5 htp what is it used for

Another challenge in using 5-HTP to treat depression is that the supplement does not usually last long in the body, which rapidly absorbs and eliminates it. If researchers could find a way to make 5-HTP last longer in the body, it may show more promise as a depression treatment, according to one study. Some natural medicine proponents believe that taking 5-HTP supplements can help reduce anxiety and panic.

However, most of the research about 5-HTP and anxiety is 15—20 years old. One research study from found that taking 5-HTP reduced anxiety and panic in people with panic disorder. However, the researchers did not find any difference in anxiety in other participants who did not have a panic disorder. Doctors know that a lack of serotonin is likely to play a role in anxiety and panic. However, studies have not yet proven that using 5-HTP to increase serotonin is an effective strategy for reducing anxiety.

Much of the focus on using 5-HTP for pain relief surrounds the treatment of fibromyalgia , a condition that causes chronic nerve pain. Studies on 5-HTP and fibromyalgia are limited and too old to provide significant results. A study from , for example, found that taking the supplement may help reduce symptoms in participants with primary fibromyalgia syndrome, but larger and newer studies are necessary to confirm these results.

However, a small study in an animal model found that 5-HTP might reduce the perception of pain. Supplement manufacturers sell 5-HTP in a variety of dosages. These include , , and milligram mg capsules. Some supplement manufacturers may also add 5-HTP to multivitamins. There is no specific recommended daily allowance for 5-HTP. Most people will take 50— mg per day after starting at a lower dose of 25 mg and increasing the dose weekly.

It is vital to remember the FDA do not regulate supplements. A person should purchase supplements from a reputable manufacturer and store them as the label advises. According to some research , taking 5-HTP may increase serotonin but deplete or reduce the amounts of other neurotransmitters. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. This side effect could actually make some medical conditions worse. Examples of such conditions include:. This is more likely to occur when a person has taken 5-HTP supplements long-term.

Some people may suggest taking 5-HTP along with a supplement that increases the amount of dopamine in the body, such as l-tyrosine or l-dopa. Before taking 5-HTP, it is vital to check with a doctor to ensure the supplement will not interfere with any medical conditions or medications.

During this time, no large-scale studies have yet concluded that the supplement may successfully treat any medical condition. It is possible that taking 5-HTP could have some short-term benefits in promoting sleep and weight loss. Taking 5-HTP long-term could deplete stores of other vital neurotransmitters. A person should talk to their doctor if they are thinking of taking 5-HTP.

This will help ensure that it will not cause any adverse reactions. Its levels begin to rise in the evening to promote sleep and fall in the morning to help wake you up.

Therefore, supplementing with 5-HTP may promote sleep by increasing melatonin production in your body. One human-based study showed that a combination of 5-HTP and gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA significantly reduced the time it took to fall asleep, increased sleep duration and improved sleep quality GABA is a chemical messenger that promotes relaxation.

Combining it with 5-HTP likely has a synergistic effect In fact, several animal and insect studies suggest that 5-HTP improves sleep quality and that the effect is greater when combined with GABA 38 , While these results are promising, the lack of human-based studies makes it difficult to recommend 5-HTP for improving sleep quality, especially when it is used in isolation.

Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain when taking 5-HTP supplements. These side effects are dose-dependent, meaning they get worse when increasing your dose To minimize these side effects, start with a dose of 50— mg two times per day and increase to the appropriate dose over a two-week period Some medications increase serotonin production.

Combining these medications with 5-HTP may cause dangerous serotonin levels in your body. This is called serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition Since 5-HTP may also promote sleep, taking it with prescription sedative medications, such as Klonopin, Ativan or Ambien, may cause too much sleepiness.

Due to the potential for negative interactions with other medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking 5-HTP supplements. These are third-party companies that ensure supplements contain what they claim on the label, without impurities. Some people may experience side effects when taking 5-HTP supplements. These supplements are not the same as L-tryptophan supplements , which may also increase serotonin levels L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in protein-rich foods, such as dairy products, poultry, meat, chickpeas and soybeans.

On the other hand, 5-HTP is not present in foods and can only be added to your diet through a supplement Your body converts 5-HTP into serotonin, a substance that regulates appetite, pain sensations and sleep.

Higher serotonin levels may provide many benefits, such as promoting weight loss, improving the symptoms of depression and fibromyalgia, decreasing the frequency of migraine attacks and helping you sleep better. Minor side effects have been linked to 5-HTP, but they can be minimized by starting with smaller doses and increasing the dosage gradually.

Some supplements can have powerful effects. Here is a list of 4 natural supplements that are just as effective as pharmaceutical drugs. Researchers have studied numerous herbs, supplements, and vitamins to determine if they can benefit people with depression.

Learn what they've found. This simple 3-step plan can help you lose weight fast. Read about the 3-step plan, along with other science-backed weight loss tips, here. There are several effective supplements that can help you burn body fat. This article lists 5 natural fat burners that are supported by science. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven.

There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.

Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy. The U. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements.

There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects. Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods.

The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. Note: 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin; thus, it may interact with agents that modulate levels of serotonin. Serotonin and epilepsy. J Neurochem. An investigation of the cause of the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with tryptophan use.

N Engl J Med. Birdsall TC. Altern Med Rev. L-5HTP treatment in primary headaches: an attempt at clinical identification of responsive patients.

Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. Biol Pharm Bull. Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: a psychodiagnostic evaluation and controlled clinical study—LHTP versus placebo.

Drugs Exp Clin Res. Mood changes correlate to changes in brain serotonin precursor trapping in women with premenstrual dysphoria. Psychiatry Res. Oral administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP impairs decision making under ambiguity but not under risk: evidence from the Iowa Gambling Task.

Hum Psychopharmacol. Serotonergic drugs: effects on appetite expression and use for the treatment of obesity. Novel treatment strategies for depression in patients with hepatitis C. Serotonergic modulation of extrapyramidal motor disorders in mice and rats: role of striatal 5-HT 3 and 5-HT 6 receptors. Disorder in the serotonergic system due to tryptophan hydroxylation impairment: a cause of hypothalamic syndrome?

Horm Res Paediatr. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol. Skip to main content. Home October Vol. Cerebellar ataxia 5-HTP has been observed to have benefits in some people who have difficulty standing or walking because of cerebellar ataxia. Grade: B Obesity Studies suggest that 5-HTP may reduce eating behaviors, lessen caloric intake, and promote weight loss in obese individuals.

Grade: C Anxiety Although 5-HTP has been proposed as a possible treatment for anxiety disorders, sufficient human evidence to make a firm conclusion is lacking. Grade: C Depression The results of numerous studies in humans suggest that 5-HTP may aid in the treatment of depression. Grade: C Headache Several studies, in both children and adults, suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in reducing the severity and frequency of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.