Table of Contents

I.       Home Page

A.   Table of Contents

B.   Introduction

1.  Welcome

2.  Why I started this blog

C.   Purpose Statement

1.     Purpose and goal

2.    General description of site

II.      The Med/Chem Jargon - Deciphering the Medical and Chemical Terminology: What the Heck Does THAT Mean?

A.   What does 5-HTP stand for and what does it do?

1.    Chemical explanation broken down

2.     Medical processing of 5-HTP in the body

B.   That's nice but it's all greek to me...

1.    Layman's summary of 5-HTP purpose

2.    Tryptophan versus 5-HTP clarification

C.   Disclaimer

D.   Statement to Medical and Chemistry Professionals

III.     Medical Uses - What Should I Know About 5-HTP for Me?

A.   The "To Do" Checklist

1.    Medical professional recommendation

2.    Medication interactions and conflicts with other disorders (contraindications)

3.    Homeopathic and/or herbal remedy specialist recommendation

4.    Underlying conditions recommendation

B.   Proposed Medical Uses

1.     Anxiety

2.     Appetite Control/Weight Loss

3.    Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression)

4.    Depression

5.    Fibromyalgia Syndrome

6.    Insomnia/Sleeplessness

7.    Other Uses

IV.     Interactions/Conflicts - How Will Taking 5-HTP Supplements Affect Existing Treatments?

A.   Drug Interactions - IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ!!!

1.    Prescription Medications

2.    Other Drug and Chemical Reactions

B.   Conflicting Conditions or "Contraindications"

1.    Cardiovascular Disease

2.    Urinary/Renal Disease

3.    Liver Disease

4.    Immune Deficiency/Disorder

5.    Gastrointestinal Disorder

6.    Blood Disorder

7.    Pregnancy and Nursing

Introduction and Purpose

Introduction
I began researching the available information on the web for 5-HTP "natural nutritional supplements" to determine its possible benefits for depression/bipolar disorder sufferers like myself. What I found was an overload of misinformation, speculation, and contradictory 'testimonials', as well as adequate factual data and credible consumer statements. I also discovered that there is a large variety of manufacturers, not to mention the many ingredient variations. I spent a couple days sifting through hundreds (possibly thousands) of websites and the hundreds of thousands of collective posts among them. I decided to create this blog in an attempt to collect detailed, consistent data from individuals who have used 5-HTP for various illnesses/afflictions. I suppose you could call this my personal clinical trial study. As this site gains popularity, I anticipate rearranging the headings and information accordingly. I apologize, in advance, for any confusion this creates. I welcome any personal inquiries, in the event that you are not comfortable posting your question in the forum. Please feel free to e-mail me and I will do my best to respond within a day.

Purpose Statement
The purpose of 5-HTP Facts and Myths Data Search is to translate medical & chemical terminology, clarify & update existing web data, and inform potential consumers of known facts & misconceptions. Additionally, and more importantly, the site includes a forum for interested individuals to evaluate the brands, uses/purposes, side effects (short- and long-term), interactions, dosages, and successes of 5-HTP based on consistent, controlled feedback from consumers who have used this supplement. The ultimate goal of 5-HTP Facts and Myths Data Search is to enable appropriate researching of 5-HTP for personal use and determine its likely results for individuals based on the data provided.