Made from seed extracts of the Griffonia simplicifolia tree, 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is commonly sold as a dietary supplement for mood regulation. While this supplement may be useful in treating depression and other disorders related to low serotonin levels, it is unsafe to take 5-HTP if you also take a class of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Even if you don't take prescription medication, it is important consult your physician before taking 5-HTP or any dietary supplements.
5-HTP Drug Interactions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should not take 5-HTP if you also take SSRIs, as combining 5-HTP with SSRIs may cause a dangerous and potentially life-threatening drug interaction. UMMC notes that the following SSRI medications may interact with 5-HTP: citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, fluoxetine and sertraline. Other classes of antidepressant medications, including tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and serotonin-2 antagonists/reuptake inhibitors such as nefazodone may also react with 5-HTP. In addition to antidepressants, other medications that are unsafe to take with 5-HTP because of possible drug interactions include triptans used to treat migraines, and the medications carbidopa and tramadol, warns UMMC.
Serotonin Syndrome
The main danger of taking SSRIs with 5-HTP is the risk of serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition that occurs as a result of too much serotonin in the brain. Taking SSRIs and 5-HTP together may cause serotonin syndrome because both substances are serotonergic drugs, meaning they increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome may also occur when SSRIs are taken with other serotonergic drugs such as triptans. Some symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, fever, confusion, sweating, muscle spasms and tremor. Left untreated, serotonin syndrome can be deadly. If you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome after taking one or more serotonergic substances, such as 5-HTP and an SSRI, it is important to call your health care provider immediately, according to MedlinePlus.
Other Precautions for 5-HTP
Besides dangerous interactions with SSRIs and certain other medications, there are several other important safety precautions regarding 5-HTP. The dietary supplement may be toxic at high doses, resulting in damage to the brain and liver. Rarely, high doses may cause a potentially fatal condition called eosinophilic myalgia syndrome, or EMS. According to UMMC, you should not take 5-HTP if you have liver disease or are pregnant or nursing; also, children should not be given 5-HTP. If your doctor says it's safe for you to take 5-HTP, make sure you buy the supplement from a reliable manufacturer to avoid product contamination, warns UMMC.
Treatment-Resistant Depression Options
If you're considering taking 5-HTP with SSRIs to treat depression because your prescribed antidepressants aren't adequately relieving your depression symptoms, it's important to note that there are safer and more effective options when it comes to treating your depression. If you still have bothersome depression symptoms while taking an SSRI, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication or exploring other treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor may recommend increasing the dose of your currently prescribed SSRI, augmenting your SSRI treatment with another type of antidepressant, or switching medications altogether. Do not take dietary supplements, adjust your antidepressant dosage on your own or stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor.
Member Comments