I have been on Zoloft for postpartum depression, 50mg daily for about 5 months. I am starting to wonder from reading this forum, if I could have a seratonin deficiency. I am thinking about trying 5-htp. but I don't want to mess myself up. I am supposed to wean off the Zoloft anywhere from Dec-Feb... I'm tempted to do it now, and try the 5-htp...  I could always start it back up.

I guess I'm just wanting a reason as to why I may end up being dx with OSA since no one in my family seems to have it (my brother is tired a lot, and my mother snores a lot and is also tired, but the insist they don't have it... and my mom insists I don't have it... anyway that is what my other post is about   )

No one can know for sure whether they have OSA without a sleep study.  Snoring can be an indicator, but there are many people with OSA that don't snore, and people who snore that don't have OSA.  Only a sleep study can diagnose this (or lack of it) for certain.  Sorry, but unless your relatives have had a sleep study, it is just conjecture on their part!

My own immediate family members have all had sleep studies done except for my Mom.  She's gone now, but she always slept well and had enormous amounts of energy and drive, I would find it hard to believe she had any type of sleep disorder.  

None of my family members tested have OSA, but I do.  My Dad does have Restless Leg Syndrome as identified by sleep study, and he's under successful treatment for that.  So I don't think a family member not having OSA is necessarily an indication of whether you may have it (or not).

Please don't mess around with neurotransmitters without first asking your doctor?  5-HTP is not regulated for dosage or efficacy, and can be dangerous for some people, harmless for others.  Our pharmaceutical industry has its roots in naturally occuring chemicals.  Heroin is 'natural', but I have my doubts about it being useful or safe.  Herbals that mess with critical body systems such as neurotransmitters are scary to me, I want my doctor in on it if I am going to try it.

Just my $0.02 USD.  Blessings,
--pseudonym

Agree with above post. There are three types of approved treatments of obstructive sleep apnea: Positive Airway Pressure (PAP), surgery, and dental appliances.  PAP is widely considered to be the first line choice of treatment; it is often called the "gold standard" of treatment. The prescribed treatment depends upon the diagnosis/severity of the condition. The first step would be to see a physician, preferably one who is a Certified Sleep Specialist. These are often Pulmonologists who are also certified in sleep medicine.

Stay away from the 5-HTP...I am gong to openly say the subject was over posted by one individual...sorry to say.  I am not for it or totally against it...but you may be playing with fire.  It is to be administered under the supervision of your Dr.  If misused it can be deadly.

The only way to tell if you have SA is a sleep study.  If you are not breathing in your sleep you are not getting the oxygen you need into you system.

my whole family denies having sleep apnea...they are too stubborn to look into what apnea is all about.


_________________
I am A ZOMBIE! 20 years+ undx'd. BiPAP Auto M 14/9. Nasal Swift&F&P Flex Fit 431 Full Face. RLS/PLMD, Primary CNS Hypersomnia, Sleep Paralysis, Parasomnia, Degenerative Disc Disease, Clinical MS, Fibromyalgia, COPD plus other past dx's..what's next?

I am locking this topic from further discussion.  Please limit discussions elsewhere to issues about prescribed medications.  There is concern about discussing over-the-counter treatments.  Patients concerned with their medical condition should consult with their physicians and NOT take over-the-counter products as a means of treatment for conditions for which they have or have not been diagnosed without the consent of their doctor.  

As far as I know over-the-counter versions of 5-HTP have not been approved for treating medical conditions, at least not without consultations with your doctor.  And there are indications that the substance may be dangerous.  I do not want readers of this forum to assume that this product or any other product not administered and monitored by a physician is safe.  If need be, posts regarding this product may be removed.  Patients with concerns about their conditions should bring their questions about treating those conditions to their doctor.  This is not a medical forum, we are not doctors, nor do we want readers to be self-medicating with products that are not prescribed and monitored by their doctors.


There are indications that side effects from this substance may include among others, nausea, constipation, gas, and drowsiness; and that it can also have adverse interactions with other natural and traditional drugs, including the development of anxiety, numbness, paresthesias, breathing problems, palpitations, chest pain, hallucinations and insomnia.  There is some indication of the risk of Serotonin syndrome, a rare, but potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction, also termed as serotonin toxicity, serotonin toxidrome or serotonin storm.  If you have been diagnosed or have symptoms that might lead to a diagnosis of sleep apnea, the risks of the above symptoms or reactions from a substance not approved by your doctor may be a potentially worse problem.  Please consult your doctor if you have questions about over-the-counter products.  

If there are any questions, feel free to PM me.


Linda


_________________
The info provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.
You should not use info on this website to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.