[flowmom]

Dr Hale, the world expert on medications and breastmilk said this in 2004:

Quote:

From page 23 of my book. ---------- Unfortunately, there are no data on the transfer of exogenously supplied LTP or 5-HTP into human milk. For instance, it is not apparently known if high maternal plasma levels would produce high milk levels. While it is true human milk contains higher levels of LTP, presumably to stimulate serotonin levels in the infant's CNS, it is not known if high maternal doses would likewise produce high milk levels. Because the infant's neurologic development is incredibly sensitive to serotonin levels, and because we do not know if supplementation with LTP or 5-HTP could produce high milk levels leading to overdose in the infant, this author does not recommend the use of L-tryptophan or 5-HTP supplementation in breastfeeding mothers until we know corresponding milk levels. Tom Hale, Ph.D.

Also:
The manufacturer reports that 5-HTP can suppress lactation.

 

[mom0810]

THANK YOU for posting this.

 

[catholicapmom]

yes, thank you! I was thinking of getting it but I guess I won't now.

I've been reading The Mood Cure and I think I'm low on seratonin. She suggests 5-HPT, L-tryptophan or SAM-e. Is SAM-e safe?

 

[mom0810]

There is a page in there or a section where she says none of the remedies in there are okay for nursing moms. Some here have done them anyway, but in light of this post, I would be very cautious.

 

[catholicapmom]

The caution box? I thought she said check w/ a doctor first.

 

[Ruthla]

Dr. Hale is NOT saying that 5-HTP or L-Tryptophan are unsafe for nursing moms. He's saying that they haven't been tested as well as SSRIs and therefore he personally is more comfortable prescribing the pharmaceutucals.

 

[mom0810]

"Dr. Hale is NOT saying that 5-HTP or L-Tryptophan are unsafe for nursing moms. He's saying that they haven't been tested as well as SSRIs and therefore he personally is more comfortable prescribing the pharmaceutucals."-- quote

Yes, and I agree with him.

Catholicapmom, I do not have my copy as I loaned it out... but I just remember getting the jist that it would not be a good idea to take them. I also talked to someone at her clinic and another person who they recommended I speak to.

 

[leewd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catholicapmom She suggests 5-HPT, L-tryptophan or SAM-e. Is SAM-e safe?

FWIW, my MW recently suggested I switch from Zoloft to Sam-E after the baby is born (slowly and under medical supervision, of course). She said it's safe . . .

I don't plan to switch given that Zoloft is only $5/month with insurance and nutritionals are not covered . . .

 

[catholicapmom]

yeah, sam-e is expensive--$60 for a bottle of 30!!!

:

 

[flowmom]

One mama also found that 5-HTP caused problems with her milk supply.

 

[oliveoildog]

Is 5htp okay for teenagers? Dd also has trouble with SAD and started taking 5htp last night.

 

[provocativa]

5-htp did not effect my milk supply, but I've always had plenty of milk.