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L 5 HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, and sleep. Serotonin is known as 5-HT, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, and is found in many places in the body particularly the brain, gastrointestinal system, and blood cells. High amounts of 5 HTP could act as an appetite suppressant. 5HTP may be helpful for weight loss in some users, but a combination of hoodia, ginger, green tea extract and several other herbs, as found in Diet-Rx, is very effective.
      5 htp was introduced to the over the counter market in 1994. Our understanding of 5 htp's clinical role and its safety is still fuzzy. We know little about the effects of chronic 5 htp use. Therefore, until we learn more, the idea is to take 5 htp in the minimum effective dosage and to avoid its prolonged use. I tell my patients who use 5 htp to take frequent breaks and to take the least amount that works. During these breaks, other forms of therapy could be substituted. As of now, I am not aware of any reports in the medical literature of anyone who has encountered life threatening side effects from the use of 5 htp.

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5 htp supplement benefits - 5 htp depression
Some people who take a 5 htp supplement notice improved mood, decrease in appetite, reduced anxiety, and better sleep. I have come across some individuals who get wired instead of sleepy with 5 htp.
   Some find that a 5 htp supplement helps curb appetite and leads to weight loss. This nutrient could be used temporarily for appetite suppression while other lifestyle and dietary changes are being incorporated regarding a life long plan for keeping weight off. Not everyone notices the appetite suppressing effect from 5 htp.
   5 htp may be temporarily helpful in conditions that normally require prescription antidepressants, anti-anxiety agents, sleeping pills, and weight loss drugs. 5 htp may also be helpful in some individuals with migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
   5 htp reduces the severity of a panic attack which may indicate that panic attacks may be due partly to low serotonin levels.
   A study in rodents indicates that 5 htp may be useful in controlling the excessive food intake sometimes generated by stress.

5 htp supplement dosage
We consider any 5 htp dose above 50 mg a high dose. Most 5 htp products on the market are sold in 50 and 100 mg capsules. Some people do well with 20 to 50 mg. We are not aware of 5 htp products on the market that are less than 50 mg. Those who do well with small doses can open a capsule and take a portion mixed with water. 5 htp is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Medical supervision is recommended if high doses of 5 htp are required to treat a particular condition.

5 htp supplement Source and manufacture
5 htp is made in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Most of the 5 htp produced in the body comes from its manufacture in the intestines from tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid; that is, the body does not have the capacity to synthesize it. All the supply of tryptophan must be gotten through foods that contain protein.
   5 htp supplement sold over the counter is extracted from the Griffonia seed. The seeds come from an African tree grown mostly in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. 5 htp can also be made synthetically in the laboratory. The final product is the same as the one made by the body. Only a small (3 to 7) percent of the griffonia seed is made of 5 htp, therefore, consuming griffonia seeds is not an efficient way of getting 5 htp. 5 htp is not made from fermentation of bacteria.

5 htp side effects Short term
Side effects from high doses of 5 htp (which could be 100 mg and greater) include nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, nightmares, and decreased sex drive. Serotonin has an inhibitory effect on sexual behavior. Tiredness and sleepiness can occur after several days or weeks of use which may indicate that a break should be taken from 5 htp use. For those who experience nightmares or other side effects such as nausea or decreased libido, you may consider taking a lower dose.

Long term side effects of 5 htp supplement
Long term side effects with 5 htp are not fully known. When hundreds of thousands of people start taking a supplement that has not had adequate long-term testing, there may be some individuals who have a biochemical abnormality in metabolizing that nutrient that was previously not known. We don't known the consequences on the immune system, skin, and other tissues of long-term 5 htp therapy. Regular long term use is not recommended at this time.
   At this point of our knowledge with 5 htp supplement use, it would be best not to use it while trying to become pregnant or during pregnancy. The safety of 5 htp during lactation and breast feeding is not known.
       
5 htp supplement and drug Interactions
The use of 5 htp in combination with SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others has not been formally evaluated. Anecdotal reports indicate that many people tolerate small amount of 5 htp, 50 mg or less, with small amounts of SSRIs when used under the guidance of a medical professional. The effects of taking 5 htp along with a pharmaceutical antidepressant are sometimes difficult to predict. Since the SSRIs, like Prozac, block serotonin reuptake, and 5 htp converts into serotonin, it is possible that dangerously high levels of serotonin could occur, a condition called serotonin syndrome.
   It is difficult to predict the interaction of a 5 htp supplement with lithium, MAO inhibitors, anti-anxiety agents, beta blockers, birth control pills, and other pharmaceutical medicines.
   Some physicians are using a combination of two or more natural antidepressants such as 5 htp, St. John's wort, SAM-e, and others. However the interactions are not fully known and caution is advised. Any such combination should be done under medical supervision. 

Timing and Dosage of 5 htp supplement
It's difficult to say what the best time to take 5 htp since it varies among individuals. It depends whether 5 htp is being used for sleep, in that case it is taken in the evening; for anxiety or low mood, 5 htp can be taken any time of day; or weight loss, in which case it is taken on an empty stomach an hour or two before a meal.
    If you do take 5 htp during the day, it's best to take no more than 25 mg since it could cause sleepiness. 5 htp is absorbed better taken on an empty stomach.
    There is has not been enough research done with 5 htp to know the ideal dosages and timing. Also, there is significant individual variability to the response to 5 htp. Hence, each person may need to find out for themselves the lowest dose that works well, and the ideal timing, whether early in the day, midday or evening.
    A small amount of alcohol usually does not interfere with 5 htp, but larger amounts may.

Carbidopa and 5 htp supplement
There's a pharmaceutical medicine called carbidopa which blocks the metabolism of 5 htp in the blood stream allowing for more to be present in the body. The question as to whether it is preferable to take carbidopa along with 5 htp is not clear at this time but could be considered under medical supervision. Taking carbidopa would most likely reduce the dosage required for 5 htp since less 5 htp would be broken down in the bloodstream and more would be available to enter the brain.

Can 5 htp and Prozac be taken together for depression?
5 htp or 5-hydroxy-tryptophan is a nutrient that, not long after taken as a supplement, goes to the brain and gets converted into serotonin. The biochemical sequence is as follows: The amino acid tryptophan converts into 5 htp, which in turn converts into serotonin. At night, serotonin converts into melatonin.
   To put it simply, Prozac, along with its cousins Zoloft, Paxil, and the other SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help lessen depression by making more serotonin available in the brain. Even though the mechanism of action of the SSRIs is different than 5 htp, the end result is that there is more serotonin available in brain tissue, resulting in better mood balance. There is a condition known as serotonin syndrome which results from too much serotonin. Some of the symptoms include confusion, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart beat. Serotonin syndrome sometimes occurs when the dosage of the SSRIs are too high, or when they are combined with other medicines that increase serotonin or brain chemical levels. Hence, tryptophan and 5 htp, if taken in very high doses along with SSRIs, could potentially lead to serotonin syndrome. Having said this, it is possible that the combination of 5 htp and Prozac could be helpful in some people if the dosage of the Prozac is reduced (let's say by half) and the initial amount of 5 htp is started very conservatively at half of a 50 mg capsule and symptoms are monitored closely. The dosage of 5 htp can be gradually increased if needed. Here is an example where the approach of combining a drug and nutrient could be quite useful, as long as one proceeds cautiously, with medical supervision, and temporarily stops the medicines at the first sign of serotonin excess. Those who wish to switch from Prozac to 5 htp may wish to take a day off after stopping the Prozac before starting the 5 htp and do inform your doctor.

5 htp supplement Emails
Q. I have been reading Dr. Sahelian's website as it appears to me the most highly informative on the subject of 5 htp. I started taking 5 htp for occasional insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Mainly the insomnia, though, since lack of sleep tends to affect the other two problems. Let me preface this by saying that I have taken Zoloft with decent effect for a year, but the adjustment period and weaning were very difficult. I also tried Trazodone in small doses on and off for a month, about two months ago, and had worsened insomnia and horrible withdrawals. I have taken Ambien, Restoril (once), and Lunesta (once), to no ill effect, although Ambien tends to only work for about 6 hours. Three nights ago, I took 50mg of 5 htp, and did not sleep much better than the prior night, where I got 6.5 hours of sleep. The next day, I felt slightly agitated, so I tried to take just 10mg twice that day, and 30 mg before bedtime. I slept okay until about 4:45 am. Then, I started feeling better, and was able to take a nap later that morning, for about an hour. I felt pretty good the rest of the day. Last night, before bed, I took 50mg again. I woke up at 11:30 and was awake on and off until I slept from 3-7. Now, this morning, I feel flushed, clammy, agitated and tired. My GP had given me a prescription for Cymbalta about a month ago, but I didn't want to enter that commitment until I was desperate. Now, I'm getting there. I'm not sure if I should keep trying 5 htp or stop. I'd like to take some Ambien tonight, but don't know if that's okay. I'll definitely check with the pharmacy before I do, but wanted to see if you had any experience. I am also wondering if I should just switch over to Cymbalta at this point, since at least there is more research on it.
   A. 5 htp is not consistent in influencing sleep and sometimes it can have the opposite effect, but perhaps low dosages, such as 10 to 20 mg may work better. For info on sleep, see the website below. You can ask your doctor if Good Night Rx is appropriate for your needs.

Q. Enjoyed your site, very informative. Can you at least tell me where I can find info on any possible interactions between 5 htp and wellburtrin. Since I have started taking Wellbutrin in the morning I stopped my 5HTP at night. Have not had a good nights sleep in weeks but am afraid to combine the two. I would love to ask my Dr. but he has no idea what 5 htp even is.
   A. Unexpected reactions can occur when combining drugs and supplements. Wellbutrin mostly effects dopamine and 5 htp influences serotonin.

Q. I came across your page on 5 htp and was very interested to read about the experiences of others. I thought it might be helpful to share some of my own. I first took 5 htp almost 2 years ago after trying numerous SSRI's for depression, anxiety, and worst of all insomnia. I wanted so badly to be off the antidepressants but I just couldn't make it through the dark winters without some help. Within days of starting the 5 htp my sleep improved. In fact, I was able to go the whole winter and sleep reasonably well without taking any medication. I won't say that I was completely cured but my symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia were relieved enough that I was very, very pleased. I weaned myself off in the spring and during that summer I actually had days of elation, joy and well being. This winter I suffered a miscarriage and after months of waiting for my body to "readjust" I decided I needed more help. I am back on the 5 htp and feeling much better after a month or so (result were a little slower this time). I am researching other supplements to support the 5 htp and plan on taking it for another month or so before relying solely on a diet that is higher in essential amino acids. I consider my experience with 5 htp to be a success and I did have to do some experimenting to get there. I do have some advice for people complaining of discomfort but otherwise getting results. First, find a RELIABLE 5 htp brand. I tried 2 or 3 before asking my health food store to carry the one I use now. It made a huge difference. Also breaking up the dose may be helpful. I take 5 htp 50mg in the afternoon and 50 in the evening. This helps even out my mood throughout the day. Of course, the time of day is something you have to work out too. I want to sleep at night, not in the morning! Consider too that hormone and other natural fluctuations could be a factor. I definitely need my 100mg at different times of the month whereas sometimes just 50 is fine. For what its worth I have a good friend who tried 5HTP at my recommendation and it gave her headaches
immediately. Seratonin is obviously not what she lacks. I think there is definitely something to the idea that depression has many causes. Thanks for the generosity of information!

Q.  have been searching everywhere and I am having trouble locating a comprehensive resource. I am looking to find physicians in my area who are familiar with 5 htp.
   A. Sorry we don't keep such lists, you may consider asking the people at your local health food stores if they know a local doctor.

Q. I have read Dr Sahelian information on 5 HTP with great interest, and am trying to weigh up the pro and cons of taking this for myself. I have greatly suffered many unexplainable illnesses including depression and lack of concentration since my late teens. I am now 42 and have tried 'everything' with mild or no positive result. As I have tried to learn not just to jump into the last thing that I have heard, I have just a few questions so that I can decide whether to try this 5 htp product. Q. Do we know or have any idea what makes one's serotonins level low in the first place? Q. Could side affects of taking 5 HTP (and ill affects) be a sign that your serotonin level is fine any way? Q. Is there any indication that taking 5 htp supplement could make one more dependant on it and reduce your natural manufacture of it?
   A. Low serotonin could be due to genetics and various environmental causes including diet and various social and emotional influences throughout one's life and daily stress. People with low levels of serotonin could get a 5 htp side effect if high doses of 5 htp are used. There is no evidence that using 5 htp could make a person dependent on this supplement and reduce one's own serotonin production. These answers are to the best of our knowledge based on limited 5 htp research.

Q. Can 5 htp supplement for depression be used in a plan to 'wean' off of Zoloft if my doctor concurs that I can stop taking it?
   A. Possibly, but it is impossible to predict improvement in depression until 5 htp is taken and the Zoloft reduced. The transition may work for one person but not for another.

Q. In your experience, does 5 htp effectiveness reduce in the long term, I mean years? Is there any body out there that have successfully used 5 htp for depression ,etc. for over 5 years? For about a month's use of 5 htp, I got relief from IBS, depression, panic, etc. I haven't used it since. But, if I take breaks then is 5 htp effective in the long term? Or does it show tolerence effects?
   A. We suggest taking breaks from use of 5 htp, hence we don't know anyone who has taken 5 htp daily for 5 years and no such studies are available regarding the use of 5 htp daily for several years. However, the longer and more often you take a break, the more likely the 5 htp benefit will continue.

Q. i have suffered from depression since the age of 14 but did not discover natural alternatives to the prescribed meds until the age of 18. since then i have managed my depression through a good diet, lots of exercise and certain supplements. most recently i have been using a combination of 5 htp 100mg and L-tyrosine 500mg in the morning on an empty stomach around an hour before breakfast. this combination has proved fairly effective so the question i am about to deliver is asked more out of interest value (i am always looking to educate myself as much as possible about my ailment). i know that individual amino acids work best when taken away from food so they can cross the blood brain barrier more easily free from obstruction from competing amino acids. Does taking 5 htp and L-tyrosine at EXACTLY the same time in the morning cause a situation of competition? in other words, do they negate each other to some extent? would more benefit from each supplement be derived from taking them slightly apart -  say L-tyrosine an hour before breakfast, then a 30 min gap, and then 100mg 5 htp supplement half an hour before breakfast? would this allow me to take slightly less of each supplement 5 htp and still experience the same benefit that i do at present? linked to this, does the fact that 5 htp is an amino acid metabolite affect this competition situation and so is my concern only an issue for an L-tryptophan /  L-tyrosine pre-breakfast combination? Any feedback on this issue would be greatly appreciated. i work in a health food store and so the better educated i am the better i can educate customers and so have a positive impact on others' lives.
   A. You ask a good question. It is impossible to predict in any individual person the dose of 5 htp that will be effective, the timing of the 5 htp and the interaction of 5 htp with other supplements or medicines. The best way to find out is through methodical trial and error trying various dosages at different times. Also to keep in mind is that the dosage and timing need may change with time as the body adopts to supplements or the depression improves. The use of 5 htp for depression is tricky and the dosage need may change with time. Some people may find 5 htp helps them more when taken in the evening whereas others prefer to take a 5 htp supplement in the morning or midday.

Q. I have been taking 5 HTP for 2 weeks at 50 mg daily, i am on no other meds, after 2 weeks my depression, bad thoughts and general anxiety lifted well, i took my 5 htp dose at mid day, was eating better, sleeping better, energy in the daytime, i thought i was on my way to recovery then after 16 pills i began to have muscle tremors and faster heart beats in the night and 1 or 2 twitches in the day, would u say i should have a break for 2 days and reduce the dose or is this just a normal response to Serotonin being introduced and i should continue on 50mg or more? my doc has no information about 5 HTP.
   A. We can't give any personal advice, but as a general rule we suggest people take breaks from supplements since their effects can accumulate over time. Taking breaks minimizes side effects. With time some people may need a lesser dose of a supplement and the dose has be constantly adjusted, it does not stay the same all the time.

Q. I've been taking SAMe 100 mg but notice some anxiety. I bought 50 mg 5 htp for anxiety. I wonder if these two formulas can be safely combined on low dosage?
   A. See the April issue of Dr. Sahelian's newsletter where he discusses the matter of combining supplements, it is much more complicated that saying yes or no.

Q. Can 5 htp be shipped to Canada ?
   A. Yes, shipping of 5 htp to Canada is doable.

Q. First, I wanted to tell you, I'm not someone who normally takes any sort of drugs, but upon hearing about 5 htp - I thought it would be worth a try. Sometimes I have extreme anxiety, such as when flying on a plane or just in high stress situations. I took 100mg of 5 htp a day for about 2 months and the end result was, life did not bother me near as much. Many many things that would have made me "bonkers" before did not bother me in the slightest. It greatly increased my mood, I lost weight because I was no longer eating as much, extremely positive results. However, after a few months - I think I would have needed to up the dosage to continue feeling the same, because it stopped being as effective. At that point, I just stopped taking them completely. It's also worth noting, I am not a regular drinker, but perhaps once a month I would go out to the bar and drink and after extreme alcohol consumption, 5 htp seems to interactive with alcohol very negativity - bringing on spouts of crying for no reason and DEEP general depression, when I am not a depressed person at all. It would create feelings of "Why am I living?" in my head, when I have never ever been someone who thinks like that. My normal mind state has always been "I never want to die." I am 100% positive this is a direct result of 5 htp and alcohol together. I personally would never recommend taking 5 htp unless you're a non-drinker.
   Second, I recently started taking 100 mgs a day of 5 htp again with 25mg Xanax daily, while on Chantix to quit smoking. I also take some Omega 3 fish oil supplements daily in low doses (over the counter). I have now been a non smoker for about a week. I don't know which drug exactly has made this transaction so smooth, but combining all of those together has worked wonders. I was a smoker for 10 years…and I have never been able to quit cold turkey like this. I'm not dying for nicotine, I'm not irritable, my mood is actually better right now than it was when I had nicotine in my body every day. So 5 htp may help people who are combating the bad "mood swings" while trying to quit smoking as well. Just wanted to let you know how it's worked out for me - it's been a very positive experience so far.

Q. I have had problems with maintaining a good erection since using 5 htp for prolonged periods. I have stopped the 5HTP and it seems to help, but would an aphrodisiac herb help me recover quicker?
   A. Probably. There are several sexual herbs you can review at this impotence page.

Q. I've read confusing material on taking 5 htp along with tricyclic antidepressants. Do you have any reliable information on this? If there is a contraindication, would it also include carbamazepine (Tegretol) which is not a TCA per se, but which is certainly closely related?
   A. Unexpected reactions can occur when pharmaceutical drugs are combined with potent supplements. 5 htp influences serotonin levels and hence there is some possibility of interactions with tricyclic antidepressants. One option, if your doctor approves, is to use tiny amounts of 5 htp at first, which could be as low as a fifth of a 50 mg 5 htp capsule and then gradually up the dose over several days. At any time there are even minor side effects, the 5 htp could be stopped.

Q. I have been using 5 htp for over almost 2 years now. I was taking 150 mg. before bed but then I took a break and have started back with 50 mg before bed. It gave me my life back basically. I had post partum depression and anxiety, my baby who is now 3 has special needs and I have an extreme amount of stress. I also have very bad PMS and 5 htp is an incredible product. I have been prescribed Paxil and was afraid to take it but I'm not afraid to take the 5 htp. I love it and will not be without it. I've read good things about it and it is a good thing.

Q. Can 5-htp be used with Neurontin?
   A. It all depends on the dosage of the Neurotin medication, the dosage of 5-HTP, and your particular physiology, other medicines you may be taking, other supplements you may be taking, etc.

Q. Please send me information about ordering Dr. Sahelian's book, 5-HTP : Nature's Serotonin Solution.
   A. The book 5-HTP, Nature's Serotonin Solution is a decade old and you may wish to visit the doctors website where he updates his latest thoughts on the supplement.

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