How does 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-htp) work with weight? I am on antidepressants and am putting on weight. I heard that 5htp helps reduce your weight, as well as reduce depression and also helps with sleep.

I never heard of 5 htp helping you to lose weight.
5 htp is the amino acid tryptophan which is the ingredient in poultry, some dairy and pasta that makes you relax and feel tired.

I have tried many anti depressants over the years and heard that tryptophan helps with depression and weight loss. Antidepressants that I have tried have all made me put on weight. I am getting desperate now!

I take 5 htp for my mood, it says that it helps control appetite also.
Unfortunately, I haven't noticed any appetite suppression qualities by taking it, but it does work with mood enhancement.

N0Help 5 HTP isn't tryptophan but actually 5-Hydroxytryptophan, a precursor to serotonin (5 HT) a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in mood regulation.
It's between tryptophan and serotonin when converted in the body.
Image:Trp-5ht-pathway.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Trp-5ht-pathway.png)

I know that seems picky, but in the body same changes in chemical structure can make big differences in effects.

If the OP is on an SSRI (sselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) then this could cause an interaction, basically an overdose situation. marlousmd please consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any suppliments with your medication. I believe the research is mixed as to whether it can cause harm, but it is important you talk to a medical professional and have their supervision.

Just because something is 'natural' or a 'suppliment' does not mean it is 100% safe and cannot intereact with other drugs. (This happens to be a major bug bear of mine!)

Different antidepressants have different effects on weight gain, some can cause an initial loss followed by gain, others just make people jump up in size and some have little or no effect. It can depend as much on the individual as the drug.

Exercise can help you control your weight and aid depression. Try finding a sport you enjoy, or even just walk a few miles a day.

EDIT

As for the 5-HPT wieght loss claims - I'll believe it when I see the double blind peer reviewed published trials showing it is more effective than a placebo. As of yet it has only been shown to be partially effective for depression.

I have started taking 5-HTP and have noticed a gradual change in mood, it is great! I am happier less anxious and sleeping better, I have not noticed a reduction in appetite but maybe I should up the dose.I suffered for so many years!I really didn't realize how unhappy I was until my mood has been lifted it was normal for me to feel horrible depressed and anxious, now I realize how un-normal that was I am so grateful I started on 5 HTP and stuck it out because it is amazing! I have tried anti depressants in the past but found there was so many side affects and felt numb, I have experienced no ill side affects from 5HTP I typically take 100 mgs before bed