5-HTP
Fact Sheet
5-HTPFact Sheet
5HTP, 5 HTP, 5 Hydroxy-Tryptophan, 5 HydroxyTryptophane, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5Hydroxytryptophane, 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan, 5Hydroxy L-Tryptophane, 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan,
5-Hydroxy Tryptophane, 5-L-Hydroxytryptophan,
L-5 HTP, L-5 hydroxytryptophan, L-5
Hydroxytryptophane, Oxitriptan.
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Overview
Pain Quick Summary
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a
naturally occurring amino acid. It
is the precursor to tryptophan.
Tryptophan is a naturally
occurring amino acid which is a
precursor to serotonin, niacin, and
auxin. 5-HTP is sold over the
counter as a dietary supplement. It
is marketed primarily as a mood
stabilizer, but is also used to
suppress appetite for weight loss
and to treat insomnia (1).
Psychosocial pain; also effective for fibromyalgia, headache, and appetite
suppression
Adult Dose: Depression: 100-300mg PO QD
Fibromyalgia: 100mg PO TID
Headache: 300-600mg PO QD divided
Child Dose: (under 18 yrs old)
5-HTP is not recommended, due to potential side effects. Consult physician.
Down syndrome neonates have been given 2mg/kg body weight PO
Type(s) of Pain Treated
and Mechanism of
Action
Although primarily used as an
alternative treatment for
depression, 5-HTP has been
shown to help treat pain
associated with depression, as well
as fibromyalgia and migraine
headaches (2,3,4,5).
Its mechanism of action is to
increase serotonin. Increased
serotonin levels have been shown
to decrease symptoms associated
with depression and altered mood
disorders (6).
Precautions and Side Effects (7)
Side effects may include: abdominal pain, amenorrhea, agitation, aggressiveness,
anorexia, anxiety, depressed mood, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, ear buzzing,
euphoria, fatigue, gas, gastrointestinal side effects, headache, heartburn, hives,
hypomania,increased appetite, increased blood cortisol, irritability, lowered blood
pressure, lowered cholesterol, mania, muscle pain or weakness, nausea, palpitations,
psychic hyperkinetic syndrome, rapid speech, restlessness, seizure, scleroderma-like
symptoms, sleep changes, slowed heart rate, sodium retention, strong muscle
contractions, sweating, taste changes, vertigo, vivid dreams, vomiting, or weight gain.
Avoid while breastfeeding or during pregnancy.
Herb drug interaction: Caution in patients taking blood pressure lowering
medications.
5-HTP may increase drowsiness and should be avoided by patients using
benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, anti-depressants, and alcohol.
References
1.
2.
Other Uses
Although primarily used as a
mood enhancer, 5-HTP has also
been used for the following:




Appetite suppression and
weight loss
Sleep disorders
Myoclonic disorders
Alcoholic withdrawal
symptoms
5-HTPFact Sheet
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Turner EH, Blackwell AD (2005). "5-Hydroxytryptophan plus SSRIs for interferon-induced
depression: synergistic mechanisms for normalizing synaptic serotonin". Medical Hypotheses 65
(1): 138–44.
Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. Fibromyalgia and migraine, two faces of the same mechanism. Serotonin
as the common clue for pathogenesis and therapy. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1996;398:373-9. PMID:
8906292.
Sarzi Puttini P, Caruso I. Primary fibromyalgia syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: a 90-day
open study. J Int Med Res. 1992 Apr;20(2):182-9. PMID: 1521674.
Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, Azzolini V. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan
versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. 1990 MayJun;18(3):201-9. PMID: 2193835.
Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev.
1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. Review. PMID: 9727088.
Simon N. Young. How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. J Psychiatry
Neurosci. Nov 2007; 32(6): 394–399. PMCID: PMC2077351.
http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2011-10/many-uses-5-htp
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Products or
Formulations
5-HTP is sold over the counter
(OTC) in tablet form. The tablets
are commonly found anywhere
from the 50mg to 200mg range.
Some 5-HTP supplements are
combined with other supplements,
including vitamins, into a single
tablet.
Dosage
The following doses are varied,
according to the brand or
manufacturer. Please consult the
label and discuss any supplements
with a health care provider.
Depression: 100-300mg PO QD
Fibromyalgia: 100mg PO TID
Headache: 300-600mg PO QD
divided
Consult label for other conditions.
5-HTPFact Sheet
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