5-Htp – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview: 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can be converted to serotonin in the body. It is often used for depression. It has less evidence for insomnia and anxiety.

5-HTP is a chemical byproduct of the protein building block L-tryptophan. It is produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

Since 5-HTP increases serotonin levels, it is used for conditions in which serotonin is believed to play an important role. These include depression, anxiety, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effectiveness Levels

The Effectiveness ratings are evidence-based. The FDA doesn’t regulate herbs and dietary supplements like prescription drugs. Herbs and dietary supplements can be sold without ANY proof of effectiveness or safety. All medical literature is evaluated to determine Effectiveness ratings based on the best scientific evidence.Each product is rated for a particular use or condition. If a product is used to treat more than one condition, you may find different effectiveness ratings for each use.

EFFECTIVE: This product has passed a rigorous scientific review (similar to and as rigorous as the review of drugs done by the FDA)… and found to be effective for a specific use.

LIKELY EFFECTIVE: Reputable scientific references generally agree that the product is effective for a specific use … and at least two scientifically rigorous studies (involving at least several hundred patients) found the product to be likely effective… and the studies are published in reputable scientific journals.

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE: Reputable scientific references suggest that the product might work for a specific use … and at least one study (in humans) found that the product might be effective.

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE: Reputable scientific references suggest that the product might not work for a specific use… and at least one study (in humans) found that the product might not be effective.

LIKELY INEFFECTIVE: Reputable scientific references generally agree that the product is not effective for a specific use… and at least two scientifically rigorous studies found the product likely to be ineffective… and the studies are published in reputable scientific journals.

INEFFECTIVE: Most reputable scientific references agree that the product is not effective for a specific use… and no reliable human studies show the product to be effective.

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE: If we know claims are being made about a product but there is no scientific info available about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the product, we’ll let you know.

Possibly Effective for

• Depression. Taking 5-HTP by mouth seems to improve symptoms of depression in some people. It might work as well as some prescription antidepressant drugs.

Possibly Ineffective for

• Down syndrome. Most research shows that taking 5-HTP by mouth does not improve muscle strength or development in children with Down syndrome.

There is interest in using 5-HTP for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: It is possibly safe to take 5-HTP in doses of up to 400 mg daily for up to one year. The most common side effects include

e heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. Large doses of 5-HTP, such as 6-10 grams daily, are possibly unsafe. These doses have been linked to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms.

Some people who have taken 5-HTP have developed a serious health condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Some people think EMS might be caused by an accidental contaminant in some 5-HTP products. But there’s not enough scientific evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, a contaminant, or some other factor. Until more is known, 5-HTP should be used cautiously.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: It is possibly safe to take 5-HTP in doses of up to 400 mg daily for up to one year. The most common side effects in

clude heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. Large doses of 5-HTP, such as 6-10 grams daily, are possibly unsafe. These doses have been linked to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms.

Some people who have taken 5-HTP have developed a serious health condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Some people think EMS might be caused by an accidental contaminant in some 5-HTP products. But there’s not enough scientific evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, a contaminant, or some other factor. Until more is known, 5-HTP should be used cautiously. 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if 5-HTP is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: It is possibly safe for children to take 5-HTP by mouth at appropriate doses. In children under 12 years of age, 5-HTP seems to be safe at a dose of up to 5 mg/kg daily for up to 3 years.

Surgery: 5-HTP can affect a brain chemical called serotonin. Some drugs administered during surgery can also affect serotonin. Taking 5-HTP before surgery might cause too much serotonin in the brain and can result in serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety. Tell patients to stop taking 5-HTP at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions ?

Natural Treatments Interactions

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any combination.

Interaction Severity Levels:

Major = Do not take this combination. A serious adverse outcome could occur if this combination is taken.

Moderate = Be cautious with this combination. An adverse outcome could occur. Talk with your health provider before taking this combination.

Minor = Be watchful with this combination. There is a possibility that an adverse outcome could occur. Talk with your health provider before taking this combination.

• Carbidopa (Lodosyn) interacts with 5-HTP5-HTP can affect the brain. Carbidopa can also affect the brain. Taking 5-HTP along with carbidopa can increase the risk of serious side effects including rapid speech, anxiety, aggressiveness, and others.
• Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with 5-HTP5-HTP might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking 5-HTP with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
• Serotonergic drugs interacts with 5-HTP5-HTP might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking 5-HTP along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.

Dosing

5-HTP has most often been used by adults in doses of 150-800 mg daily. Very large doses of 5-HTP, such as 6-10 grams daily, can cause serious side effects and should be avoided. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

User Reviews For 5-Htp

Comments & ratings on the side effects, benefits, and effectiveness of 5-Htp.

Overall rating 5.0EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

A patient who suffered from depression and tried everything possible,but nothing was as effective as taking 5 htp supplement. I was on antidepressants ,but when I csme off all the depressive symptoms came back. As soon as started taking it, I started feeling that my depressive thoughts were gone…. Personally I take 200 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the evening. This is what workd for me,however you could be fine with lower dose as well. Dr Janelle Sinclae suggests to take 3×50 mg or 100 also three times if you feel that is not enough. Defenetly it will ease your life and thought. You must give a chance. At the befinning it gave me some headaches but it went away,as well as a little sleepiness,but now I feel amazing and completely normal again. Trust me, I am a person who was diagnozed with depression and got hospitalized with anxiet and depression, /psychosis….it was awful I am hoping that it can help to some of you?? plus taking Rhodiola rosea is also amazing for anxiety attacks.

Overall rating 3.7EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

100mg ONCE DAILY (not twice a day). I was recommended to take twice a day but I had bad side effects. 5-HTP speeds up your brain. It makes your Calicum absorb easier into your brain cells. Instead of typical 5-10% of Calicum soaking into your brain cells you can get more like 20% absorbed. (the rest expelled via urine) NOTE: Calcium metabolism in your brain CREATES HEAT. When I took 100mg twice a day the end result was a feeling that my head was on fire. I could literally feel the heat, and ended up running cold water over my head in the shower- not pleasant! However, once I started taking it just every other day all of the sudden I can THINK again. The fog is cleared and all of the sudden my friends are surprised that I’m not lost in a fog. USAGE WARNING: Do not take more than recommended and really I would just take half until your brain gets used to it. If you take with a good multi vitamin- just EVERY OTHER DAY hopefully you will have the good results that I am getting. I now take with with Citicoline and L-Theanine and find very good mental / memory function, clear head and emotions, and Ashwagandha for sleep. Overall would recommend- but start with 1/2 dose or you might be soaking your head in cold water!

Overall rating 5.0EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I am not depressed,but I crave sugar because of a seratonin deficiency. I really CRAVE it, especially in the afternoon and evening. 5htp makes those cravings entirely manageable. It is miraculous. If I forget to take my pill I end up getting into something (ice cream or worse). When I take it I resist. I love this stuff.

Overall rating 5.0EffectivenessEase of UseSatisfaction

I worked with a specialist to find a solution for depression because I cannot take SSRIs. It works. But reading reviews I have to say – it’s natural of course it’s not FFA approved? Does FDA approve dried fruit, tea, dried milk?? No. Matural things existed long before big pharma came along!! If your doctor gave you 5htp for melatonin, your doctor should be reported, they’re the problem not 5htp. 5htp can increase serotonin. If you take SSRIs or other pharmaceuticals you should ask a pharmacist or doctor to look up interactions. Est advice – buy from reputable brands that have been around for a while. Don’t buy from obscure places and brands not known.