system
How can anxiety be treated while trying to conceive?
human
I recently started taking the over the counter supplement 5-htp for my anxiety disorder. It has helped immensely. I am extremely impressed with how well this supplement has worked for me. My husband and I are however interested in starting a family and hoping to start trying to conceive. I m very nervous about stopping the use of the supplement because it s worked so well for me. There s research on taking SRI s during pregnancy but I haven t been able to find any about 5 htp, probably just due to the fact that it s a less popular drug. I was under the impression that 5-htp would be better for you because for one it s an over the counter drug and doesn t even require a prescription, It is a supplement that gives your body what you need to create your own serotonin, it s natural etc. For SRI s the research and articles I m reading are saying that it s low risk for birth defects and overall fine to take during pregnancy, but there isn t the same research for 5 htp. Why would 5 htp be better for a non-pregnant person in terms of health, with everyone suggesting it s better than taking SRI s but for pregnant women, they would suggest taking SRI s instead? I m not understanding this. Why would SRI s be better for pregnant women than 5 htp, which is just a supplement with its conversion being an amino acid that s found in food?
gpt
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Low levels of serotonin lead to depression and anxiety. 5-Htp is a precursor of serotonin and taking that helps in increasing the levels of serotonin. SSRIs are also medication which increase serotonin levels. No drug is said to be absolutely safe in pregnancy. It all depends upon the risk benefit ratio. Consult with a specialist so that you can be assessed and treated accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.