Irritability is a normal reaction to stressful or aggravating circumstances or exhaustion. However, extreme irritability can also be a symptom of mood disorders like anxiety, PMS and depression, which are thought to result from a serotonin deficit. The supplement 5-hydroxytryptopham, or 5-HTP, has shown some effectiveness against this type of irritability. Ask your doctor or mental health professional whether 5-HTP is a safe option for you.
5-HTP
The body uses the essential amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the chemical 5-hydroxotryptophan, which in turn is used to make the chemical serotonin. Tryptophan is available in foods like turkey, milk, chicken and seaweed, but unfortunately, eating these foods doesn't appear to raise 5-HTP levels much. Made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP supplements appear to be relatively effective at raising 5-HTP levels in the brain, contributing to improved serotonin levels and providing relief from symptoms of disorders, including depression, anxiety, obesity, fibromyalgia and migraines.
Serotonin and Mood
Serotonin is involved in the brain's experience and regulation of mood, sleep, pain and appetite. Low levels of serotonin in the brain are thought to contribute to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Serotonin deficit is also implicated in aggression and unusually irritable responses to stress, including impulse disorders. Improved serotonin levels appear to help the brain function, improving mood and calming irritability and impulsive, aggressive reactions.
5-HTP and SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs -- also known as antidepressants -- are a commonly prescribed treatment for mood disorders like depression and anxiety. These medications also work to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, but they carry the risk of side effects like nausea, diarrhea, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some studies indicate that 5-HTP supplements may be as effective as SSRIs in treating mild to moderate mood disorders, without the SSRIs' side effects. An eight-week, placebo-controlled study showed 5-HTP to be effective against symptoms of anxiety disorders, though less effective than the drug clomipramine.
Tips and Warnings
The typical adult dose of 5-HTP is 50 mg 1 to 3 times a day. However, 5-HTP supplements aren't safe for everyone and should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor. 5-HTP may interact negatively with many antidepressants as well as the medications carbidopa, tramadol and the migraine medications known as triptans. It is unsafe for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and liver disease and for pregnant or nursing women. Always consult your doctor before taking 5-HTP supplements.
References
- Langone Medical Center; 5-Hydroxytryptophan; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; 5-Hydroxytryptophan; Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- Mayoclinic.com; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Mayo Clinic Staff; 2010
- "Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior"; The Role of Serotonin; S. N. Young et al.; April 2002
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