5HTP or 5-hydroxy-tryptophan - Natural Mood Support
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This is the precise precursor of serotonin. 5HTP is often used in the place of
SSRI drugs and L-Tryptophan and may help in serotonin deficiency related
conditions such as severe depression, epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss
and addiction. Also studied for PMS, migraine and chronic tension headaches.
5-HTP comes from an extract of Griffonia simplicifolia . Used traditionally in
African medicine to inhibit diarrhea, vomiting and constipation, and as an
aphrodisiac. The extraction process uses alcohol and produces an oily solid. The
oily extract is then purified into a dry solid. 5-HTP can also be made
synthetically in the laboratory. The final product is the same as the one made
by the body.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that must be taken in through protein
containing foods since the body can not synthesize it. Of the eight essential
amino acids, tryptophan is the least common, accounting for only about one
percent of protein content, and it is used up rapidly by the body. About
ninety-percent is used in protein synthesis. The rest is divided between
serotonin production and niacin production, which requires 60mg for every 1mg of
niacin produced. However, 5-HTP is only used in serotonin production. 5-
hydroxytryptophan is also able to pass through the blood-brain barrier easily,
unlike tryptophan, which can only pass through the barrier by using the same
transport molecule that carries leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Considerable research has been conducted on the activity of 5-HTP which
includes:
Mood enhancer: Dysregulation of serotonin metabolism in the central nervous
system has been shown to affect mood. 5-HTP helps to normalize serotonin levels
and thus positively affect mood. In a double-blind study using objective
assessments of mood, researchers in Zurich reported significant improvements in
mood with 5-HTP. (Psychopathology 24:53-81, 1991)
In a separate double-blind, multi-center study in Germany, researchers reported
significant improvements in both objective and self-assessment indices of mood.
(Arch Psychiat Nervenkr 224:175-186, 1977)
Sleep: Many studies have shown that depletion of serotonin results in insomnia,
which is reversed by administration of 5-HTP. Soulairac and Lambient reported
that 100 mg of 5-HTP resulted in significant improvement for people who
complained of trouble sleeping (Ann Med Pychol 135:792-798, 1977). As serotonin
is metabolized to the hormone melatonin, another way of increasing melatonin is
through administering 5-HTP. Melatonin is known to help regulate the sleep
cycle.
Appetite: Food intake is thought to suppress appetite through the production of
serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan. Because it is an intermediary in the
conversion process of tryptophan to serotonin, 5-HTP may reduce appetite in a
similar manner as food intake, but without the calories. In a recent
double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects taking 5-HTP lost significant
weight compared to control subjects. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and
early satiety were seen in the 5-HTP group. (Am. Jrl. Clin. Nutr 56:863- 867,
1992)
Fibromyalgia: Studies show that 5-HTP enhances serotonin synthesis, which
increases pain tolerance and sleep quality. Patients with fibromyalgia have
reported an improvement in symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and
somatic pain (number of painful areas and morning stiffness).
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Serotonin production increases with light, meaning
the darker the day is, it is not utilizing seratonin into action. Some symptoms
include depression, marathon napping, low self-esteem, obsessiveness over little
things, irritability, shyness, and panic attacks. People with seasonal affective
disorder may also sleep poorly (although for many hours), partly because they
don't have enough serotonin to convert to the sleep substance melatonin.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and people generally recover completely
around April or May - once the days become longer. I always recommend light
therapy first and then supplementation. However, there are things you can do
yourself that can help boost serotonin levels.
*Subject yourself to bright indoor light. This is the key to seasonal affective
disorder treatment. A 300 watt bulb within three feet for 20 minutes three times
a day can help, although the boost in serotonin may be temporary.
*Exercise. This is very hard to do when caught up in the seasonal affective
disorder cycle. But if you can force yourself to start, 15 to 20 minutes of
dancing to the radio or fast walking can reduce a sweet tooth and improve mood.
*Eat wisely. This means, pushing away the leftover cake and eating sensible
carbs to stimulate serotonin. Sweets and simple carbs, like white rice and white
bread, quickly raise blood sugar, flood you with insulin, and then drop you in a
hole. Eating wisely also means watching the caffeine, which suppresses
serotonin. If you must drink coffee, save it for after the meal.
*Protein should be eaten three times a day. Another good rule is to eat four
cups of brightly colored veggies a day. Vegetables are carbs, but the kind that
work into your system slowly.
*Vitamin B-6 helps convert 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5HTP) into the mood chemical
serotonin, and it also helps in making dopamine. Aim for roughly 2 to 10
milligrams a day if you supplement. B-6-rich foods include bell peppers,
cranberries, turnip greens, cauliflower, garlic, tuna, mustard greens, and kale.
5HTP standard dosage ranges between 50-100 mg.
Side Effects
Rare side effects are generally mild and include mild nausea, heartburn,
flatulence, feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations. These side effects
are often reduced after extended treatment (four to six weeks).
Drug Interactions
A case of scleroderma-like (hardening of the skin) illness has been reported in
a patient taking L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa (medication often used in
the treatment of Parkinson's disease). An earlier case reported a similar
interaction between carbidopa and 5-HTP. This interaction may be due to an
alteration in tryptophan metabolism. More research is needed but it is advisable
to avoid 5-Hydroxytryptophan if you are currently taking carbidopa.
Individuals taking antidepressant drugs, including MAOIs (such as Nardil or
Parnate) and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as: Prozac,
Paxil, Zoloft) should consult with their physician before taking 5-HTP.
You can get serotonin from food too, and getting good sleep !
Agreed. Only if the person body functions properly.
Other things that rise serotonin to a leveled (optimum) quantity are exercises and taking out stimulants from diet (caffeine, alcohol).
I have heard that 5HTP does work, but aren't there some side affects?
Rhodiola Rosea is supposedly one of the most powerful and effective ways to treat mild to moderate depression, with no side affects whatsoever (unless you overdose). Have you heard of it?
Rare side effects are generally mild and include mild nausea, heartburn,
flatulence, feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations. These side effects
are often reduced after extended treatment (four to six weeks).
Drug Interactions
A case of scleroderma-like (hardening of the skin) illness has been reported in
a patient taking L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa (medication often used in
the treatment of Parkinson's disease). An earlier case reported a similar
interaction between carbidopa and 5-HTP. This interaction may be due to an
alteration in tryptophan metabolism. More research is needed but it is advisable
to avoid 5-Hydroxytryptophan if you are currently taking carbidopa.
Individuals taking antidepressant drugs, including MAOIs (such as Nardil or
Parnate) and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as: Prozac,
Paxil, Zoloft) should consult with their physician before taking 5-HTP.
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Originally Posted by Even_Exchange
I have heard that 5HTP does work, but aren't there some side affects?
Rhodiola Rosea is supposedly one of the most powerful and effective ways to treat mild to moderate depression, with no side affects whatsoever (unless you overdose). Have you heard of it?
Hello Even_Exchange, welcome. The above are the mentioned side effects and interactions that were noted in the article. It's always a good idea to do some additional research before taking any supplements or herbs.
Here are a couple of older posts that address Rhodiola Rosea. Dr. Weil suggests using Ashwagandha for depression and stress, he said it worked well for him.
Yes I understand the side effects associated with 5-HTP.
However, the only side effects of Rhodiola Rosea occur when the individual takes too much. Otherwise, the only consistent side effects are that you will remember your dreams every night.
Some people are deficient in serotonin and hence a supplement, such as 5 HTP, that increases levels may be helpful to them for depression or other conditions. Other people may have depression, anxiety, and other symptoms that may appear to be due to serotonin deficiency, but may actually be from other causes -- whether an imbalance in brain chemicals, hormones, a high amount of inflammatory substances in the brain and body, abnormal neural connections, etc. There's really no easy way -- for instance blood studies in a doctor's office -- to tell whether someone is deficient in serotonin, and if they are, whether a 5HTP supplement would help treat their depression or other health problems. Other nutrients and herbs that have an influence on stress or anxiety include passion flower, tryptophan, kava, ashwagandha, theanine, GABA and valerian herb
Dosage for depression, appetite control, and other health issues Some studies have used dosages of 300 mg a day, or more, for depression but I consider any dose above 100 mg to be high. Most products are sold in 50 and 100 mg capsules. Some people do well with 20 to 50 mg, while others may temporarily require 100 mg or more. Those who do well with small doses can open a capsule by pulling on each end and take a portion mixed with water. 5-HTP is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Some users have tried taking a smaller amount sublingually, that is, under the tongue.
5 HTP was introduced to the over the counter market in 1994. We don't know as much as we should about the long term benefits and risks of chronic 5-HTP use. Therefore, until we learn more, the idea is to take it in the minimum effective dosage and to avoid its prolonged continuous use. I tell my patients to take frequent breaks (the frequency and length of breaks varies since each person is unique).
One of its shortcomings of is that it may, in many individuals, not have a consistent effect. This may depend on the time of day it is taken, with or without food, other supplements taken at the same time, the dosage, etc.
I have been asked about 5HTP spray that is supposed to be sprayed sublingually. There are also 5HTP lozenges dissolvable sublingually. I don't have much experience with the use of a spray or lozenge. Safety and toxicity, is there a danger? I am not aware of any reports in the medical literature of anyone who has encountered a life threatening, toxic, or other serious adverse effect. 5 HTP has been sold over the counter since 1995 and no incidents of toxicity have been reported in medical journals thus far that I know of.
The use of L-Tryptophan as a dietary supplement was discontinued in 1989 due to an outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) that was traced to a contaminated synthetic L-Tryptophan from a single manufacturer. Because of its chemical and biochemical relationship to L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP has been under vigilance by consumers, industry, academia and government for its safety. However, no definitive cases of toxicity have emerged despite the worldwide usage for the last 20 years. Extensive analyses of several sources of 5-HTP have shown no toxic contaminants similar to those associated with L-Tryptophan. Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. Toxicol Lett. 2004.
Once my stomach stops hurting, I wouldn't mind trying that.
This divorce thing is going to drag on until my lawyer bill is up to $60,000 - thats what he said. And it just might happen, too...
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Short term 5-HTP side effects, risks, safety and caution, danger 5-HTP side effects from high doses (which could be 70 to 100 mg and greater) include nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, nightmares, and decreased sex drive. Tiredness and sleepiness can occur after several days or weeks of use which may indicate that a break should be taken.
Whoa! That is madness! What does he charge per hour and what the hell is he so busy with? He should be sending you any correspondence done with the court or the soon to be ex's attorney. I would expect the hinge on your mailbox to be worn out by now!
Actually there was much investigation into the finances. It was soon to be ex that claimed he will drag the divorce out until my fees reach $60,000. I have a recording with him claiming that.
He is also seeing an attorney to get me on signing a credit card application. Thing is the credit card paid for food, auto, pet care, daughter medical, house things...etc. He did say to sign his name. It is just the threat that hurts...ALOT.
Last night he unloads on his daughter that he will haul HER into court concerning monies he gave her to pay off debts in 2009. She has the note he wrote and on this note after two figures is the word: GIFT.
She was crying. This is his way to get to me. To hurt his only child.
She, too, was complaining of punched feelings in her stomach last week.
We both could use a little 5-HTP when the time is right
Natural Mood Support - 5HTP
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