Bipolar disorders affect around 4 percent of people and occur in men and women equally, The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states. Several types of bipolar disorders exist, each with their own specific symptoms. Heredity often plays a part in who develops bipolar disorders, which generally begin between the teen years and the 30s. Stress often exacerbates or initiates symptoms. A number of nutritional supplements, including 5-HTP, are sometimes used to treat bipolar disorders.
Definition
L-tryptophan produces 5-HTP, an amino acid or type of protein. 5-HTP converts to seratonin, a neurotransmitter, in your brain. Low seratonin levels may cause depression and other mood disorders. Taking 5-HTP supplements raises the seratonin levels in your blood. Bipolar disorder is a type of depressive disorder characterized by mood swings that range from mania to depression. Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depression.
Dosage
Naturopathic doctors prescribe 5-HTP in doses of 150 mg to 300 mg per day for depressive disorders, the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine reports.
Benefits
The University of Michigan reports that one controlled trial showed an improvement in depression in bipolar patients treated with 200 mg of 5-HTP daily. Another double-blind study showed an improvement in patients who took 300 mg of 5-HTP per day along with an anti-depressant over taking 5-HTP alone. Some research also suggests that taking 5-HTP may be as beneficial as taking two antidepressant drugs, fluvoxamine and imipramine, the University of Wisconsin states.
Risks
Taking 5-HTP carries some risk. Contaminants in 5-HTP supplements caused removal of the drug from the market after people taking the drug developed eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, a potentially fatal flu-like disease with no known cure in the past. Taking 5-HTP along with other antidepressants or medications that elevate seratonin levels can raise seratonin levels too high, causing seratonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction. Seratonin syndrome causes agitation, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, high fever, seizures, shivering, sweating, muscle rigidity and loss of consciousness that can lead to death, the MayoClinic website warns.
Considerations
5-HTP isn't definitely proven to benefit people with bipolar disorder, a serious mental condition that can cause severe depression or erratic behavior. Take 5-HTP and other supplements only with your doctor's approval and while taking any other prescribed medications. Be aware of the possibility of life-threatening side effects of seratonin syndrome if taking 5-HTP supplements with antidepressants. Since the safety of this medication hasn't been proven, try other medications first the University of Wisconsin advises.
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