Antidepressants remain the mainstay of therapy for patients with depression. There is an increasing trend towards the use of 5-HTP and tryptophan as an alternative to traditional antidepressants. 5-HTP is synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan. The body absorbs tryptophan, converts it to 5-HTP then forms it into serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and behavior. People with depression should take 5-HTP and tryptophan under the supervision of a doctor.
Research
5-HTP and tryptophan are so-called natural alternatives to antidepressants. A 2002 study published in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" found that 5-HTP and tryptophan performed more effectively than a placebo at alleviating depression, which is an indication of clinical effectveness. The study involved 64 participants who had depression varying in severity from mild to severe. Researchers reported that more evidence is clearly needed 'to recommend the use of 5-HTP and tryptophan in the treatment of depression.
5-HTP Dosage for Depression
NYU Langone Medical Center cites a six-week study of 63 people, which found that 100 mg 5-HTP three times a day may reduce the symptoms of depression. But neuropath Dr. Ray Sahelian suggests that a 5-HTP dosage between 20 to 50 mg may do well in people with depression. A 5-HTP dosage greater than 50 mg may cause nightmares and vivid dreams.
Tryptophan Dose for Depression
A 2000 study published in the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience" found that 2 g of tryptophan in combination with an antidepressant such as fluoxentine is beneficial in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Researchers also found that tryptophan at a dosage of 4 g per day produced daytime drowsiness. People with depression should take a tryptophan supplement only under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Safety
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that 5-HTP and tryptophan supplements could cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in people with depression. They also reported that tryptophan has been associated with the development of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, which affects the skin, blood, muscles and organs.
References
- "The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan For Depression; K. Shaw; January 2002
- NYU Langone Medical Center: 5-HTP
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"; Preliminary Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Tryptophan Combined with Fluoxetine to Treat Major Depressive Disorder...; D. Levitan et. al.; September 2000
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