5-Hydroxytryptophan Potential Uses and Side Effects

5-HTP is a substance that is sometimes used as a supplement. It can be converted in the body to serotonin, which has led to an interest in its use to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and some other conditions.

This article discusses what 5-HTP is, how it is used, and research on its potential effects. It also covers some of the potential side effects and drug interactions that may occur.

What Is 5-Hydroxytryptophan?

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.

5-HTP is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplements have become popular because it is thought that providing the body with 5-HTP in pill form can boost the body's serotonin levels, similar to the antidepressants that are thought to increase the amount of serotonin available to the brain.

Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerve cells in the brain. It helps to regulate a variety of functions in the body, including attention, behavior, and mood. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, mood can often improve.

Possible Health Benefits of 5-HTP

In alternative medicine, 5-hydroxytryptophan supplements are purported to help in the treatment of conditions including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Hot flashes
  
• Insomnia
  
• Migraine
  
• Weight Loss
  

Here's a look at some of the research studies so far.

Depression

Several small clinical trials have found that 5-HTP may be as effective as antidepressants. For example, in a six-week clinical trial, 63 people were given either 5-HTP (100 mg three times a day) or an antidepressant (fluvoxamine, 50 mg three times a day). The 5-HTP was found to be as effective as the antidepressant, with fewer side effects.

However, one systematic review of 108 studies of 5-HTP for depression found that only two met their criteria for quality studies.

Other research suggests that the antidepressant effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan may be most beneficial when used to augment other depression medications. One 2017 study found that a combination of creatine and 5-HTP was effective when used to augment SSRI or SNRI antidepressants in women who were experiencing treatment-resistant depression.

Insomnia

Serotonin is converted into melatonin, a hormone needed to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Because 5-HTP is thought to increase serotonin levels, it may increase melatonin and help normalize sleep patterns.

A 2021 clinical trial found that supplementation with 5-HTP improved sleep latency for eight weeks among older adults. However, such effects were not observed over a prolonged period, possibly due to the body acclimating the long-term 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation.

Possible Side Effects

While side effects can occur, they are often mild. Potential side effects of 5-HTP include:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
  
• Nausea
• Stomach upset

One older study found that such side effects are dose-dependent. In other words, they are worse the more of the supplement you take.

In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported having detected a chemical compound known as "peak x" in some 5-HTP products. Peak x had been previously associated with the supplement tryptophan, which is made into 5-HTP in the body.

Tryptophan was taken off the market when thousands of people developed a severe rare blood disorder called Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS) due to the way the product was manufactured. Some reports suggest that purity may be a potential problem for 5-HTP as well. No cases of EMS resulting from 5-HTP use have been reported, however.

Contraindications

Individuals who have high blood pressure. liver disease or diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before taking 5-HTP. As its safety has not been adequately evaluated, 5-HTP should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Potential Drug Interactions

Some of the drugs that may potentially interact with 5-HTP supplements include:

• Antidepressants including SSRIs such as Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline)
• Dextromethorphan, a medication often found in cough syrups
• Tricyclics including Elavil (amitriptyline) and Tofranil (imipramine)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including Nardil (phenelzine) and Parnate (tranylcypromine)
• Ultram (tramadol), which is prescribed for pain relief
• Triptans, which are used to treat migraines

These medications elevate serotonin levels. When combined with 5-HTP, they can increase the risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include high blood pressure, poor coordination, rapid breathing, and tremors. In severe cases, people may experience high fever, loss of consciousness, rapid changes in blood pressure/heart rate, seizures, and even life-threatening.

Dosage and Preparation

There is not enough scientific data to provide a recommended dose of 5-HTP. However, for depression, doses of 150-800 mg daily taken for 2-6 weeks have been described.

Food Sources of L-Tryptophan

You can boost your dietary intake of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan, which the body converts to 5-HTP. Food sources of L-tryptophan include:

• Bananas
• Chicken
• Collard greens
• Milk
• Potatoes
• Pumpkin seeds
• Spinach
• Sunflower seeds
• Turkey
• Turnip greens

5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplements

5-HTP supplements are found in health food stores, online, and at some drug stores. Be careful not to confuse 5-HTP with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), the chemical name for the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.