First of all, to Chelle, I take 100mg of 5htp right before bed. I started taking 50, but increased to 100. It is helping SO much, I can't believe it! Of course, I am sure the low carb is helping a great deal, too.
Second, to Puppetlady, I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible! You need a hug:
I am wondering, do you have Candida? I felt really really awful on Atkins for the first three to four weeks. But then the tide turned. I found out through research that it was Candida. I have read some theories that Candida causes Fibromyalgia. If you are feeling badly, you could be experiencing die-off from the candida. I found that my fibro symptoms were worse during this time, as well.
If you were ever on alot of antibiotics, it is very possible you have it. If you ate alot of sugar, and had bad sugar cravings, that is another symptom of Candida. You might want to research it and see if you think it applies to you. I am still experiencing the die off symptoms, but not as badly.
It is also possible that you have food allergies. Before my food allergies were diagnosed, and at their worst, everything made me sick to the point of vomiting.
Please keep us posted on how you are feeling, and check out some information about Candida. If you need some links, let me know. You will feel better, because you are on the right track, I think, like me, you need to do some fine tuning. But no matter what, giving up sugar and grains is the right thing to do for your fibromyalgia!! Hope your 5 HTP comes soon, it is helping me sleep like a baby!
Take care, and God Bless!!
-Jess