The chemical 5-hydroxytrytophan (5-HTP), or oxitriptan, is produced by human brain cells but is also sold in the form of commercially created supplements. As a dietary supplement, it is used for a wide variety of medical and mental disorders, although its safety and effectiveness are not known. This supplement is associated with numerous potential side effects and might produce harmful interactions in combination with certain other drugs or supplements.
As a byproduct of the amino acid L-tryptophan, 5-HTP acts on the brain to increase production of serotonin. It is believed to be significantly more effective at serotonin conversion than L-tryptophan. Commercial preparations that are sold as dietary supplements are derived from the seeds of an African plant named Griffonia simplicifolia.
Serotonin levels can influence appetite, sleep and pain sensation; thus, 5-HTP has been used to treat a variety of conditions. Although research results have been contradictory or inconclusive, it is thought that this chemical could be beneficial in treating sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and binge eating, among other health issues. Oxitriptan also has been studied as a treatment for frequent and severe migraine or tension headaches. As a mood enhancer, 5-HTP can be used to aid in some psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Medicinally, 5-HTP holds potential for use in reducing psychotic symptoms and mania in schizophrenia and other mental disorders. It sometimes is given to supplement the effects of prescription drugs for seizure disorders and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it has been investigated as a way to lessen withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical that the body makes from tryptophan (an essential amino acid, which you get from food). After tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, the chemical is then changed into another chemical called serotonin (a neurotransmitter, which relays signals between brain cells). 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.
5-HTP is not found in the foods we eat, although tryptophan is. Eating foods with tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels very much, however. As a supplement, 5-HTP is made from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-HTP is an amino acid. The body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan (an essential amino acid) and converts it to an important brain chemical known as serotonin. Tryptophan and 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, behavior, and pain sensation. 5-HTP is used for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and along with prescription drugs to treat seizure disorder and Parkinson's disease.
5-HTP is effective in treating the following conditions:
Depression: Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.
Fibromyalgia: 5-HTP has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Insomnia: Medical research indicates that supplementation with tryptophan before bedtime can induce sleepiness and delay wake times. Studies also suggest that 5-HTP may be useful in treating insomnia associated with depression.
Headaches: Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in children and adults with various types of headaches including migraines.
Obesity: There is some evidence that low tryptophan levels may contribute to excess fat and carbohydrate intake.
Anxiety: There is some evidence suggesting that 5-HTP might reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Weight loss and obesity: Preliminary evidence suggests that taking 5-HTP might help reduce appetite, caloric intake, and weight in obese people.
You can' t get 5-HTP from food. The amino acid tryptophan, which the body uses to make 5-HTP, can be found in turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, turnip and collard greens, and seaweed.
5-HTP is made from tryptophan in the body, or can be taken as a supplement. Supplements are made from extracts of the seeds of the African tree Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP can also be found in many multivitamin and herbal preparations.
Health care professionals generally recommend 50 mg of 5-HTP taken 1 - 3 times per day. Some studies have used higher doses, but because 5-HTP can be toxic at high doses, you should talk to your health care provider before raising the dose. Your health care provider can help determine the right dose for you.
As with any supplement, 5-HTP can be abused. However, when used wisely, it has proven itself to be a safe and effective supplement.
While this supplement appears to be safe for most people, 5-HTP danger occurs when people mix 5-HTP with prescription medications and herbal supplements. Taking too much 5-HTP is also dangerous.
5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with antidepressants except under the supervision of a physician, because 5-HTP increases the activity of these drugs. Mixing SSRI medications and 5-HTP may result in a rare but extremely serious condition called serotonin syndrome. People with serotonin syndrome exhibit a variety of symptoms including confusion, restlessness, hallucinations, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Coma and death follow swiftly after symptoms appear.
5-HTP should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with significant cardiovascular disease.
It is also contraindicated in those with carcinoid tumors.
Mixing 5 HTP with herbal supplements for depression such as St. John's Wort is also not recommended. Like SSRI medications, St. John's Wort alters the delicate balance of brain chemistry. 5 HTP can tip the balance into dangerous territory.
Side effects of 5-HTP are generally mild and may include nausea, heartburn, gas, feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations in some people. Other potential side effects of 5-HTP include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, marital problems, muscle problems, and difficulty breathing. At high doses, it is possible that serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition caused by too much serotonin in the body, could develop. Always talk to your health care provider before taking higher-than-recommended doses. Dangerous doses of 5-HTP can cause agitation, fast heart rate, a boost in blood pressure—and in rare cases, coma and even death.
The effectiveness of 5-HTP has been questioned because of a lack of conclusive research in most areas. In addition, an individual should consult with his or her physician before taking this supplement, because of numerous safety concerns. Prolonged use could lead to seizures in some users. It is not recommended for children and should not be used while pregnant or nursing. Some individuals might experience an allergy to this supplement; symptoms include rash, itching and shortness of breath.
The tendency of serotonin to reduce appetite is why two potential side effects of 5-HTP are weight loss and anorexia. Use of this supplement is sometimes associated with eosinophilia-myalgic syndrome, which involves blood abnormalities and extreme muscle tenderness. Gastrointestinal side effects are also possible, such as heartburn, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, stomach discomfort, bloating or intestinal gas. Potentially negative interactions could occur with prescription drugs, including some antidepressants, or with other supplements such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and St. John's wort.
There are reports of 5-HTP causing seizures in some people with Down syndrome. In one group studied, 15% of people with Down syndrome receiving long-term 5-HTP treatment experienced seizures.
5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally occurring amino acid used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Because it is an ingredient in serotonin production, 5-HTP plays a vital role in normal nerve and brain function. Mood, sleeping patterns, and the perception of pain are all regulated in large part by serotonin. Clinical studies have associated low serotonin levels with depression, as well as fibromyalgia, insomnia, binge-eating, and anxiety.
The 5-HTP found in most commercially available supplements is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Small amounts of 5-HTP can be found in foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds, but for those who wish to use 5-HTP for depression relief, taking a dietary supplement is recommended.
A number of clinical trials have been conducted to determine if taking 5-HTP for depression is effective, with largely favorable results. One study even indicated that 5-HTP is as effective at relieving depression as the popular selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluvoxamine, more commonly known by the brand name Luvox. 5-HTP's ability to increase the brain's natural serotonin production has been consistently shown to relieve depression by elevating mood, prompting a more positive outlook, promoting healthy sleep patterns, and reducing feelings of anxiety.
One of the best reasons to choose 5-HTP for depression over SSRIs is 5-HTP works with your brain's natural functions, not against them. SSRIs block brain receptors which absorb serotonin, which theoretically slows the rate at which we use, or "uptake," the serotonin we produce. SSRIs artificially manipulate the brain's physiological regulatory system to achieve the increased serotonin levels desired to treat depression.
In contrast, 5-HTP is itself the natural chemical precursor to serotonin, which means our brains need it in order to manufacture serotonin at all. Taking 5-HTP for depression amounts to giving the brain more of the material it needs to produce serotonin, and having more serotonin available is the ultimate goal in effectively treating depression.
Another reason many choose 5-HTP for depression over prescription medications is its virtual lack of side effects. The only side effect commonly reported by those taking 5-HTP for depression is mild gastrointestinal upset, which typically subsides once the body acclimates to the supplement.
Prescription depression medications like SSRIs are associated with a host of ongoing side effects, including nausea and vomiting, weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, muscle pain, agitation, and in rare cases, an increase in suicidality. Research shows up to 45% of people taking an SSRI will experience a decline in marital function, more than 20% will gain weight, and most disturbingly, a small percentage (2%-4%) will experience an increase in suicidal thoughts.
There are no reports of anyone having any difficulty discontinuing 5-HTP. Because it simply gives the brain more of what it naturally uses to make serotonin, it can be stopped quite easily. This is not the case with prescription depression medications, which artificially manipulate the brain's physiological processes. Many people taking SSRIs, for example, find them very difficult to discontinue, and stopping them abruptly is strongly discouraged by drug manufacturers and physicians alike because it can result in physical withdrawal.
While you should definitely tell your doctor if you're taking 5-HTP for depression, you do not need a prescription from him or her in order to purchase 5-HTP. 5-HTP is available in the vitamin and supplement section of most drug stores and supermarkets, health food stores, and can also be purchased online.
Most people taking 5-HTP for depression take between 50 mg to 300 mg daily. Some obtain better results while taking a lower dose, so it's a good idea to start with 50 mg and add more over time if you feel it's necessary. In order to best absorb 5-HTP, it should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of water. Never take more than 200 mg of 5-HTP at once unless specifically advised to do so by your physician.
5-HTP is not medically appropriate for everyone, and should NOT be taken by those currently on anti-Parkinsons or prescription antidepressant medications. Consulting a health care professional before taking 5-HTP for depression or any other condition is strongly advised.
The following reviews have been selected:
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32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars 5-HTP works!, January 12, 2012
By
Emma Garcia
I've used 5-HTP as a much-needed solution to my terribly poor ability to get a full night's sleep. I was able to stop taking prescription medication and have never felt better. It's good for elevating your mood and a serotonin enhancer as well.
I've become convinced that 5-HTP works and it's something I plan on sticking with for a long time to come.
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Reason for taking: Depression
Reviewer: Murfle, 55-64 Male, 8/11/2011 9:33:27 AM
Comment:
WebMD says not to take 5-HTP till more is known. However, the article is NOT dated! There was a scare about 5HTP in 1988 due to a contaminated batch from Japan, coming from the labs of Showa Denko caused 37 deaths and 1500 permanent disablements. Controversy at the time between big pharmas, the biotech and FDA resulted in a blanket ban of 5HTP. Pharmas would rather sell you the more expensive SSRI's. Biotech don't want you to know it was Genetic Engineering caused the problem. FDA played safe and banned everything just in case... User consensus says 5-HTP is very helpful, and videos on youtube from qualified professionals saying so. Me? I found it immensely helpful and get mine from a reputable source. If I hear that "voice of depression" I take 2 x 50mg tablets of 5 hydroxy tryptophan in the evening, it gives me a great night's sleep, possibly because it also converts to melatonin and significantly elevates my mood in the morning, presumably due to increased serotonin levels. I wish WebMD would update their statement to "avoid" this very helpful food supplement, and stop misleading people who need help, but they have not responded to my attempts to contact them with links about the original 5HTP contamination. Don't cross medicate with SSRI's or MAOI's and it is probably perfectly safe. Look up Tryptophan poisoning on google for yourself.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING!!!!, November 6, 2011
By
amandarod92
I bought this product because I have been feeling quite depressed as of late and didn't want to go to a doctor for them to tell me I had bipolar or some nonsense. I didn't really do my research on it as I am an impulse buyer but man did I luck out! I've been taking these for about two weeks now and it is incredible. I physically cannot feel depressed or angry. I had no idea it would reduce anger as well, but that could just be me. I usually am annoyed and irritated fairly easily but since these I've noticed the things that usually get my blood pressure going don't effect me anymore. Also I don't know where people are getting this time release formula from. I honestly don't know the difference however nowhere on the bottle I recieved did it state time release or TR or anything.
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Reason for taking: Depression
Reviewer: Deb, 45-54 Female, 6/14/2011 3:31:10 PM
Comment:
I have taken 5-HTP for about nine years with no side effects. Before that I took Prozac and Effexor which made me sleepy, and feel like I was in a dream-like state all the time. I also tried ST. John's Wart and Kava Kava with little success. After takeing 5-HTP at 100mg three times a day for a couple of weeks I felt more like myself than I had in years. I also took a multi vitimin, B6, and Natural Calm. This was during my high stress years when I was working, had three teenagers and a child seven years younger than the older three. I now take 100mg twice a day and at times once a day along with Magnesiun and Omega 3. It has helped me maintain symptomys of depression, PMS, sleeless nights, weight gain during Perimenapause... My family and I are all glad that I found 5-HTP when I did. It has help me lead a normal life without the up and down cycles of depression.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had found it sooner..., April 5, 2011
By
Wilis M. (Illinois, USA)
I take two per day. One first thing in the morning and one just after lunch. 5-HTP has helped me to get to sleep faster and stay asleep better through the night. Plus my mood is definitely better throughout the day. Can't say enought good things about it. Highly recommended.
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Reason for taking: Depression
Reviewer: ashtreewillow, Female, 9/27/2011 3:17:55 PM
Comment:
I have suffered from fits of depression and severe anxiety since the age of 14, and have tried countless medications. I was on prozac throughout high school. I am now 21 years old and have no been on any meds for almost two years, but my depression and anxiety were still there. I just didnt want to get back on prozac and seroquel because of the awful side affects. I needed an answer, and after only 5 days I feel an almost complete change in me. I am calm for once, I almost don't know what to do with this feeling! My sleep is much better, and i am happy. I am no longer crying at every little inconvenience in my life. No longer am I sitting in silence with racing thoughts flooding through my head. I havent been taking 5 htp long, but the difference is phenomenal. I was very skeptical of the medication because of adverse side effects I've had from everything else the doctors are trying to feed every person with depression. It makes me wonder why doctors don't just reccomend 5htp. Oh yeah, because they don't get paid to hand out herbal supplements.
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67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars [God-send], September 9, 2009
By
Daniel Payne
Ever since the age of 13, I've suffered from terrible social anxiety and depression. It got progressively worse until, at 17, I dropped out of high school. Even the thought of going to school would bring on a panic attack, and every day was a constant struggle. As I aged, the depression advanced, leaving me with a nagging feeling that somehow, in some way, something was terribly wrong--with my life, with the world, with everything. I didn't enjoy doing anything, and hope for the future was a completely foreign concept.
Enter 5-HTP.
I started taking 100mg right before bed, primarily to combat insomnia, but after a couple weeks, my depression and social anxiety began to subside. It didn't cure me or drug me up, in fact I could barely tell it was having an effect at all, but it did enough that I could tackle the problem myself, head on. Over the course of about 6 months, I was able to learn how to talk to people, be social, and start enjoying activities. It felt so natural that I stopped taking the 5-HTP, thinking my progress had been all my doing, but after about a week the anxieties started creeping back into my life.
That happened on several occasions until I finally admitted that 5-HTP had been the key all along, but I don't care if I have to take this stuff for the rest of my life. I'm experiencing the world in ways I'd never, in my wildest dreams, dreamed possible, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Constant stress, fear, and paranoia, have been replaced with a calm sense of security and the cheery demeanor I had before the onset of my symptoms. The stuff is truly a life saver.
That being said, I do have hope that I'll be able to progress to the point where medication with 5-HTP isn't necessary. When I take a break and the symptoms return, they aren't nearly as bad as they were before I discovered this stuff. 5-HTP empowers me to go out and build the positive experiences that, in time, I hope will serve as a foundation for natural relief.
If you're going to take this, you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you follow these guidelines:
* NEVER take this in combination with another antidepressant or any kind of SSRI.
* Never take more than 100mg in any 3-4 hour period unless you're a heavy person. Even then, start slow.
* Never take it within an hour of having an alcohol buzz, regardless of when you had your last drink.
* Don't take 5-HTP after eating a meal heavy in protein, and in the beginning, perhaps wait a couple hours after eating any protein at all.
* Take it with a meal, preferably carb-based, until your stomach and intestines are used to it. If you don't, it can cause some minor cramping and nausea.
Taking too much will leave you feeling spacey and tired, yet unable to sleep, and it may also cause stomach pain or shallow breathing. The same can be said about taking it with alcohol, and taking it with protein greatly reduces its effectiveness while exacerbating typically negligible side effects like cramping; however, taking it with fruit juice will improve its effectiveness and reduce negative side effects if you're experiencing them. Taking it with another antidepressant or an SSRI can be potentially dangerous. Unless your doctor specifically tells you to, do not, under any circumstance, combine them.
Be smart, be consistent, and this stuff can do wonders for you.
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Reason for taking: Other
Reviewer: 25-34 Female, 5/4/2009 2:20:35 PM
Comment:
I have been using 5 HTP for about a year, and the benefits have been amazing!!! I've always been prone to depression, both genetically and environmentally. I have taken Celexa, Wellbutrin (for 2 days, it made me physically ill to the point where I couldn't function!!), Prozac and Lexapro. The Celexa and Prozac both worked well for about 6 months, and then tapered off. Increasing the dose had the same effect after a few months. I weaned myself off the Prozac (with my doctor's approval) during the spring and summer months, and found that with the use of 5 HTP I didn't need to go back on it in the fall for seasonal affective disorder. At one point I was out of my 5 HTP supplement for about a month, and EVERYONE noticed how much my moods were affected!!! I felt exhausted, miserable, angry and sad, like having permanent PMS!!! Within a week of returing to my regular 5 HTP doe, I felt so much better and more in control of my emotions. I felt normal!!! This supplement has really been a God-send for me and my loved ones. It feels great to not be on any antidepressant meds, and to feel good about myself not requiring the medication anymore. I strongly urge anyone who has depression issues to look into 5 HTP therapy. It can be used in conjunction with some traditional medications, but you need to check with your doctor. Please do your research prior to taking any supplement. I have nothing but good things to say about 5 HTP....
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