Is 5 HTP tablet is the best medicine for fibromyalgia? How long I have to take this medicine?

Question

Is 5 HTP tablet is the best medicine for fibromyalgia? How long I have to take this medicine?

Answer 1

There is no "best medicine" for fibromyalgia.  It is a very difficult condition to treat due to its vague presentation and unknown cause.  Medications that may have some benefit are neurontin, amitriptyline, and SSRIs like prozac, paxil, zoloft, etc.  Lyrica, or pregabalin, a close relative to neurontin, is FDA approved for treatment of fibromyalgia due to studies showing benefit.

5-hydroxytriptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor to serotonin, the hormone boosted by SSRIs.  It should NOT be used in combination with the medications above as it can cause serious side effects.  It has no proven benefit in fibromyalgia, but may have similar benefits to SSRIs.  

If it helps you, feel free to keep taking it, but full effects will generally take 4-8 weeks and you should discuss it with your doctor prior to taking it to make sure you will not have interactions.