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by Vital Source and Natures Way

WHAT IS IT?

5-HTP is 5-hydroxytryptophan, the substance from which the body makes serotonin. The FDA banned L-Tryptophan, unjustly, because of one contaminated batch from a Japanese manufacturer. Suspicions have arisen that the FDA was protecting American drug companies which were just then launching SSRI antidepressants like Prozac™. Tryptophan was used successfully for its calming, antidepressant properties. Tryptophan is converted in the body into 5-HTP which is converted into serotonin, so 5-HTP is actually a step closer than tryptophan. 5-HTP has been available and widely used in Europe since the 1970's.

Each bottle of the Vital Source brand contains 100 mg capsules of 5-HTP. Inert ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate.

Each bottle of the Natures Way brand contains 50 mg tablets of 5-HTP. It also contains Vitamin C 60 mg and Vitamin B6 10 mg.Inert ingredients include cellulose, maltodextrin, aqueous coating solution, modified cellulose gum, stearic acid, cellulose.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Low levels of serotonin are associated with sleep problems, depression, anxiety, binge or compulsive eating, restless leg syndrome, migraines, fibromyalgia and  a low pain threshold. A victim of one condition often has others which has led some researchers to label it collectively as "Low Serotonin Syndrome."

CAUTIONS 

One review of  17 studies of 5-HTP concluded that it was relatively free of side effects. Large doses of over 200 mg sometimes caused mild nausea but not enough to stop taking it. However, there are precautions!

5-HTP should not be taken with other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, weight loss products, St.John's wort*, or by pregnant women, unless recommended by a health practitioner. Vitamin B6 should not be taken at the same time, although it is helpful if taken about 6 hours earlier than the 5-HTP.

According to The Pharmacist's Letter, cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) have been associated with 5-HTP. However, this might be in error. The FDA says it has found Peak-X, the substance thought to cause this condition which caused tryptophan to be removed from the market, in some batches of 5-HTP. They have not had any reports of EMS associated with it, though. Here are some additional warnings:

If you have any of these diseases or conditions see your doctor before taking 5-HTP.

Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart attack); Extremely Elderly Persons; those with Parkinson's 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.

Those with AIDS, cancer, autoimmune diseases and the very elderly have an increased risk of fibrosis because of an enzyme that is frequently elevated in these conditions. Fibrosis is the deposition of connective tissue in internal organs.

5-HTP along with chronic alcoholism and liver disease caused heart fibrosis in animals. Alcohol inhibits the metabolism of 5-HTP.

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., dexfenfluramine); 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.

Warning: Dosages of 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan (5-HTP) greater than 100 milligrams per day should be taken only under the guidance of a physician.  5-HTP can increase the effect of tranquilizing drugs and can impair the ability to drive an automobile.

See Disclaimer.

DOSE

Start with 50 mg daily. Then after two weeks move to one  twice daily. If this is inadequate then 50 mg 3 times daily may be tried.  It should be taken 20 minutes before meals or with a carbohydrate source such as fruit or fruit juice. It should also be taken with its co-factors such as niacin, magnesium and Vitamin B6 (not at the same time.) Or at bedtime take from 100 mg  to 300 mg a half hour before bedtime.

NHC sells bottles of 30 5-HTP 100mg capsules for $14.35. Suggested retail is $15.95.

NHC sells bottles of 30 5-HTP 50mg tablets for $8.54. Suggested retail is $9.49.

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Created  March 1, 1998 (Personal page April 25, 1995)
(This site was created from FrontPage 2000 at a resolution of 1024x768 in 32 bit color on a 19 inch monitor. It was checked using Microsoft IE 5.0. Your results may vary depending upon your browser, monitor, and color resolution.) Updated on May 25, 2003.
Gerry Wolke, RPh.