5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate mood and behavior. For this reason, 5-HTP might benefit sleep, mood and pain disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. But these uses are unproven and the supplement has been linked to serious muscle and blood problems, according to MedlinePlus. 5-HTP might cause serious drug interactions. Talk to your doctor before taking 5-HTP.
Antidepressants
Both antidepressants and 5-HTP increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which might cause too much serotonin to build up, according to MedlinePlus. This could cause heart problems, shivering and anxiety. Do not take 5-HTP if you are taking medication for depression, including citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, phenelzine, tranylcypromine or others.
Parkinson's Medications
Carbidopa and levodopa are medications for Parkinson's disease that may interact with 5-HTP supplements in ways that increase the risk of side effects, according to Drugs.com. Combining carbidopa and 5-HTP may cause speech changes, anxiety, aggressiveness and skin problems.
Pain Medications
Many pain medications affect serotonin and should not be combined with 5-HTP supplements. This could cause a buildup of too much serotonin in the brain, causing serious side effects, according to Drugs.com. Do not take 5-HTP supplements with meperidine, pentazocine or tramadol. If you take migraine medication, including naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan and zolmitriptan, do not take 5-HTP.
Other Interactions
Many common over-the-counter cough medicines contain the drug dextromethorphan, which also affects serotonin levels and may cause serious side effects if taken in combination with 5-HTP, according to MedlinePlus. Certain herbs and supplements may also increase serotonin levels and should be avoided if you are taking 5-HTP. These include Hawaiian baby woodrose, L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, and St. John's wort.
Other Precautions
Ten people who have taken 5-HTP supplements have developed a potentially fatal condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, or EMS, which causes extreme muscle tenderness and blood abnormalities, according to UMMC. This might have been caused by a contaminant, but it may also be caused by 5-HTP itself. There isn't enough scientific evidence to know for sure, and people should avoid taking 5-HTP until this question is answered, according to MedlinePlus. Also, high doses of 5-HTP may cause too much serotonin to build up in the brain, causing serious side effects. People with liver disease, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take 5-HTP.
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