptoms started. I eat healthy and use only natural supplements. inositol and l theanine help with anxiety but cause me fatigue so could not take it.
Trudy
Can you recommend a good Gaba complex that does not have tyrosine in it, or is the tyrosine dosage in for example
source naturals gaba calm so low that if one was trying to avoid tyrosine it would not matter
Carol
Here are some GABA products without tyrosine https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
For some people even the small amount of tyrosine in GABA Calm can be an issue. If someone has Graves or melanoma it must be avoided.
Dear Trudy
I am visually impaired I wanted to get your book, but it is not available on Audible. Have you or do plan on releasing an audio-book?
K
You are the first person who has requested this and I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’ll check with my publisher
Hi Trudy,
I’ve been using amino acids to help transition off my antidepressants after 17 years. I’ve been off of them for 9 months and was having great results until a couple of months ago. I started having extreme anxiety, nerve zaps down my extremities and depression especially when I wake. I thought maybe I needed to stop taking them so tried that but just got worse. I’ve read on withdrawl syndrome so may be its due to this. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I’m thinking of going back on my meds as I can hardly function.
Lisa
I’m so sorry I just saw this now. It’s common to have these types of symptoms when tapering and some people choose to slow down the taper and even go up on the meds for a short time. I also like my clients to be nutritionally sound before starting a taper (so have them address diet, go gluten-free, eat nutrient-dense foods, address adrenals etc as needed)
Thank you, Trudy, for the work you publish on this very important subject. I gave my son GABA to relieve his anxiety and stress. Although he says he had a 20% improvement in the anxiety/stress, he said that if he forgot to take the GABA, his anxiety/stress dramatically increased – to levels 100% higher than when he was not taking GABA !! Because of this he says he will not continue using GABA. Please could you comment on this effect? Thank you.
Karen
I have never heard if this effect when someone is taking GABA/gamma-aminobutyric acid. I have seen this occur when someone is on phenibut (often incorrectly called GABA) and when tapering off SSRIs or benzodiazepines (or even if they had been on these meds in the prior year)
I thought it has been conclusively established that “low serotonin” was a marketing myth developed by Big Pharma to sell antidepressants. There is an extensive body of literature showing there was never any evidence of this or any other chemical imbalance in the brain responsible for mood disorders. Lacasse and Leo, David Healy, Terry Lynch, Peter Breggin, look at anxietycentre.com, I could go on and on. I am not commenting on whether amino acids can help, they very well might, but I am really surprised to see you offering that discredited justification.
Hi Peter
Thanks for your question – it’s been some time since someone asked me this. I actually addressed it with an article some time ago: Low serotonin MAY often be a factor in anxiety and depression https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/low-serotonin-anxiety-and-depression/
Hope this helps! I’d love to hear about your interest in this topic since it seems you’re not familiar with the use of targeted individual amino acids like tryptophan (for low serotonin symptoms) or GABA (for low GABA symptoms) for easing anxiety.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression
http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety/myths/anxiety-caused-by-chemical-imbalance-myth.shtml
https://chriskresser.com/the-chemical-imbalance-myth/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/curious/201403/what-causes-depression-myths-about-chemical-imbalances
Peter
Thanks for these – I’ll read through them and respond as best I can. I’ve added it to my list of to-dos.
Did you read the links in the blog post? and your thoughts?
Honestly, I think you pulled a few random hits out of a PubMed search. These cover a variety of theoretical topics and certainly aren’t postulating some simple theory of “low” serotonin as a cause of depression. At best this all is conjecture and if you were responsible you would not be serving it up as fact, which you do repeatedly. In reality, it’s worse than conjecture, it’s simply not true as even the pharma company researchers have now acknowledged. Anyhow, I very much doubt you are going to change anything you do or say even if you do read all the materials I suggested which are just a small representative example. I hope you will at least not go the route of creating an overt conflict of interest by selling supplements.
Kelly Brogan strongly disagrees with you.
http://kellybroganmd.com/depression-serotonin/
As do numerous neuroscientists who have weighed in on the serotonin myth.
Peter
I love Kelly Brogan and her wonderful work (I’ve shared her book and interviewed her on the Anxiety Summit twice) but we do have a professional difference of opinion on this subject (and have agreed to disagree!) and the use of targeted individual amino acids. She says she does not use amino acids with her patients but she does use tryptophan and 5-HTP when someone is tapering from an SSRI which indicates to me that she suspects they have a need for serotonin support. I’m going to reach out to her and get an answer on this because I don’t like to assume anything. Stay tuned for an update.
We cannot measure neurotransmitters in the brain. And in any event their function is far more complex than simple quantity, involving transporters, synapses, receptors, etc. SSRIs are thought to work, if at all, not by addressing “low” serotonin but by ultimately promoting growth of new neurons (neurogenesis). And frankly most evidence is that they don’t work any better than placebos. Kirsch, etc. Low serotonin is a marketing myth, plain and simple. Alternative medicine is just perpetuating the myth with the idea that you can achieve the same result as an SSRI by adding an amino acid precursor. There is in my opinion zero evidence to support any of this. There are a couple of old 5htp studies I have seen but their quality is very low. Further, the notion that you can meaningfully assess neurotransmitter function via a questionnaire is completely fanciful. No serious neuroscientist or researcher would sign onto that. I am sure you help some people in this aspect of your practice, but so do practitioners of modalities with not a shred of supporting evidence or even of plausibility. They are all over the internet. In olden days witch doctors and shamans cured people too. Blood letting did as well. I suspect it’s a combination of placebo effect, regression to the mean, and confirmation bias.
Here are just a few quotes.
“Chemical imbalance is sort of last-century thinking.” neuroscientist Joseph Coyle of Harvard Medical School.
The simplistic idea of ‘the 5-HT [serotonin]’ neurone does not bear any relation to reality.” – John Evenden, Astra pharmaceutical company research scientist, 1990.
“For mental/psychiatric disorders in general, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and ADHD, there are no confirmatory gross, microscopic or chemical abnormalities that have been validated for objective physical diagnosis.” – Dr. Supriya Sharma, MD, a director general of Health Canada (November 10, 2008)
“Nobody has yet measured, demonstrated, or created a test to show that somebody has a chemical imbalance in their brain. Period!” – Dr. Thomas Szasz, psychiatrist, professor, and author
“There are no tests available for assessing the chemical status of a living person’s brain.” – Elliot Valenstein, Ph.D.
“In the 1970s, my colleagues and I did a variety of experiments to test the theory that depression results from a serotonin deficiency in the brain. Our results simply were not consistent with this theory.”
“I also reviewed the entire world literature on brain serotonin but couldn’t find one shred of compelling evidence that a deficiency of serotonin, or any chemical imbalance in the brain, cause depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric disorder. To this day, I am still not aware of any studies that have ever a validated the chemical imbalance theory.”
“Many neuroscientists no longer considered a chemical imbalance theory of depression and anxiety to be valid.”
[Excerpts from “When Panic Attacks” by David D. Burns]
David D. Burns, M.D.
Oh and by the way, and after this I will stop posting as I am sure I have made my point and at this point it’s a waste, but you should read about tianeptine. It’s a French antidepressant that ENHANCES the reuptake of serotonin – the opposite of SSRIs. Yet it has the same claims of efficacy. I can’t remember if Kelly Brogan points this out, but she does a pretty good job deconstructing the serotonin myth.
I’ve found your posts intriguing Peter and have a question for you:
If depression, anxiety, etc., isn’t a result of a chemical imbalance (or say an imbalance of some mineral, vitamin, etc) then what do you believe causes depression, anxiety, especially the severe forms?
Thanks in advance,
Marcia
Marcia the folks at anxietycentre.com have detailed explanations of what causes anxiety. I am sure there are similar resources on depression, try Dr. Terry Lynch who has an online presence. I don’t doubt that there are some documented medical conditions that can contribute as well, such as thyroid disorders.
Peter
This was a great question from Marcia and I was really hoping to read something useful from you. I appreciate a healthy debate but I’m finding it challenging to respond to your comments when I don’t know who I’m corresponding with, what your background is, who you represent and what your agenda is?
If you really want to learn about biochemical causes of anxiety and depression I do encourage you to read my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution”, Kelly Brogan’s book “A Mind of Your Own”, and Dr. Peter Bongiorno’s books for starters. We cover gluten, grains, medications (both prescription and OTC), thyroid conditions, adrenal issues, SIBO, poor gut health, inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances and much more.
I don’t represent anyone. I have no agenda except truth and calling out falsehoods being presented as facts, such as neurotransmitter imbalances. I am someone who has read and studied extensively on the subject with an open mind, and come to certain conclusions as a result. As for depression and anxiety, have you considered that perhaps a person’s upbringing and life experiences and behaviors and thoughts might have something to do with mood disorders, or do you just see people as chemical processes? Of course there can be contributing factors but there is zero, I repeat zero, evidence that a chemical imbalance in the brain is involved. Read 1 and 2 here, this from a group of eminent psychiatrists.
http://cepuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Unrecognised-Facts-about-Modern-Psychiatric-Practice.pdf
I think you’re finding it challenging to respond not for the reasons you state, but because the science simply does not support you. And I believe that at least in this area, you are co-opting drug company propaganda and putting a feel-good “natural” spin on it.
Hi Peter
I wholeheartedly agree that our upbringing and life experiences can be one contributing factor for anxiety and depression and in some individuals it may be the only factor. For these people therapy is wonderful but even nutritional support in these instances make therapy more effective (like supporting the adrenals and using tryptophan, GABA, zinc, B12, iron etc as needed on a case by case basis)
To exclude the 60+ possible nutritional and biochemical root causes would be doing a disservice to those with anxiety and depression, many who have spent years in therapy and still have issues. I list many of these nutritional and biochemical root causes here (all with science based research and clinical evidence) https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
For additional science I refer you to the work of researchers in the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research http://www.isnpr.org. Here is their position paper published 2015: “Nutritional medicine in modern psychiatry” https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/nutritional-medicine-in-modern-psychiatry-isnpr/. You can find details of the 2017 conference here http://isnpr2017.org/program/ I had the pleasure of presenting a poster on – GABA: an amino acid supplement for neurotransmitter support and anxiety relief https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-amino-acid-supplement-neurotransmitter-support-anxiety-relief/
Thank you for sharing the document: Unrecognised Facts about Modern Psychiatric Practice from CEP/Council for Evidence-Based Psychiatry. I wholeheartedly agree with their position on medications, side-effects, long-lasting negative effects, conflicts of interest and over-medicating children (sections #3 to #13). Of course, as you know, I don’t agree with #1 No known biological causes and #2 Myth of the chemical imbalance. I see this is dated 2014 and I would love to introduce them to the research being conducted by ISNPR and the clinical work of functional medicine practitioners and nutritionists like myself. I feel we have much to offer each other and I’m going to reach out to them.
PS you want me to read Kelly Brogan? Here is Kelly Brogan. She seems to be directing this at people like you.
“As a holistic clinician, one of my bigger pet peeves is the use of amino acids and other nutraceuticals with “serotonin-boosting” claims. These integrative practitioners have taken a page from the allopathic playbook and are seeking to copy-cat what they perceive antidepressants to be doing.”
Peter
Thanks for sharing this. When you share someone’s work kindly share the source as a link with article title for me and other blog readers. Your pet peeve quote is from a blog on Mad In America called “Depression: It’s Not Your Serotonin” by Kelly Brogan https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/12/depression-serotonin/
This was written in 2014. I’d like to point you to an interview I did with Kelly just last year “Medication tapering and withdrawal: an interview with Dr. Kelly Brogan” https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/medication-tapering-withdrawal-kelly-brogan/ As you can see below her stance has changed since then and she defers to my expertise in amino acids “I don’t have a fraction of the knowledge that you have about this arena”
Here is a large section on the interview specific to amino acids (you can listen to the entire interview at the above link
“Trudy: I have one final question on the medication aspect. You’ve got a small section in the book where you talk about using amino acids are helping people taper, and as you know, my community is very into using the amino acids. I find them very helpful for helping people with mood and anxiety issues. Can you talk a little bit about how you use the aminos and how beneficial you find them when someone is doing this taper?
Kelly: Yes. Absolutely. I am quite certain that there are many, many, many roads to physiologic and psycho spiritual resiliency. I, in no way, intend to position myself as having the answer by any means. I am very much trying to create a space for all of those who are passionate about natural healing, including yourself and our colleagues, because I think that just about everything in the natural health arena offers you the potential for very high yield, very low-risk healthcare.
I certainly don’t consider myself an expert in amino acids and don’t have a fraction of the knowledge that you have about this arena. That being said, I do use them for tapers specifically. If I use supplements I wait after a month of dietary change before introducing any supplements, mostly because I want to, I don’t know, send patients the message of what a single intervention, in terms of lifestyle, what a dietary intervention can do in terms of moving the needle of their health. I often don’t want to cloud the picture with other interventions like even supplements or even detox.
After that period, if it is necessary, I’ll often lead with some of the supplements that I talk about, whether it’s probiotic or glandulars, I use a lot based on my work with the only mentor I’ve ever had, Dr. Nicholas Gonzales. I learned a lot about using glandulars, using specific minerals, using fatty acids, that sort of thing. Well, we’re working with SSRIs. I tend to use tryptophan more often than 5-HTP. I do use tryptophan even in the 3 to 6 gram range before dinner and before bed. I would say that it’s helpful often, not in every case, with a lot of the insomnia specifically. It’s about the worst thing that can happen in the setting of a taper. It’s the kind of insomnia that’s induced by psychiatric medication taper.
I have several tricks up my sleeve, and that’s certainly one of them. Through my own self-education, and again, you may have a more sophisticated perspective on this that when you use 5-HTP or tryptophan for the longest period of time, meaning over a couple of weeks, so you want to balance it out with tyrosine or DL-phenylalanine. If we are using it for a period of time, I might incorporate that. I have found that when I work with Wellbutrin tapers, it’s extremely helpful. Tyrosine and actually an herb called mucuna support dopamine.
Then all of my patients who are tapering – I have them on a blend of amino acids.”
For Marcia, from the brilliant author Dr. Terry Lynch on what really causes depression and mood disorders generally. Read it all but see especially the last few paragraphs. Sorry, it’s not “low” serotonin. It’s not “low” GABA.
Global mental health, with psychiatry as its lead, is way off track. Steeped in its own biases and priorities, psychiatry and the drug industry has successfully convinced the public that psychiatric diagnoses are primarily biological. Although the biology of psychiatric diagnoses has been researched intensely for well over 50 years, nothing definite has shown up. The idea that psychiatric diagnoses are fundamentally biological has become accepted as truth, as established fact. Yet there is not a shred of reliable scientific evidence to verify this belief, upon which the entire global system of mental health understanding and treatment—in “developed” countries, at least—is based. There are of course some physical elements to all experiences.
The psychiatry-led approach to mental health is fundamentally faith-based rather than evidence-based, since there is no actual evidence to support the fundamental conviction of this system—that biology is the core and most important consideration in mental health. Just as there is no evidence on a global scale to support the biologically dominated psychiatric model of mental health, doctors have no way of confirming any biological abnormalities in their consultations with individual people.
As a group, psychiatrists and GPs have a grossly inadequate training in and therefore understanding of human emotionality and psychology. Consequently, their evaluation of people’s experiences is seriously compromised. Their perceived and self-promoted level of understanding and expertise greatly exceeds their actual level of understanding and expertise.
Psychiatry’s position as the top source of expertise in global mental health is based on their perceived and self-promoted level of understanding and expertise. If based on their actual level of expertise, psychiatry would not at all merit this dominant position.
Their evaluations are further distorted because of their biases, to which most are blind. In particular, their bias toward biology—primarily biological “problems” requiring primarily biological solutions. It is out of this biological bias that the “brain chemical imbalance” arose. It fitted with the medical preference for biology, and benefitted the medical profession enormously. It sounded impressive and persuasive. But it was—and is—false.
The medical profession has played a very major part in creating and maintaining widespread false beliefs about depression and brain chemical imbalances within the public mind.
One of the ironies in mental health globally is the dominance of a psychiatric system that has no scientific underpinnings to its core beliefs, yet other features that are virtually always present are routinely missed or undervalued with this system. This regrettable paradox occurs because (a) doctors are not adequately trained to identify these features, (b) proper recognition of these features would inevitably result in public questioning of the psychiatric model, so doctors don’t want to go there.
There features are (1) trauma/woundedness; (2) distress in its many forms, caused by trauma/woundedness; (3) defense mechanisms and coping strategies that we humans may put in place to minimize further wounding and distress, and to reduce our contact with woundedness and distress already experiences from which we have disconnected; (4) our patterns of choice-making, which are often greatly influenced by the previous 3 features. None of these issues are fundamentally biological.
Trauma/woundedness, distress and defense mechanisms are at the heart of mental health problems. I don’t believe biologically biased psychiatry can or will ever acknowledge this reality. Therefore, the current system is incapable of being what it should be, what the public assume it to be—an independent unbiased system whose only priority is to provide the best service possible for the people they serve. This is a very serious matter. Society’s focus on mental health is just plain wrong.
I am glad to see we have some common ground on the problems of modern biological psychiatry but I guess we just have to disagree on chemical imbalances. I don’t see any evidence that we can measure or otherwise identify them, if they exist at all, and I believe even you agree measuring neurotransmitters in urine (a mainstay of some alternative practitioners as you know) is not helpful. As someone who hates drugs I admire the alternative impulse, but I believe interventions need to be supported by real evidence before factual claims justifying them can be made. I have less objection to empirically trying safe substances or other interventions to see if they make a difference for an individual. I strongly suspect a lot of the positive results are placebo, after all up to 40 percent of people in clinical trials seem to improve with sugar pills (incredibly), but nothing wrong with that either.
Thanks for this article and your interesting website. I recently have tried a lot of different amino acids, mainly for sleep and depression. So far the results are not that impressive. One sentence in your article was totaly new to me: “If the adverse effects of supplemental amino acids are uncomfortable, taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C is an effective short-term antidote.”
What exactly does this mean? I usually take 3x a day 1g of Vitamin C. Does it mean that Tryptophan could not be effective for that reason?
Do you recommend to not taking Vitamin C at all, or should I only wait a few hours before/ after taking amino acids?
Thanks a lot for an answer!
Tobias
When vitamin C is used at the same time as the amino acid or right after it (within 5-10 minutes) it negates the effects.
When I hear the amino acids are not effective for sleep and depression these factors come to mind: it’s not a low serotonin or low GABA issue; the products are inferior or have additives; too much or too little was used; it’s another root cause (like high cortisol, gluten, SIBO, heavy metals, Lyme etc); low thyroid (makes aminos less effective); medication side-effects (benzos, SSRIS and even fluroquinolones)
Dear Trudy.
I´m not sure if i understand this right – Vitamin C negates the effect of Aminoacids.
This would mean, that the amino acids in a protein shake, normally containing a lot of Vitamin C also, would be negoted also? So the shakes would be nearlly senseless.
Thank you for your Reply.
Trudy, You’ve clearly helped a lot of people. I’ve read several of your blogs and heard several interviews with you. But there’s one thing that stands out to me: I’ve seen nothing about the existence of psychological determinants of mood. This seems like biochemical reductionism.
Instead of giving you grief like Peter, I wanted to offer these two sources for you to consider. Perhaps they will help you become even more effective: Niki Gratrix on the biochemical impacts of emotional trauma: http://www.nikigratrix.com and Cytokines and Depression: http://www.cytokines-and-depression.com When I put these two sources together, I felt my self-understanding expand greatly.
David
Thanks for these resources and your input! My focus is the food, nutrients and biochemistry and I leave the other approaches to experts in those areas! I love Niki Gratrix and her ACEs work (adverse childhood events for folks who don’t know about her work) and wholeheartedly agree with psychoneuroendocrinology, inflammation and the impact the immune system has when it comes to anxiety and depression. I actually discussed the latter with Dr. Kelly Brogan on a prior Anxiety Summit (details here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-psychoneuroimmunology-new-psychiatry/)
There is other trauma we may need to consider and other wonderful approaches such as EMDR, neurofeedback, meditation, music therapy and more – and all of it is extremely valuable
Thanks, Trudy. Perhaps the distinction I was seeking to make is that while your nutrients provide relief from distressing moods, one shouldn’t assume that moods have biochemical causes. Moods can be psychological in origin.
David
I agree moods can be psychological in origin in some people BUT moods can be all biochemical in origin in other people. Often it is a combination of both.
Trudy I have read your book and have been using the pyroluria protocol (for many months) that I could relate to. I struggle yrs w migraine/insomnia. Also, after deciding I fall more in the serotonin category, two months ago, for hardcore insomnia (literally years of no sleep unless I use 25mg seroquel prescribed by doc for sleep), I started low and worked up to 2500 mg tryptophan nightly which is just now kicking in and giving me some sleep I never thought I would have!!! It’s a miracle after all I’ve tried. I have a bit of physical nervous tension/stress that creeps in in the AM or thru the day particularly in the pit of stomach. From what I’m reading on the blog I wonder if trying a low dose GABA at some point during the day or night??? Or, up the tryptophan as was mentioned above until no more benefit… possibly a dose late afternoon? I’m looking for balance so I can then go to the doc and back off the seroquel.. I join the grateful community you have educated to help themselves responsibly. Thank you Trudy from all of us tfor your huge caring heart . I hope you are able to respond ….
Debi
So glad to hear tryptophan is helping your sleep! I typically recommend using tryptophan afternoon and evening but some people even do fine with some earlier in the day too. GABA can be used at bedtime too and during the day and helps if it’s more the physical kind of anxiety you describe. A trial will confirm what is best.
Thank you for your answer. I will continue to read this blog g for more helpful suggestions.
Dear Trudy.
Sorry to repost it, but it seems that it couldn´t get found up there…
I´m not sure if i understand this right – Vitamin C negates the effect of Aminoacids.
This would mean, that the amino acids in a protein shake, normally containing a lot of Vitamin C also, would be negoted also? So the shakes would be nearlly senseless.
Thank you for your Reply.
Michael
Vitamin C negates the mood-improving and addiction-reducing effects of individual amino acids
Thank you for your answer.
Dear Trudy,
I struggled with a lifetime of anxiety and insomnia (50+ years). After listening to your summits, following your blogs and taking your questionnaire, I gave Tryptophan a try. I’m amazed at how well I’m sleeping!
Bless you!!
Karen K.
Karen
I’m so pleased to hear this! thanks for taking the time to share! Hopefully it’s helping the anxiety too? May I ask how much has helped you and when you take it? and which brand you’re using?
Trudy,
I’ve been reluctant to try tryptophan because my circulation in my lower legs isn’t so good, and I’ve read that tryptophan constricts blood vessels. Have you seen this in your patients?
Marcia
I have not seen an issue like this with my clients and would suggest checking with your doctor if you have circulation issues in your lower legs.
Trudy, thank you so much for your reply!
I followed your recommendation of Lidtke starting at one capsule. I increase to 1.5 capsules, then tried 2 capsules. I am under 100 lbs and 2 capsules was too much (increased heart rate). One capsule showed some improvement, but not enough. I will try 1.5 capsules again and will consider 5-HTP if my symptoms remain. I have pyroluria as well. I might possibly look into GABA if all else fails.
Trudy, I just now saw this for the first time.
I was not able to get any suppositories. What I did do was sprinkle some of the GABA powder (Source Naturals, 750 MG)
Into the compounding pharmacy vaginal cream proscribed this contains: Gabapentin-Lidocaine-Baclofen)
This stuff only helps a tiny amount. I cannot say that I really felt any improvement or difference when I added the powder to this cream. Do you have any suggestions as to what else I could do or try?
I have never used Paxil or any SSRI.
I am SO distressed about the Benzo but….I have never takes a large dose (0.25 MG once in morning and I cut the dam tabs in half and TRY not to take more than the 2 halves for the rest of the day. While this stuff (Alprazolam) does Not take away the horrid suffering, it diminishes it while nothing else including Gabapentin has done.
Trudy, I am feeling pretty desperate and again, cannot seem to get any authentic medical Help.
If you have any suggestions I would be so appreciative. The symptoms are actually worsening and my anxiety is very bad (also depression which I have rarely suffered from previously)
Thank you for any help you can offer.
Demelza
I actually posted this response on this blog back in November https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-2017-awareness-anxiety-nutrition-solutions/. Pasting below here for you….
When I trial GABA with clients we continue to increase the amount based on symptom relief so I would go higher on topical and oral. I would also be doing topical in a cream without other medications and oral held in the mouth/sublingual. I have seen reports of rectal spasms being common with PGADS and GABA does help many people https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-gaba-eases-agonizing-rectal-pain-spasms/ and https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/rectal-spasms-gaba-pelvic-floor-work-gluten-removal-squats/ But I would see GABA as a possible way to offer some relief while bigger underlying issues are addressed.
As I mentioned in my previous post, working with a functional practitioner to do a full functional workup for root cause/s is the approach for PGADS and all pelvic conditions as they are often seen with gut issues like IBS, food sensitivities (such as oxalates for vulvodynia), hormone imbalances etc
This not my area of expertise and working with a pelvic expert would be my recommendation. Here are some additional resources for you:
– Nutritional therapy for pelvic pain by Susan Tessman https://www.paindownthere.com/blog/nutritional-therapy-for-pelvic-pain and her site http://www.susantessman.com
– Jessica Drummond http://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com and http://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/vulvovaginal-pain-and-the-immune-system/
– Phaedra Antioco http://myofascialreleasephoenix.com/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/
I also can’t help but wonder what side-effects the Gabapentin-Lidocaine-Baclofen is having
Thank you so much for the information. I agree that the vaginal ‘cream’ combination may not be good or ‘side effects’ could be impacting. Can you suggest what kind of substance or cream I could use to pour the GABA into and insert this ? It would certainly be worth trying. I am currently using the GABA you recommended and also L-Theanine. Both help a tiny bit but…..as I told you I am SO desperate to get some help. Have not been able to find a Functional medicine doctor near where I live , will keep trying but so far No luck.
I will try any cream you suggest and let you know the result.
Thank you so much for your response.
Dear Trudy.
As i suffer from social phobia i made the questionarie for pyroluria.
Afterwards i made the urin test for pyroluria, and got tested positive (20 mg/g where <8,00 mg/m is ok).
My Zink and Vit B6 and B12 Status was also very low. In the meantime i could get it to a very high score. Some doctors tell me it´s even to high (out of the scale), also Vit D (from 20 to over 60). I´m also taking Mangan.
Also Magnesium is ok now 0,93…it was 0.70.
But it still doesn´t seem to change too much on my mood. I take Tryptophan and Magnesim bisglycinat in the evening, because of problems with my sleep. GABA didn´t seem to work (only got problems in the front of the head, kind of like water would fall done slowly in the inside of the head).
What do you think would be a the next step to try?
Some Facts: Social Anxiety, often more nervous or bad mood, very strange: i get tears in my eyes very fast (like watching films etc. — it really does not need too much, and i get winy), i´m sweating too much – physically and psychically i suppose, high blood preassure, bad sleep.
Maybe you have had some cases like that already, and have some good tips for me.
Thank you very much!
Michael
Here is the pyroluria trouble-shooting checklist https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-protocol-why-arent-i-getting-results-trouble-shooting-checklist/
DPA boosts endorphins and helps with weepiness https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/dpa-weepiness-pain-comfort-reward-eating/
And don’t forget diet – real food, quality animal protein, no sugar, no caffeine, no gluten, blood sugar control, gut health etc – all spelled out in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” – on Amazon here http://amzn.to/2kptFWm (affiliate link)
Thank you so much. As i have already bought your book and also read it, is why i made urine test. A lot of the points in the questionairy are true for me. Test also positive, but in the meanwhile zinc and B6 etc. is very high. So its strange for me that it does not have any effect.
Michael
I suggest reading through the links in the comment above and see if they help
Hi Trudy thank you for this info I did send an a e mail thought I would ask on here too I am a little confused of where to start which supplement? I can take things from all the sections you mention current predominant issues seems geared towards possible peri menopause too? but adhere to; v low moods swinging to v high anxiety, periods eratic, v unable to cope feeling with high stress and tension, lack of confidence, palpitations, restless nights up to go to the loo, clenched jaw, dizzy, worry, negative thoughts, anger, some mild hot flushing feelings, lowness, sadness have always had extreme sensitivity to things too I would really appreciate a supplement to try and get relief as I cant work currently due to these debilitating symptoms and am self employed I am tackling diet with a naturopath dr so bringing in more protein + veggies
Pippa
With regards to amino acids I have my clients pick one area and do a trial of that amino acid. If I was working with someone with these symptoms I’d start with tryptophan, having them start making dietary changes at the same time (real food, quality animal protein 3 x day, no gluten, no grains, no caffeine etc) and then look at gut health, adrenals and liver, pyroluria (and low zinc and b6) – all key for perimenopausal symptoms
It seems like no have both low gaba and low serition. Which do I take
Michele
This article may help https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-gaba-tryptophan-how-much/
For dementia, I want to try upping serotonin in my dad. The dementia is causing his OCD and anxiety. Hes on Zoloft the last few mos and is already increased to 125mg. He does well, his brain adapts, so then life sucks again for me as his caregiver and they up it. They will prob want to add something soon instead of upping it. So, MORE poison.
Hes in good health, Im getting him off the statins that wasted his muscles and exacerbated his dementia.
He cant tell me rly how he feels, can I still trial him on GABA or tryptophan and go by his behavior and moods? I hated putting him on the zoloft but it was that or a nursing home and they would just drug him silly to cope with him anyway.
Im getting him magnesium, ignatia (homeopathic) and O-3s w/vitD & K, to start taking too. Hes fairly young (77 in July) so he may be around another 10 yrs. His mom had it almost that long, worsening with each year. I dont want him to be a vegetable from huge SSRI dosages. Plus get health probs from them!
Helene
I’ve had family members trial amino acids for non-verbal children and elderly parents and do exactly that – observe their behaviors and moods. Sleep and cravings are a good clue too and even improved cognition and communication. Keep in mind tryptophan should be used at least 6 hours from an SSRI and best under the prescribing doctor’s monitoring. Also check out Dr. Dale Bredesen’s book “The End of Alzheimer’s” for a comprehensive approach (my amazon link https://amzn.to/2LfEzvK).
Hi Trudy,
I am interested in doing the Trypophan trial for a week to see how my mind and body react. To clarify, you would recommend trying the 500 mg capsule and opening it up to consume? Could I mix it in a smoothie or something and get the same effect, or does it have to be directly on the tongue? Also, for trial purposes, if I have had sensitive reactions in the past to meds or herbs, would you recommend just starting with 1 of the 100 mg chewable tablets? Thanks for your help!
Anna
I start low when a client is sensitive and have them use it right on the tongue. I do encourage you to get a copy of my book so you are a savvy amino acid user
Thanks! I ordered the chewable tablets, so hopefully you would be on board with me trying one of those and letting it dissolve on the tongue.
Hello! Do you still work with clients 1:1? I’m interested in starting an amino acid trial for anxiety but would really love to do with help/supervision!
Hi, Trudy!
Love your interviews/talks on the various summits and podcasts (e.g. Misty Williams). Thanks for all the info. I am trying not to get overwhelmed by it all, especially since anxiety/panic attacks (i.e. overwhelm) is my main problem currently.
I bought Source Naturals GABA Calm Mind yesterday at Sprouts, but it ONLY contains GABA and it is 750mg (you seem to recommend doses of 125mg), AND it is not sublingual. I’ve just tried it for the first time and crushes the tablet, then put the powder under my tongue, but I don’t want the hassle, time, and *loss of product resulting in that method. (*I can’t scoop up ALL the powder from the surface I crushed it on.) Naturally, when an attack strikes, I need help NOW; I don’t want to wait while I prepare it. Sprouts tells me they have a lozenge form. Will that be sufficient?
Also, despite reading your advice, I am still a bit confused/overwhelmed by which to start with/how much/how often. I am definitely weepy/overly emotional, bursting into tears in public over things such as a Walmart return hassle and a tech issue with my device while at the very full laundromat. Also started sobbing randomly a few times, once when I merely thought about the Kobe Bryant tragedy, which, while extremely sad, was a disproportionate response since I didn’t even know he no longer played for the Lakers (and I live in LA!) And, yes, I am going through a fresh (2 weeks ago) breakup, so I am thinking of trying the “break up pill” (DPA). I also have always suffered rumination, at times SEVERE–as in taking up 12 hours of my day, unable to stop and do anything else, or even occurring WHILST doing something else; and I mean physical activity such as salsa dance, ballet, yoga. Nuts. Currently, it is not severe; in fact, for me, it is mild though still a concern, especially since it triggers anger over the break-up and that sends me seething and spinning FAST. So, I thought tryptophan was key. But, you say to only try one at a time. I am stumped. Help!
Thanks very much!
Sydney
So glad to hear you enjoyed my interview on Misty’s sleep summit
This is the GABA product I use with clients https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/source-natural-gaba-calm-anxiety/ You can find this and GABA only products in my supplement store https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/. Much easier and more effective than crushing tablets (which also have fillers)
And yes I use DPA for weepiness/being overly emotional and tryptophan or 5-HTP for rumination, anger, spinning, anxiety. I have clients pick which area is causing the most issues and we start there.
For details, my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great resource. My group online program Amazing Aminos for Anxiety is being launched too soon so stay tuned and look out for an email announcement
How long do you need to take tryptophan before symptoms improve? I would like to just take it a month or so and then stop. We’re trying to conceive, so I want to have more energy, but then not have to stay on it for that reason. Is there a recommended duration for course of treatment? Can taking amino acids help the body get back into balance, like treating the root cause to fix the problem and not have to supplement continually?
Julia
It depends on each person and their unique needs. The ideal is to use tryptophan short-term (1 month to 12 months) to address low levels and address the root causes at the same time. I share some root causes in this blog https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/imposter-syndrome-and-low-serotonin-is-tryptophan-the-solution/
Low energy is not a sign of low serotonin so I don’t use tryptophan for this purpose.
I have tried GABA (4 lozenges of 125 mg each – 2 times a day), tryptophan (4 chewables of 100 mg each), 5-HTP (1 chewable of 100 mg) and theanine (1 gummy of 100mg). They are not helping. Do I need to keep increasing the amount, or is there something else I should try? All day long I experience both the obsessive thoughts, feelings of overwhelm and the physical pains of anxiety.
Sarah
I have my clients trial one at a time so they know what’s helping and yes we continue increasing until we see benefits. Obsessive thoughts and feelings of overwhelm make me think low serotonin and the starting dose of tryptophan is 500mg 2 x day. Physical pains of anxiety is typically low GABA
My daughter (15 years old) has extreme anxiety, extreme OCD behaviors, almost all of the symptoms of low serotonin and most of the symptoms of low GABA, low Catecholamines and low blood sugar. I gave her 500mg of tryptophan and within 15 minutes she was laughing and much more relaxed. 15 minutes after that her body and mind completely shut down for a split second and she said she must have passed out. She then explained that she had an intense pressure and pain in her head that lasted for about 3 minutes and the fear and anxiety came back but not to the extent that they were before I gave her the tryptophan. What should I do? I’m apprehensive to give her more tryptophan. This behavior is debilitating. And now with the isolation from what’s going on the in the world with COVID-19 she is getting even worse. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
LeeAnn
I would discuss with your doctor and proceed with extreme caution. This is not something I’ve had any client experience. May I ask what product you used? Has something like this has happened to her in the past? You say she said she must have passed out – were you not with her?
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for getting back to me. The product that I gave her was Bluebonnet Pharmaceutical Grade L-Tryptophan 500mg. This has never happened to her before. But she has had ongoing extreme anxiety, OCD and depression. She has also had Lyme disease and other co-infections since she was 5 years old. She was treated by a naturopathic doctor and her Lyme count has gone down greatly.
When the reaction with the L-tryptophan happened she and I were sitting on the couch, watching a show and she was eating a snack. She made a very strange sound and when I looked over at her her head was tilted to the side. I became alarmed and leaned toward her. She lifted her head and said “I think I just passed out”. It wasn’t more than a split second. She then got up and said she had a pounding feeling in her head, was dizzy (but dizziness is a common issue with her) and that she need to have a bowel movement. She sat on the toilet and the anxiety returned.
About 15 minutes after I gave her the Tryptophan she was calm and relaxed. Then about 15 minutes after that was when it happened.
I will talk with her doctor at our next appointment, which has been delayed because of COVID 19. I’m not sure when we’ll be able to see him next.
Thank you for any information you can give me. LeeAnn
It sounds very much like a thunderclap headache. I got a scan done for mine. Nothing showed up on the scan and theres not much can be done beyond migraine meds and those are notoriously ineffective.
Dear Trudy,
I have severe OCD. However, my body has always protested when taking SSRI. They have all provoked severe migraines. Amitriptyline gave me tinnitus. I’m currently on 12.5 mg of Paxil. I take it in the morning and Sam-e 400 mg in the afternoon. Last night, I added tryptophan 500 mg. I did the trial and nothing bad happened. My mind actually felt clearer a few minutes later. However, this morning I feel extremely anxious. Would you mind helping me figure out my dose? I would really appreciate it.
Gabriela
I can’t offer specific advice via the blog. Best is to read this blog and work with and discuss with your prescribing doctor as there is the risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs and tryptophan https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/taper-from-antidepressant-tryptophan-amino-acids/
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Dear Trudy,
Thank you so much for all of your amazing work!
I have several anxiety symptoms that I feel would be helped by GABA, but I have low blood pressure because I have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). I take 5mg of Midodrine 3x daily to increase my blood pressure, so now it’s normally about 102/74. Do you think it would be safe to take GABA with this blood pressure value? Could you please explain why GABA should not be taken when a person has low pressure?
Thank you so much for any guidance!
Kind regards,
Jess
Jess
You’re very welcome! I would typically use GABA with someone with low blood pressure that is well controlled. GABA can lower blood pressure. I have no experience with Midodrine used to increase blood pressure so can’t offer feedback. However, if we were working together I’d feel comfortable having you work in conjunction with your prescribing doctor and/or functional medicine practitioner (assuming they both gave the go ahead) to do a trial of GABA, monitoring anxiety symptoms and blood pressure with various doses. We’d have vitamin C on hand as the antidote and do careful blood pressure monitoring with ongoing use if the trial works well.
If you and your doctors decide you can trial GABA please do let us know how you do
Apologies for the delay in your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Dear Trudy,
Thank you so much for your reply! I just met with my doctor and he agreed that a trial with GABA and blood pressure monitoring would be a good idea, so I will let you know how it goes!
In the meantime I was trying tryptophan, because a lot of my symptoms fall under that category. I tried the Lidtke chewables and the capsule, and both made me feel more tired, I had a hard time waking up, my muscles upon waking felt heavy, and as waking up and thinking about the tasks I would do, I was dreading them, even though I normally they are easy. I started out at 250mg and gradually increased to 1000mg twice a day. I unfortunately did not feel any relief from my anxiety on the tryptophan either. I can try the Lidtke Tryptophan Complete capsule to see if I do better with that one, but wanted to check with you about these negative side effects and see what you thought. Do they probably mean that tryptophan is not for me?Thank you for any guidance! I appreciate so much that you answer questions here.
Best wishes,
Jess
Jess
This can mean that someone doesn’t need tryptophan or that it’s too much or that they may do better with 5-HTP
Trudy, thank you so much for your quick response and advice about my side effects on the tryptophan!! I appreciate it!
All the best,
Jess
Hi. Is it ok to take Tryptophan supplement (Lidtke) along with other B vitamin supplements? I was considering taking micro nutri dried mushroom & the particular mushroom was one high in B vitamins . Thank you.
When should you take L-tryptophan for anxiety and worry? I feel like I need help all day. I am very sensitive to supplements and have tried L-tryptophan at night to help with sleep and only take 1 chewable tablet at night but haven’t tried leaving on tongue for 1-2 minutes as I must have missed that in your book. Will L-tryptophan make me sleepy during the day if I take it in the morning?
Eloise
It really depends on each person. You may find this new blog helpful https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/5-htp-for-a-calm-brain-and-a-racing-mind-at-night-questions-and-answers/
Hello Trudy,
From the Amino Acid Mood Questionnaire, I have found out that I am low on serotonin, GABA and catecholamines. I wake up several times at night, struggle to get back to sleep, feel exhausted all the time, irritable, overwhelmed with stress and have low mood.
I have trialled tryptophan, GABA and tyrosine, one at a time, starting from 500mg and worked my way up to 1500-2000mg of each (I know, that’s a higher-than-usual dose for GABA). I have felt no effects with any dose after several weeks, which tells me they aren’t right for me, for whatever reason. I tried DPLA and SAMe previously, also without a noticeable effect.
I take good quality multivitamin, B complex, vitamin C, D, magnesium, probiotics, Omega complex, rhodiola and Relora.
I have experienced a lot of stress in recent years and only just found information that high cortisol can suppress serotonin and GABA, and cause a lot of my symptoms. Would it best to stop taking tryptophan and GABA and take Seriphos for a month? It feels like a waste of time and money taking other amino acids if their effects are being suppressed by high cortisol.
Is it worth trialling any other amino acids while taking Seriphos? Why don’t any of them work for me?
Thank you!
Hi, Trudy!
First time messaging you. I did reach one of your CS people who told me you respond when you are able to comments made to patients/clients/etc.
I’m 73–lots of issues. I know I need Trytophan because of your description earlier in this blog, but I also need GABA. The thing is I can’t take Trytophan because I’m still taking my Xanax. Don’t want to be, but it’s the only help I have currently. Am trying some CBD oils and also some with THC which I get at a pharmacy because my doc authorized need for it because of my pain. I have so many symptoms–had Polio at age 4 and the Post Polio Syndrome began gradually but really kicked in with more nerve pain and extreme weakness in my core. Have trouble standing up straight-like I don’t breathe as well somewhat slumped forward-so am using a walker currently. I have Vagal Nerve major issues and am trying to take some of Dr. Detko’s advice, but can’t seem to get myself calmed down to get into the Havening Techniques that I’m trying to do. I currently take GABA at night with L-Theanine and Melatonin. Also use Valerian Root–it’s hard for me to get calmed down to go to sleep. I know this seems to be a “mess” of things! Thanks for trying to help.
Jan
I’m sorry to hear about your health challenges and sleep issues. There is no reason why tryptophan can’t be used with someone taking Xanax. But I do have clients discuss with their prescribing doctor.
Keep in mind it’s very common for benzos to work less well as the years go by and actually start to cause more severe anxiety and muscle pain (and many other distressing symptoms). Benzo Information Coalition is an excellent resource https://www.benzoinfo.com/
With severe pain and weakness when there are also sleep issues, I also always consider gluten and oxalates (Oxalate crystal disease, dietary oxalates and pain: the research & questions https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/oxalate-crystal-disease-dietary-oxalates-and-pain-the-research-questions/)
Hi Trudy,
I appreciate the time it must take you to respond to all these comments!
Several years ago, I tried the Walsh/Pfeiffer protocol with the help of a certified therapist but found it not very effective. In the last few months, I have been taking some of the supplements again and they seem to be helping, but I know I really should not be doing this on my own.
I’ve been wanting to titrate off of my SSRI for a long time, but my search for qualified practitioners to support me has been difficult and rather fruitless.
Do you know of any integrative psychiatrists who have nutritional psychology awareness and who practice in California?
Thanks for any suggestions or resources.
My daughter has extreme anxiety but can’t take any antidepressant, causes hypomania. What do you suggest.
Tomi
I always start with addressing low serotonin with tryptophan or 5-HTP and low GABA with GABA. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is her diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
She gave up caffeine, sugar , gluten a long time ago. She eats healthy, fresh foods, although she’s not a big meat eater. She does drink a protein shake in the mornings. She has many of the low serotonin symptoms.
Tomi
That is a great foundation and I’d focus on what I shared above
Dear Trudy,
I did your questionnaire, and based on my symptoms I think I have low Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA and Endorphin too. I take 5-HTP and I feel it’s effect: I can sleep a little easier. I don’t have DPA and GABA supplements yet, but I have DLPA as only that was available in the local store. I’ve taken 5-HTP 50 mg 3-5 times a day for 7 days. I’ve taken Tyrosine for 6 days, first 1000 mg and I increased the dose to more than 12000 mg. I tried to combine it with Theanine and DLPA, but I felt nothing but a little sleepiness instead of the motivation associated with Dopamine. Is it possible that Tyrosine doesn’t transform into L-Dopa in my system? Do you know if there are any signs for that? Should I try L-Dopa to see if it effects me at all?
Apart from Tyrosine not working, my most urgent problem is feeling emotional pain and loss constantly. That points to low endorphin. I read that DPA attacks the enzyme that breaks down endorphin. As I don’t really feel the positive effects of exercising, do you have knowledge of any supplements that promotes endorphin synthesis instead of decreasing its break down?
Thank you for your help in advance.
Best regards,
Mike
Mike
From time to time I’ve seen paradoxical reactions. For endorphin effects my top choice is Lidtke Endorphigen (which is DPA). Also quality animal protein with good digestion and often free form amino blend that does include tryptophan
I’ve tried Source Naturals GABA Calm lozenges in the past but I was never all that sure if it helped because I was distracted by the mostly-mild burning sensation I’d get in my mouth. I’m guessing it isn’t something that’s supposed to happen. I was thinking if trying another sublingual GABA (https://superiorsourcevitamins.com/product/gaba-gamma-aminobutyric-acid-100-mg/ ) and wanted to know what dose is the lowest you’d consider effective for testing. Thanks for any info or feedback you can give me!
Vanessa
This is unusual but possible and I would have a client stop a supplement that causes any burning in the mouth. 125mg is a good starting dose.
Hi Trudy…I have been taking 250mg of l-theanine and 500mg DLPA for about a year now and they have really helped me with anxiety. Is it safe to continue taking these daily? Many thanks
TT
I have many clients continue as long as the amino acids are helping.
But we always also address other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc. My book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
If you trial an amino acid and see 0 to low benefit from it in the next minutes, do you continue increasing the dosage every some minutes till you see a favourable response, like Julia Ross recommends?
Panagiotis
Yes I do this with clients if we see zero benefit
Hi Trudy!
So grateful to have come across your site. I just received your book and have been diving in. I did the questionnaire and have both low serotonin and gaba however I feel in resonated more with the serotonin. I would like to try the trial to start helping with symptoms while I figure out the root cause and finish your book.
What is the dose you recommend for the trial? I currently have 100mg capsules of 5-HTP. Would that be about to see results? And I should either chew it or open it and pour on my tongue and hold at least 1 minute?
Thank you so much for this. It’s so incredible to feel like there is finally hope
that doesn’t include meds.
From a grateful heart,
Nikki
Nikki
Per the book the range for 5-HTP is 50 to 150mg and I have clients start on the lower end with a trial and increase from there as needed. We open the capsule for the trial (and yes held on the tongue) and results can be felt in a few minutes.
Enjoy the rest of the book – love that you have hope! And do let us know how things go
Thank you so much!!! What amount do you recommend for a trial of tryptophan? In case the 5-HTP is not working for me. And how soon do you recommend bringing in another supplement like GABA? I am sure I will be needing both!
Nikki
500mg is a typical starting dose of tryptophan. I have clients do the next trial when they have figured out the ideal dose of GABA. It can vary from a few days to a month or longer.