Where is the mania? The guy is in his late-40s. He is not bipolar. And no, SSRIs are much more effective, but at greater risk.
5htp creates serotonin while SSRI blocks serotonin from being converted to 5hiaa, the latter for prevention of suscides. That is why SSRI unfortunately increases sucidal thoughts. Why are SSRI more effective? Honest question because I am interested to know. Sometimes it is hard to diagnose the mania part, which is why a doctor has to analyze...
Every 10 days on average you feel depressed and not motivated. This feeling lasts for several hours and then you feel great for the next 7 - 14 days. Who wouldn't take that kind of a deal? Sounds pretty good to me. I agree with the other posters who suggested some counseling.
Yeah--- but the depressed feeling is brutal, it is short term, but I am nearly incapacitated combined with a pounding headache. thanks!
Give Vipassana Meditation a try. Here's a manual I started reading recently that gives you a step-by-step guide to get started. Not a quick fix but it works to calm your mind and allow your body to heal naturally. http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html I've done meditation for 4 years just on my own and I'm using this to get more structured and disciplined in my practice. I'm a beginner but it is really something I have found to be beneficial.