Expert: Eric Brandt - 6/21/2010

Question
2 questions please:

#1
    I recently began taking something called “HTP Calm” by Natural Balance (5-HTP, 50 mg from Griffonia Simplicifolia seed Extract; Vitamin B-6, 20 mg; passion flower, Gotu Kola, Kava Kava,; St. John’s Wort, 300 mg).  I take 2 of these pills 2ce a day and I’m feeling better than I’ve ever felt before.  I was on Wellbutrin for a year or so but I like this product better, mainly ‘cause it’s natural.  My symptoms were fears, anxiety, negative thoughts, and worry that seemed to have no real basis.  However, I’ve been told that these substances should not be taken long-term, and that a person builds up a tolerance to them rather quickly so it’s necessary to constantly increase the dosage.  Is this true, and if so, is that a problem?

   My blood pressure has always been low and I’m otherwise healthy.  I’m a 53-year-old female, height/weight proportionate.


#2
   I read one of your previous answers in which you mention that bottled water often uses poor-quality plastic.  I do use Brita when I’m at home but love the convenience of bottled when out and about.  Is there any particular website(s) in which I can research which bottles (and the water) are safe and which aren’t?  I only drink bottled Spring water, not purified, however I recently found out that’s even risky in some cases.

Thanks much.

Answer
Hi Robin,
The ingredients in your HTP Calm affect serotonin just the same as traditional SSRI's such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa etc. Wellbutrin affects a different set of receptors. You do not develop tolerance to these. Reason for a need to increase the dose is a change in condition. Beware of Kava Kava as it is more like a benzodiazepine. Valium and Ativan are prescription benzodiazepines.
They are calming agents.

I have not done any research lately on bottled water so can not help with question #2.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm