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Overview: 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is used for many different reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. 5-HTP is naturally found in the body and is also available over the counter as a dietary supplement. Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach. Before taking 5-HTP, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) used for?

5-HTP is used for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use 5-HTP include the following.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed 5-HTP for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does 5-HTP work (mechanism of action)?

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is naturally present in your body. Your body makes 5-HTP from the amino acid L-tryptophan. Your body then turns 5-HTP into other chemicals that have important effects in the brain.

Your body uses 5-HTP to make serotonin, an important brain chemical that plays a role in brain function, behavior, and mood. Taking 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels in your brain. But it is not clear if this helps reduce the symptoms of depression in most people. It is also not clear if this can help reduce appetite. The benefits of 5-HTP for these uses are not well defined.

Your body also uses 5-HTP to make melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps your body set its circadian rhythm, which is like its internal clock. Your brain releases more melatonin when it is dark out, which signals your body to sleep. But the benefits of 5-HTP for sleep problems are not well defined.

How should I store 5-HTP?

You should store 5-HTP according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

 

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of 5-HTP?

The most common side effects of 5-HTP are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of 5-HTP that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of 5-HTP?

While less common, the most serious side effects of 5-HTP are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. 5-HTP may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking 5-HTP and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use 5-HTP?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take 5-HTP.

  • 5-HTP
  • 5-hydroxytryptophan
  • L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP)
  • Oxitriptan
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific 5-HTP products they stock.

What should I know about 5-HTP before using it?

5-HTP is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep 5-HTP out of the reach of children.

Some people use 5-HTP for depression. If you have symptoms of depression, do not try to treat these symptoms on your own. Talk to your health care provider about your treatment options. If you are already taking a medicine for depression, talk to your health care provider before starting 5-HTP. 5-HTP can cause serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, when taken with certain medicines for depression.

Most dietary supplements that contain 5-HTP are made from the seeds of a plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. These seeds naturally contain high levels of 5-HTP. Most 5-HTP dietary supplements that are made from this plant only contain 5-HTP, but some products contain Griffonia simplicifolia seeds. These seeds may contain other chemicals that have effects on the body. It is important to read the label to confirm which ingredients are found in that product.

The FDA has not tested 5-HTP products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using 5-HTP?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if 5-HTP is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Mental health problems, including depression
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. 5-HTP may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking 5-HTP, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how 5-HTP could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if 5-HTP passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does 5-HTP interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between 5-HTP and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect 5-HTP.

Does 5-HTP interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking 5-HTP.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Carbidopa, which is a medicine used for Parkinson’s disease

The interactions between 5-HTP and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with 5-HTP is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking 5-HTP with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much 5-HTP?

If you or someone else has used too much 5-HTP, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

5-HTP can be made in a lab or taken from the seeds of a plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use 5-HTP safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.