Should i take 5 htp

Be careful not to confuse 5-HTP with 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT , the chemical name for the neurotransmitter serotonin. Always exercise caution when buying this or any supplement. Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

You can get tips on using supplements, but if you're considering the use of 5-HTP supplements, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression.

Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine.

Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Eur Neurol. Comparison of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and propranolol in the interval treatment of migraine. Schweiz Med Wochenschr.

Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated May 2, Trends Pharmacol Sci. Your Privacy Rights. Early research shows that 5-HTP supplements can help improve fibromyalgia symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and muscle pain. Studies have shown that 5-HTP can reduce anxiety and panic attacks.

For some people, chronic panic attacks are the result of low serotonin. Even for those with general feelings of stress, 5-HTP can be beneficial. One study looked at the effects of 5-HTP supplements in young people who did not suffer from depression but had high levels of romantic stress.

Moreover, many reviews conclude that additional, high-quality studies are needed before 5-HTP can be recommended as a treatment for depression 24 , Nonetheless, more research is needed. Supplementing with 5-HTP may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by muscle and bone pain, as well as general weakness.

There is currently no known cause of fibromyalgia, but low serotonin levels have been associated with the condition This has led researchers to believe that increasing serotonin levels through 5-HTP supplements may benefit people with fibromyalgia Indeed, early evidence suggests that 5-HTP may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, including muscle pain, sleep problems, anxiety and fatigue 28 , 29 , However, not enough research has been conducted to draw any clear conclusions about the effectiveness of 5-HTP at improving fibromyalgia symptoms.

While their exact cause is debated, some researchers believe they are triggered by low serotonin levels 31 , One study in people compared the ability of 5-HTP and methysergide, a common migraine medication, to prevent migraines Similarly, many other studies have found that 5-HTP may be an effective treatment option for people with migraines 30 , 35 , Melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep.

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. Taking 5-HTP pre-surgery might result in there being too much serotonin in the brain, which can lead to serious side effects, including heart problems, shivering and anxiety Summary As is the case with taking most supplements, there are side effects linked to taking 5-HTP. The side effects include digestive issues, such as heartburn and diarrhea.

Is 5-HTP safe for everyone? Is 5-HTP bad for your liver? This is particularly important if you currently have or have had liver problems in the past. The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Last updated: 28 July Related Topics Supplements.

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