5-HTP Patches Versus 5-HTP Capsules

What is 5-HTP and What Are The Benefits?

Briefly put, 5-HTP is an amino acid that comes from Griffonia Simplicifolia seed extract. 

Perhaps its most well-known use is for its anti-depressant properties. There's some evidence that 5-HTP could be as effective as some prescription drugs in treating depression.

The anti-depressant effect of 5-HTP comes from its ability to increase natural serotonin production in the brain and central nervous system. Serotonin plays an important role in appetite, mood, sleep, and pain, to name a few. Low serotonin levels are believed to contribute to depression, obesity, and insomnia.

Since 5-HTP causes an increase in serotonin levels, it's  often used to help suppress appetite and control binge and emotional eating.  

5-HTP can promote better sleeping habits, improve mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Its adaptogenic properties decrease stress levels and promote relaxation without causing fatigue.

Additionally, 5-HTP may offer some help with the symptoms of menstrual-related disorders like PMS and PMDD.

 As some of you know, I tried 5-Hydroxytryptophan (commonly called 5-HTP) in capsule form and discussed the experience in this post. I've also had the opportunity to try 5-HTP in the form of a transdermal patch.

Why I Started Using 5-HTP
I was looking for a natural, safe approach to improving the following:

1. Depression and anxiety
2. PMS 
3. Pain

The possibility of relieving stress and controlling my intense cravings also played a role in my decision to try 5-HTP, but the the above 3 were the main problems I was looking to address.  

 Read on for a detailed documentation of my results.

 Hopefully it'll shed some light on 5-HTP from the perspective of someone who struggles with the aforementioned problems. 

 5-HTP Patch and Craving Control

I've had some success at times with controlling the intensity of my cravings using the 5-HTP patch. During the first couple of hours, I often lose the intensity of my sugar cravings. Other times, I can still indulge a little and satisfy my sweet craving while the 5-HTP patch helps keep the urge to keep eating from being relentless.

Instead of having sweet snacks at random all throughout the day and night (and I do mean all throughout the day and night) I'm more conscious about it and can be satisfied with a small serving of chocolate or dessert.
 
There are still days when I'm dreaming of chocolate and candy all day long, 5-HTP patch be damned. 

 5-HTP and Depression

Let me clarify something before we even get into this topic: Depression and mood disorders are unique for every person who, and obviously, not everything will have the same effect on everyone. The following is just my personal experience.

Depression is a difficult topic because there's so many contributing factors involved and so many highs and lows, depending on the day. 

Please do not think that I'm saying that this is a cure for depression or that it resolved my depression. However, out of the numerous treatments and remedies I have used, 5-HTP patches have been the only thing to provide me with consistent, significant relief and improvements. 5-HTP has made many of my "low" days tolerable and while it doesn't completely remove all stress and anxiety, it lessens the severity to some degree.

5-HTP transdermal patch VS. Capsules 

• The patch keeps serotonin levels higher and for a longer period of time.

 This works because the patch delivers directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the stomach and intestine. Because of the 24 hour continual release ensures no "peaks" and "troughs,"  the patch is perfect for me.

• The patch allows you to take a lower dose than what you'd need in a capsule since the 5-HTP and magnesium are delivered straight to the bloodstream.

• Starts working quicker than 5-HTP capsules. 

When I was using the capsule form of 5-HPT, it would take nearly two hours before it "peaked." That meant waiting two hours before the sought-after benefits of 5-HTP really kicked-in. The patch begins working within minutes.

• Less negative side effects compared to the capsules (in my experience).

When I would take one 100 milligram capsule (the regular dose I use of 5-HTP), I would sometimes get nausea, headache, chills and exhaustion. This would happen once the 5-HTP reached its peak (almost two hours after taking.) It was really difficult to deal with, but it didn't happen every time I took the supplement, nor did it seem to decrease upon continuing for weeks. I couldn't find anything that I was doing differently, but sometimes I wouldn't have these negative effects. I wasn't ever able to notice any patterns except for I only felt that way after taking the 5-HTP.

Even after using the patches for two years (not daily!), I've never experienced negative side effects like I did with those capsules.

How to Use 5-HTP Transdermal Patches

      The 5-HTP transdermal patch comes in a convenient envelope-like package that includes 30 small squares. Each square contains 5 milligrams of 5-HTP and 4 milligrams of magnesium oxide (the only other ingredient is the adhesive.) Each packet comes with a month supply (30 patches).

5-HTP transdermal patches are simple to use since they're applied to the skin (a lot like a nicotine patch) rather than taken as a pill. The instructions say to apply one square daily to clean, hair-free skin. The patches can be applied to the upper arm, thigh, or upper leg, chest, or upper back/shoulder area, making sure to apply to a new area of skin each time. Remove the patch within 24 hours.

Cons of the 5-HTP Patch:

• A couple of times, I've developed a red, itchy spot around the patch. It's most likely due to my skin reacting to the adhesive, but it's only occurred twice in two years of use, and it hasn't ever been bothersome enough that I removed the patch or hesitated to use another.

Have I lost weight while using 5-HTP?
A lot of you have emailed to ask if I've lost weight using 5-HTP, so I've decided to update this article to answer the question. I will try to be extensive with the information, but I really can't say one way or the other if the 5-HTP has affected my weight.

  
 Between Week 2 - 3  I was two pounds lighter when I was weighed at the doctor's office, but it isn't too uncommon for my weight to fluctuate up to 5 pounds every few months.

I have been using the 5-HTP patch for two years now-- not every day! Sometimes I don't use them at all for weeks at a time -- and I have definitely had weight changes during this time, but nothing drastic. However, weight loss hasn't been a goal of mine. In fact, I'm often trying to keep the weight I do have on (or maintain my weight) rather than lose any more. During the two years I've been experimenting with 5-HTP, the most weight I've dropped is 10 pounds over the course of 3 months. 

I can say that throughout the time I've used 5-HTP, I never gained more weight than what I weighed at the time I began using it. 

I can't say for certain that the 5-HTP had any effects on my weight, but it has helped control cravings. For me, it seems useful in that area, but I don't know about just as a weight loss product, per se.

  It may also be important to keep in mind that within the first couple of weeks of using the patch, I was able to start changing the habit of snacking in bed. Having a snack while I read at bedtime was a deep-set habit for me. I still do it sometimes, but I don't have a difficult time falling asleep without eating now. I often don't even think about snacking at bed time anymore. Only if I'm truly hungry or have a particularly strong craving, and even then, I can keep it under control.

Additional Tips for Craving Control:

1. Eating breakfast with protein can significantly help reduce sugary cravings throughout the day, and also reduce belly fat while revealing your abdominal muscles.

(Sometimes I try to have a fruit smoothie or something with a scoop of hemp protein powder to get it all in at once.)

2. Spinach can help suppress your appetite, and keep you feeling fuller longer.
(I add spinach leaves on sandwiches, and don't mind it at all in smoothies or on other foods if I have it on-hand.)

3. Get plenty of choline
Choline, a B-Vitamin can play a major role in things like bloating and weight. For example, a choline deficiency can cause weight gain around the liver, and in turn, cause your belly to enlarge. Choline acts on the genes that cause fat storage in the belly. 

3. Get plenty of fiber, like grandma and your doctor always told you.
 

I know, I'm tired of hearing this one, too, but supposedly, fiber from fruits can significantly reduce belly fat. 

P.S. If you have any questions that I might be able to answer, don't hesitate to get in touch. If you've tried 5-HTP, I hope you'll take the time to share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments (or via email if you prefer.) If you're interested in the 5-HTP Patches, you can order here and on their UK site here.)

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advice of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.