5-HTP: Depression, Side Effects and Dosage

5-HTP is a natural substance already in our body that is made from tryptophan; that stuff in turkey which makes you sleepy. 5-HT, minus the P, is the symbol for serotonin and your body naturally converts 5-HTP to 5-HT. Scientists have discovered that 5-HTP can be extracted from the seed of a shrub tree in Africa. The seed is called the Griffonia Seed and the extracted 5-HTP is manufactured into supplements which in turn, boost your serotonin level.

5 HTP Dosage

As with all nutritional supplements or medications, individual response is a variable. It is clear that large excesses of serotonin in the peripheral circulation can cause cardiovascular disease and other adverse effects. Too much 5 HTP in the diet could potentially result in too much serotonin in the peripheral circulation.

Some sources suggest that 5 HTP can be safely used as a nutritional supplement at a dosage of up to 100 milligrams (mg) per day. Some authorities maintain that much larger dosages can be consumed without adverse effects. Some also 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.

Side Effects of 5 HTP

5 HTP is available without prescription and is generally considered safe and may be beneficial to many 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:

Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart attack)
Extremely Elderly Persons
those with Parkinsons Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus)
Lung Diseases
Chronic Alcoholism
Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis)
parasitic infection
AIDS
Anorexia Nervosa
Low protein Diets
Allergies (severe)
Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles)
Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles)
Rash or Flushing
Edema
Nausea
Diarrhea
Sickle cell anemia
Hemophilia
Pregnancy

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

Anti-depressant drugs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's e.g., Prozac)
Tricyclic medications
Weight Loss medications (i.e., dextenfluramine)
Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa)
Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs
Antihistamines and cold medications
Alcoholic beverages
Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs
Cancer chemotherapy or
Antibiotic Medications

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.

How does 5-HTP make you feel?

Balanced, mellow, not too happy, not too sad. Self assured. It makes you feel like your emotions are in check. It gives you the ability to think rationally, not emotionally. It can increase your ability to concentrate. It can make an intolerable job easier, a breakup smooth, and it can restore lost drive and inspiration. 5-HTP is used for weight loss to because is feel a loss of appetite.

What is 5-HTP used for?

5-HTP is used for depression, insomnia, weight loss, anxiety and migraines to name a few. Tests in Europe have proven 5-HTP to be just as effective as Prozac and Zoloft against depression. 5-HTP has also been proven very effective for insomnia.

What is the recommended dosage for 5-HTP?

The recommended dosage labeled on the bottle is usually not enough although start there 1st. I have linked you to a naturopathic doctor at the bottom who recommends a much higher dosage taken on an empty stomach. Start out at 50mg's 3 times per day and within a couple of weeks build up to 300mg's 3 times per day. You might not need to go this high. Starting out this high could result in nausea so build up to it.

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