The nutritional supplement 5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, enjoys popularity as a naturopathic treatment for depression, anxiety, binge eating disorders, migraines and insomnia. According the the University of Maryland Medical Center, 5-HTP is the subject of ongoing scientific inquiry; future studies may help practitioners evaluate its relative safety and effectiveness. While 5-HTP generally is regarded as safe, it is associated with some side effects and drug interactions; people interested in taking 5-HTP should consult a qualified practitioner before using it to treat any medical condition.
Function
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 5-HTP acts as a natural precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in several brain functions including mood, behavior, sleep, appetite and pain reception. In theory, 5-HTP can address the low levels of serotonin that contribute to mood disturbances and chronic pain. Many pharmaceutical antidepressants--including serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Zoloft--work in a somewhat similar fashion to address mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Holistic practitioners frequently recommend 5-HTP as an alternative to these drugs.
Benefits
UMMC reports that 5-HTP offers a number of potential benefits to those suffering from chronic diseases. Many uses of 5-HTP have not been studied extensively, so it remains fairly controversial within the mainstream medical community. However, small-scale clinical trails reveal that it may perform as well as conventional pharmaceutical drugs as a treatment for major depression. Additionally, because 5-HTP can help to regulate pain reception, it has been studied as a treatment option for people with migraines, headaches and fibromyalgia. UMMC also cites several small studies that support 5-HTP's use as an appetite suppressant; it may be a beneficial treatment for people with obesity and binge-eating disorders.
Dosage
Renowned naturopath Dr. Ray Sahelian notes that no clinical trials have established the ideal dose of 5-HTP. While many studies of 5-HTP for depression have involved doses as high as 300 mg daily, Sahelian warns that this dose may be unnecessarily high and can contribute to side effects such as nightmares. According to Sahelian, a dose of 20 to 50 mg per day is appropriate for most users; however, he states that some people may temporarily require a dose as high as 100 mg. UMMC states that most health care providers recommend 50 mg one to three times per day; it advises against higher doses except under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Drug Interactions
Dr. Sahelian and the University of Maryland Medical Center both warn that 5-HTP may cause serious adverse reactions in people taking certain medications. While UMMC staunchly warns against the use of 5-HTP in people taking SSRI antidepressants such as Luvox, Paxil and Prozac, Sahelian notes that some patients have combined low-dose 5-HTP with these drugs and suffered no ill effects. In theory, 5-HTP could cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition, in people taking pharmaceutical antidepressants. UMMC also notes a theoretical interaction between 5-HTP and tricyclics, MAOIs, Carbidopa, triptans and Tramadol.
Side Effects
According to UMMC, the most common side effects associated with 5-HTP occur in the digestive tract. Many people using 5-HTP report gas, stomach pain or a burning sensation; Dr. Sahelian notes that these are most common in people taking more than 70 mg. All drugs and supplements that affect serotonin levels have the possible side effect of reducing a person's sex drive, and many people report drowsiness during the first several days of taking 5-HTP supplements. Additionally, 5-HTP is known to cause vivid, emotionally intense dreams. People prone to nightmares frequently experience this side effect, particularly after taking the supplement near bedtime.
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