The supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is an alternative treatment used for several conditions, include fibromyalgia and depression. Manufacturers obtain 5-HTP from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. While 5-HTP may help reduce symptoms of certain disorders, it does have serious health concerns, including serotonin syndrome, a condition in which the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin become dangerously high. Consult your doctor before taking 5-HTP to treat a physical or psychological condition.
Causes
When you take 5-HTP, your body converts it into the neurotransmitter serotonin using the enzyme 5-HTP decarboxylase. Serotonin has several functions, including regulating your mood, sleep and behavior. Abnormal levels of serotonin can result in different conditions. For example, the Franklin Institute notes that lower levels of serotonin can cause increased pain sensitivity and depression, which taking 5-HTP supplements may alleviate. However having too much serotonin in your body can also cause problems. This can occur if you take too much 5-HTP or if you mix 5-HTP with another medication or herb that raises serotonin levels as well. For example, medications that treat depression, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and herbs for depression, such as St. John's wort, can cause serotonin syndrome if mixed with 5-HTP. The pain medication tramadol may also cause serotonin syndrome if taken with 5-HTP. Other medications that may cause serotonin syndrome when mixed with 5-HTP include triptans, dextomethorphan, pentazocine, meperidine and carbidopa. Tell your doctor about any medications that you take before starting 5-HTP.
Features
If you develop serotonin syndrome after taking 5-HTP, you can have symptoms that affect your behavior, muscles and autonomic functions. The most common symptom of serotonin syndrome is myoclonus, or involuntary muscle twitching, which affects 57 percent of patients, according to the Utah Poison Control Center for Health Professionals. You may experience a loss of muscle coordination, confusion, heavy sweating and diarrhea. Dilated pupils, shivering, goose bumps, vomiting, headaches and agitation may occur. You may experience hallucinations with serotonin syndrome, in which you see, hear or feel something that is not really there. In severe cases, you may have an irregular heartbeat, seizures, a high fever, seizures or become unconscious, according to the MayoClinic.com. If you experience these symptoms after taking 5-HTP, seek medical attention.
Treatment
Receiving proper medical treatment is imperative, as serotonin syndrome can become life-threatening. MayoClinic.com notes that if the symptoms are minor, stopping 5-HTP may be all you need to do, but more severe serotonin syndrome requires hospitalization. Your doctor may give you several medications depending on the symptoms you have. For example, if you experience muscle stiffness or seizures, you may take benzodiazepines, such as diazepam. If you have either high blood pressure or heart rate, your doctor may give you nitroprusside or esmolol. Treatments for low blood pressure include epinephrine and phenylephrine. You may need to take cyproheptadine, which blocks serotonin production. If your case of serotonin syndrome endangers your life, your doctor may paralyze your muscles and you will need a breathing tube. If treated, the symptoms of serotonin syndrome will stop within 24 hours, adds MedlinePlus.
Prevention
While serotonin syndrome is a possibility when using 5-HTP, you can take precautions to prevent it from occurring. Do not take another medication, supplement or herb that affects serotonin levels at the same time as 5-HTP. If you are not sure if your medication affects serotonin levels, consult your doctor. Only take the amount of 5-HTP that your doctor recommends.
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