Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear or discomfort in which symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes. Panic attacks can cause a person to feel as if they are dying. The most common symptoms of panic attack include chest pain, dizziness, fear of losing control, nausea, shortness of breath, and sweating. 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, offers some relief from panic attacks. It is important to talk with your doctor before taking 5-HTP in supplement form.
Function
In the brain, 5-HTP is converted to an monoamine neurotransmitter called serotonin, which plays an important role in controlling behavior and mood. A 2005 study published in "Neuropsychopharmacology" found that low levels of serotonin in the brain may facilitate panic attacks. 5-HTP medication increases the availability of serotonin in the brain, thereby reducing the panic attacks in patients with anxiety disorder.
Research
A study published in 2002 in "Psychiatry Research" found that 5-HTP supplementation alleviated panic symptoms in patients with panic disorder. This double-blind study involved 24 patients with panic disorder and 24 normal controls. Researchers administered a 200mg capsule of 5-HTP or placebo in patients with panic disorder. Patients were also subjected to 35 percent CO2 challenge. The results showed that panic anxiety and the number of panic attacks following CO2 inhalation were significantly reduced in patients with panic disorder.
Side Effects
Intake of higher than recommended dose of 5-HTP can cause severe side effects such as serotonin syndrome. A 2008 study published in "European Journal of Pharmacology" confirmed that excessive dose of 5-HTP can raise the levels of serotonin in the body, leading to life-threatening complications. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur within minutes to hours and may include diarrhea, fast heart rate, rapid changes in blood pressure, loss of coordination and hallucination.
Safety
High dose of 5-HTP can be toxic to the brain. 5-HTP supplement should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. People with liver disease, nursing mothers, and pregnant women should not take 5-HTP supplement.
References
- "Neuropsychopharmacology"; Serotonin Function in Panic Disorder: Important But Why?; E. Maron et. al; August 2005.
- "Psychiatry Research"; Acute L-5-hydroxytryptophan Administration Inhibits Carbon Dioxide-Induced Panic in Panic Disorder Patient; K. Schruers; Dec 2002
- "European Journal of Pharmacology"; Characterization of Serotonin-Toxicity Syndrome (toxidrome) Elicited by 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan in Clorgyline-Pretreated Rats; Z.Ma et.al; July 2008.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-HTP
- MedlinePlus: Serotonin Syndrome
- PubMed Health: Panic Attacks
Member Comments