Taking 5-HTP + Adderall XR Together – Interactions & Side Effects

Both 5-HTP and Adderall are used by individuals with attention disorders, or anyone who wants to boost their focus and attention span. But the way these two substances work in the body to create these effects are very different.

5-HTP is a metabolite of Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid naturally found in many foods including turkey, fish, garlic, and green beans.  In the liver Tryptophan is metabolized into 5-HTP. 5-HTP is a precursor to Serotonin, a neurochemical mood regulator.

Adderall is a prescription drug used for a variety of general mood and attention span disorders (including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD). Adderall stimulates the “fight or flight” neurotransmitter Dopamine in the brain.

This article will examine how each one of these compounds works in the body. Information about the safety and side effects of each is provided. The pros and cons of taking Adderall and 5-HTP together will also be discussed.

5-HTP

Serotonergic Supplement

Mood

Sleep

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Between 50 - 250 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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5-HTP supplements for Serotonin Production

5-HTP is a chemical intermediary which the body creates from Tryptophan.

5-HTP is also present in some plant sources, such as the Griffonia Simplicifolia bush found in Africa.

The seeds of this plant naturally contain 5-HTP, which can be extracted and consumed as a dietary supplement.

The body uses 5-HTP as a building block of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. When Serotonin is released in the brain, it creates feelings of improved mood, balanced calm, and peacefulness. 

Because Serotonin cannot cross the barrier between blood vessels and the brain, it is not effective to directly supplement with Serotonin to increase Serotonin levels in the brain.

Dietary sources of Tryptophan or supplements like 5-HTP can aid in Serotonin production in the brain.

Serotonin’s calming action may reduce stress and scattered thoughts. For this reason, supplements which boost serotonin production have been used to treat some emotional disorders, including depression and anxiety.

Adderall for Dopamine Stimulation

Adderall (composed of Ampheta S/Combo) is the leading prescription pharmaceutical given to people with attention span disorders like ADHD. It is thought to strongly stimulate Dopamine activity in the brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter the body uses during stressful situations to create a temporary state of hyper vigilance. Chemically, Adderall is an amphetamine, a class of central nervous system stimulants. Because of this, Adderall may create a wired, high energy feeling in users, similar to illicit methamphetamine drugs (i.e. speed, meth, etc.).

Taking 5-HTP together with Adderall?

The Natural Medicines database has rated  5-HTP as possibly safe. It can be taken daily as a part of a mental health regimen, or it can be saved for more acute panic attacks or low mood. 5-HTP should not be combined with anti-depressants like MAOIs or SSRIs. This combination may lead to brain fog, irregular heartbeat and in severe cases, Acute Serotonin Syndrome (a potentially fatal excess of serotonin in the brain).

Some people take 5-HTP in combination with Adderall. The Serotonin-boosting effects of 5-HTP may help to improve mood and sleep, while the stimulant Adderall improves mental focus and clarity. The Natural Medicines database has not determined there to be any interactions between 5-HTP and Adderall. This does not necessarily mean that no interactions exist though and more research may be needed.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements if you are already on prescription medication.

Alternatives for Mental Focus and Mood

5-HTP and Adderall both work in the body to help with mental focus, but the methods are quite different. 5-HTP acts in the body by increasing Serotonin levels, causing reduced stress, improved mental clarity, and overall calming effects. Adderall stimulates Dopamine in the brain, which can lead to a hyper-vigilant and focused mental state.

Addiction and comedowns may be common with Adderall usage. For these reasons, it is thought by some to be problematic to give Adderall to children, who make up the bulk of ADHD patients. Because of these issues, there is growing interest in natural therapies for ADHD, including 5-HTP.

Additionally, some people have used 5-HTP in conjunction with L-Tyrosine the day after stopping Adderall use to decrease withdrawal or comedown effects. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements after recently ending a prescription medication.

Though the heightened results of medications like Adderall may be appealing, they may have severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. By enhancing serotonin levels, the plant-derived supplement 5-HTP may offer a natural method for improving focus and mood.

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