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5-HTP and Tryptophan

What is 5-HTP

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP),also known as oxitriptan, is an amino acid that your body metabolizes from the amino acid tryptophan. 5-HTP is the metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin may be further metabolized into melatonin. Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acid that is obtained from the protein in our diet. Serotonin defecits are associated with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain and other health problems. (1)(2) Supplementing either Tryptophan or 5 HTP increases Serotonin levels by supplying more of the building block material needed to make this neurotransmitter. Both tryptophan and 5-HTP are sometimes used as nutritional support for these conditions. 5-HTP is more potent than tryptophan for this application.

5-HTP is sold over the counter in the United States, Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom as a dietary supplement. It is also marketed in many European countries for the indication of major depression under the trade names Cincofarm, Levothym, Levotonine, Oxyfan, Telesol, Tript-OH, and Triptum.(14)

5-HTP for Weight Loss

Increaded serotonin levels decrease appetite. For this reason 5-HTP may aid in weight loss by increasing serotonin levels and diminishing appetite. (3) In one study, 20 people with diabetes were randomly assigned to receive either 5-HTP or a placebo for two weeks. The results showed that those who received 5-HTP consumed approximately 435 fewer calories per day, compared to the placebo group. It was noted that 5-HTP primarily inhibited the intake of calories from carbohydrates, which was associated with better blood sugar control. (4)

Other studies have found that 5-HTP increased feelings of fullness and aided weight loss in overweight or obese people. (5)(6)(7)(8) Animal studies have shown that 5-HTP may reduce excessive food intake due to stress or depression. (9)(10)

5-HTP for Sleep

5 HTP may improve sleep patterns for some individuals. 5 HTP is converted into serotonin. Serotonin is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland and melatonin, in turn, regulates sleep cycles. Melatonin levels rise in the evening to promote sleep and fall in the morning to help wake you up.

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.(11)

5-HTP for Mood Elevation, Depression and Panic Attacks

Depression is a complex entity that is, at least in part, associated with a serotonin imbalance. 5-HTP may elevate mood and decrease depression by increasing serotonin levels. (12)(13)

Numerous studies have been done on the use of 5-HTP in the treatment of depression. There have also been studies that combined 5-HTP with antidepressant medications. 5-HTP increases serotonin levels by increasing the supply of the serotonin precursor. Conversely, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor drugs (SSRI) increase serotonin levels by blocking the enzyme that breaks down serotonin. In theory, combining the two could reduce the amount of SSRI medication required to achieve the desired level of serotonin increase. Conversely, combining the two could increase serotonin to dangerous levels. More studies are needed to clarify this possibility. Check with your doctor and pharmacist before considering any such combination.

5-HTP for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex entity with no clearly defined cause or cure. Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by muscle pain, bone pain, and general weakness. Fibromyalgia is not caused by a serotonin deficiency, but is associated decreased serotonin levels. (15)

Because of this association, 5-htp might improve fibromyalgia symptoms. There is some research that supports this approach.(16)(17)(18)

5-HTP for Migraine Headaches

Some researchers believe Migraine Headaches are triggered by low serotonin levels.(19)(20)

One study in 124 people compared the ability of 5-HTP and a common migraine medication, to prevent migraines. It found that supplementing with 5-HTP daily for six months prevented or significantly decreased the number of migraine attacks in 71% of participants. (21)

In another study with 48 students, 5-HTP produced a 70% decrease in headache frequency, compared to an 11% decrease in the placebo group. (22)

Other studies have also found that 5-HTP may be an effective treatment option for people with migraines. (23)(24)(25)

5-HTP Dosage

For appatite control and weight loss, dosages of 250-300 mg, 30 minutes prior to a meal have been tested. (4)

For mood enhancement and antidepressant applications, dosages of 50-100 mg, 3 times per day with meals for at least one week have been tested.(26)

For fibromyalgia symptom relief, 100 mg, 3-4 times per day with meals for at least two weeks has been tested.(17)

For migraine headaches, 100 mg, 3-4 times per day with meals for a minimum of two weeks has been tested.(21)

Some sources suggest that it is possibly safe to take 5-HTP in doses of up to 400 mg daily for up to one year.(27)

The data on 5-HTP dosage and safety is limited and there is good reason to exercise caution when using this supplement in larger doses.

As with all nutritional supplements or medications, individual response is a variable. Excesse serotonin in the peripheral circulation can cause cardiovascular disease and other adverse effects. Some sources suggest that 5 HTP, especially in larger doses should be used with the prescription drug carbidopa. The purpose of this drug is to prevent the 5-HTP from being converted to serotonin in the peripheral circulation.

Consult with your physician and pharmacist before using 5-HTP.

5-HTP Precautions and Side Effects

5-HTP is available without prescription and is generally considered safe and may be beneficial for some individuals. Contraindications to 5 HTP use or conditions under which 5 HTP use should only be under the supervision of a physician are conditions in which increased serotonin levels may be harmful. This list is generic and does not represent a contraindication for all individuals. Obtaining professional advice is advised, especially if prescription medications are also being used.

  1. Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart attack)
  2. Extremely Elderly Persons
  3. those with Parkinsons Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus)
  4. Lung Diseases
  5. Chronic Alcoholism
  6. Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis)
  7. Parasitic Infection
  8. AIDS
  9. Anorexia Nervosa
  10. Low protein Diets
  11. Allergies (severe)
  12. Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles)
  13. Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles)
  14. Rash or Flushing
  15. Edema
  16. Nausea
  17. Diarrhea
  18. Sickle cell anemia
  19. Hemophilia
  20. Pregnancy

Concurrent drug use: 5 HTP should not be used if taking:

  1. Anti-depressant drugs
  2. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's e.g., Prozac)
  4. Tricyclic medications
  5. Weight Loss medications (i.e., dextenfluramine)
  6. Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa)
  7. Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs
  8. Antihistamines and cold medications
  9. Alcoholic beverages
  10. Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs
  11. Cancer Chemotherapy
  12. Antibiotic Medications

The principal reason for not combining 5-htp with these classes of medications is that many of them may also increase serotonin levels or affect other neurotransmitters, but by different biochemical mechanisms. The combination, in some cases, has the potential of acting synergistically to dramatically increase serotonin levels. This combined action could have adverse effects.

While tryptophan is less potent than 5htp, it may also be safer to use.

Alcohol and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Allow at least six hours between use of alcohol and 5 HTP.

Warning: 5-HTP can increase the effect of some tranquilizing drugs. Dangerous levels of serotonin could be the result.

5-HTP and Tryptophan Products

Here are some 5-HTP and Tryptophan Products.

Optimized Tryptophan Plus Blend from the Life Extension Foundation

5-HTP from Amazon.com

5-HTP and Tryptophan Articles in Life Extension Magazine

Why Aging People Become Depressed, Fatigued, and Overweight, Scientifically reviewed by Dr. Gary Gonzalez, MD, in May 2022. Written by: William Faloon.

What is Tryptophan?, Scientifically reviewed by Dr. Gary Gonzalez, MD, in February 2022. Written by: Chancellor Faloon.

The Chemistry of Calm, Scientifically reviewed by: Dr. Heidi Yanoti, DC, in May 2022. Written by: Life Extension Editorial Staff.

5-HTP References

Click to Expand References

(1) Sh V Vashadze, Insomnia, serotonin and depression, Georgian Med News. 2007 Sep;(150):22-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17984558/

(2) R J Wurtman, Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression, Obes Res 1995 Nov;3 Suppl 4:477S-480S. doi: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00215.x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8697046/

(3) Lora K Heisler,et al., Serotonin reciprocally regulates melanocortin neurons to modulate food intake, Neuron 2006 Jul 20;51(2):239-49 doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.06.004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16846858/

(4) C Cangiano, et al., Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients, Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1998 Jul;22(7):648-54.doi: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0800642. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9705024/

(5) F Ceci, et al., The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects, Neural Transm. 1989;76(2):109-17. doi: 10.1007/BF01578751. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2468734/

(6) C Cangiano, et al., Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects, Adv Exp Med Biol 1991;294:591-3. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4684-5952-4_73. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1722953/

(7) C Cangiano, et al., Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan, Am J Clin Nutr 1992 Nov;56(5):863-7. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/56.5.863. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1384305/

M Rondanelli, et al., Relationship between the absorption of 5-hydroxytryptophan from an integrated diet, by means of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, and the effect on satiety in overweight females after oral spray administration, Eat Weight Disord 2012 Mar;17(1):e22-8. doi: 10.3275/8165. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22142813/

(9) Ahmed Amer, et al., 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan suppresses food intake in food-deprived and stressed rats, Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004 Jan;77(1):137-43. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2003.10.011. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14724051/

(10) F G Graeff, et al., Role of 5-HT in stress, anxiety, and depression, Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1996 May;54(1):129-41. doi: 10.1016/0091-3057(95)02135-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8728550/

(11) William Shell, et al., A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an amino acid preparation on timing and quality of sleep, Am J Ther 2010 Mar-Apr;17(2):133-9. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e31819e9eab. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19417589/

(12) Philip J Cowen, et al., What has serotonin to do with depression? World Psychiatry v.14(2); 2015 Jun PMC4471964 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471964/

(13) Paul R. Albert, et al., The neurobiology of depression—revisiting the serotonin hypothesis. II. Genetic, epigenetic and clinical studies, Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2013 Apr 5; 368(1615): 20120535. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0535 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3638388/

(14) Swiss Pharmaceutical Society (2000). Index Nominum 2000: International Drug Directory (Book with CD-ROM). Boca Raton: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. ISBN 978-3-88763-075-1.

(15) Nikhil D. Nihalani, MD, et al., Fibromyalgia— A Review for the Psychiatrist, Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Apr; 3(4): 44–60. Published online 2006 Apr. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990568/

(16) J H Juhl, Altern Med Rev. 1998 Oct;3(5):367-75. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9802912/

(17) I Caruso, et al., Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome, J Int Med Res. 1990 May-Jun;18(3):201-9. doi: 10.1177/030006059001800304., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2193835/

(18) P Sarzi Puttini, et al., Primary fibromyalgia syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: a 90-day open study, J Int Med Res. 1992 Apr;20(2):182-9. doi: 10.1177/030006059202000210., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1521674/

(19) Milan Aggarwal, et al., Serotonin and CGRP in Migraine, Ann Neurosci v.19(2); 2012 Apr PMC4117050, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4117050/

(20) E Hamel, Serotonin and migraine: biology and clinical implications , Cephalalgia. 2007 Nov;27(11):1293-300. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01476.x. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17970989/

(21) F Titus, 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial, Eur Neurol. 1986;25(5):327-9. doi: 10.1159/000116030. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3536521/

(22) G De Giorgis, et al., Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: a psychodiagnostic evaluation and controlled clinical study--L-5-HTP versus placebo, Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1987;13(7):425-33. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3308389/

(23) G De Benedittis, et al., Serotonin precursors in chronic primary headache. A double-blind cross-over study with L-5-hydroxytryptophan vs. placebo, J Neurosurg Sci. 1985 Jul-Sep;29(3):239-48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3913752/

(24) G Longo, et al., Treatment of essential headache in developmental age with L-5-HTP (cross over double-blind study versus placebo), Pediatr Med Chir. 1984 Mar-Apr;6(2):241-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6397729/

(25) G Bono, et al., Serotonin precursors in migraine prophylaxis, Adv Neurol. 1982;33:357-63. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7034490/

(26) K Shaw, et al., Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD003198. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003198. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869656/

(27) 5-HTP - Uses, Side Effects, and More, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-794/5-htp Accessed Nov. 2022.


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