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Can 5-HTP Be Taken Instead Of Citalopram Hydrobromide For Depression?
Question: I am currently on 20 mg of Citalopram Hydrobromide daily for depression. My therapist says I will probably have to take this the rest of my life. Can 5HTP which is also a serotonin reuptake substance replace the prescription drug?.
Thank you Dr. Balliu for your answer. I am making a personal effort to change my lifestyle. Specifically, eating more fruits and vegetables. Which is supposed to boost seratonin levels. The drug is very expensive. Basically, I am trying to wean myself off ALL prescription drugs. I have all ready succeeded in getting completely off my high blood pressure meds. My blood pressure today is 121 over 85 w/o high blood pressure meds. Yesterday it was 104 over 76. Also, a blood test last year revealed that I was prediabetic. My reading was 5.9. I have all ready lowered this to 5.7. Right now I am trying to do a Digestive Cleanse which requires that I do not use dairy, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, red meat etc. I the end of 2 weeks I would then start reintroducing foods back into my diet. So my question to you Sir, is if I am diligent about making lifestyle changes can I change prediabetes, high blood pressure, and the use of anti-depressants?
Thank you Dr. Balliu for your answer. I am making a personal effort to change my lifestyle. Specifically, eating more fruits and vegetables. Which is supposed to boost seratonin levels. The drug is very expensive. Basically, I am trying to wean myself off ALL prescription drugs. I have all ready succeeded in getting completely off my high blood pressure meds. My blood pressure today is 121 over 85 w/o high blood pressure meds. Yesterday it was 104 over 76. Also, a blood test last year revealed that I was prediabetic. My reading was 5.9. I have all ready lowered this to 5.7. Right now I am trying to do a Digestive Cleanse which requires that I do not use dairy, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, red meat etc. I the end of 2 weeks I would then start reintroducing foods back into my diet. So my question to you Sir, is if I am diligent about making lifestyle changes can I change prediabetes, high blood pressure, and the use of anti-depressants?
Brief Answer:
Good thing about the lifestyle.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
I'm happy to know about all these things you are doing , let me congrat you about that .
These lifestyle changes , yes will help you to control you blood pressure and to prevent prediabetic stage to develop real diabetes.
I would suggest to check regularly your blood pressure (every day ) and your blood sugar while you keep following this diet.
About depression, it's good to consume foods that boost serotonin level, will help but I can't say if it is enough . They may increase serotonin levels but sometimes, is not enough to prevent the symptoms that's why you need the medications .
I understand that they are expensive but this is something that only your treating doctor should decide because he /she aving the exclusive privilege to examine you . So please discuss with your doctor about making any changes in the therapy.
I would encourage you to follow the changes in diet and do exercises ( at least 30minutes walk every day).
Feel free to get back to me in case of any further queries
Take Care !
Dr Balliu .
Good thing about the lifestyle.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
I'm happy to know about all these things you are doing , let me congrat you about that .
These lifestyle changes , yes will help you to control you blood pressure and to prevent prediabetic stage to develop real diabetes.
I would suggest to check regularly your blood pressure (every day ) and your blood sugar while you keep following this diet.
About depression, it's good to consume foods that boost serotonin level, will help but I can't say if it is enough . They may increase serotonin levels but sometimes, is not enough to prevent the symptoms that's why you need the medications .
I understand that they are expensive but this is something that only your treating doctor should decide because he /she aving the exclusive privilege to examine you . So please discuss with your doctor about making any changes in the therapy.
I would encourage you to follow the changes in diet and do exercises ( at least 30minutes walk every day).
Feel free to get back to me in case of any further queries
Take Care !
Dr Balliu .
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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