5-HTP
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
5-HTP is the precursor for serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical associated with sleep, mood, movement, feeding, and nervousness. 5-HTP has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. There is some research to support the use of 5-HTP in treating cerebellar ataxia, headache, depression, psychiatric disorders, and fibromyalgia and as an appetite suppressant or weight-loss agent. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of 5-HTP for any other medical condition.

Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*
Cerebellar ataxia (difficulty standing and walking) B
Depression B
Fibromyalgia B
Headache B
Obesity B
Alcoholism (withdrawal symptoms) C
Anxiety C
Down's syndrome C
Neurologic disorders (Lesch-Nyhan syndrome) C
Psychiatric disorders C
Sleep disorders C
Seizures/epilepsy (myoclonic disorders) D
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
Avoid 5-HTP if allergic or hypersensitive to it; signs of allergy to 5-HTP may include rash, itching or shortness of breath. Avoid with eosinophilia syndromes, Down's syndrome, and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Use cautiously if taking antidepressant medications such as TCAs, MAOIs, SSRIs, nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, mirtazapine, bupropion; 5-HTP receptor agonists such as sumatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan, imotriptan, and frovatriptan; and carbidopa, phenobarbital, pindolol, reserpine, tramadol, or zolpidem. Use cautiously with renal (kidney) insufficiency, HIV/AIDS- particularly HIV-1 infection, epilepsy, and/or with a history of mental disorders. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:
Abdominal pain, aggressiveness, agitation, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods), anxiety, bradycardia (slow heart beat), death, depressed mood, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, EMS, eosinophilia, epilepticus, euphoria, flatulence (gas), headache, heart burn, hypomania symptoms, insomnia, irritability, itching, mania, myalgia, nausea, palpitations, pseudobullous morphea and scleroderma-like illness, rapid speech, rash, reduction in total cholesterol, restlessness, rhabdomyolysis, sclerodermatous changes, seizure syndrome, shortness of breath, sodium retention, somnolence, taste alteration, transient diastolic hypotension (low blood pressure), transient disinhibition and euphoria, urticaria, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, weight gain.

Possible interactions:
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (A2R blockers), antidepressant agents, antiepileptic (seizure) agents, antiobesity agents, antipsychotic agents, buspirone, carbidopa, CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, drugs metabolized through the liver, decarboxylase inhibitors, hormonal agents, lithium carbonate, mirtazapine, nefazodone, phenobarbital, pindolol, drugs eliminated through the kidneys, reserpine, riluzole, ritanserin, sedatives, thyroid hormones, tramadol, trazodone, venlafaxine, zolpidem (Ambien®), and herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):
100-1,600 milligrams has been taken by mouth daily.

Children (younger than 18 years):
Not enough scientific evidence.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.