5-HTP 5-HTP and Melatonin ought to be talked about together. First, let me say that I am not a medical doctor and I don't play one on TV. I have read a great deal about this subject, however. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and can transfer across the blood brain barrier easily. Melatonin is a downstream product of Serotonin, i.e it is made from Serotonin. So, if you take 5-HTP and Melatonin together, it's like filling up a bucket by pouring water into it and patching a leak in it at the same time. You'll sleep better and if you are mildly depressed it will help. If you are more than mildly depressed you might want to go to a medical doctor and have your thyroid checked out for hypothyroidism. It takes about a week for the 5-HTP to build up in your body,if you're not better after 5-7 days you might want to increase the dosage. Melatonin is best taken sublingually,put it under your tongue and let it melt so that it is absorbed through the mouth. Gunner April,200