5-HTP for Depression: Usage, Benefits, Safety, and Side Effects

5-HTP (5-Hyroxytryptophan or Oxitriptan) is a supplement that some people take for depression and anxiety.

Traditional prescription antidepressant medications can be quite costly and may come with severe side effects for some users. 

Taking 5-HTP for depression has become a common natural treatment among individuals seeking an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.

5-HTP is a compound that is naturally made in the body during the breakdown of Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in many protein rich foods including meat, seafood, poultry and eggs.

In supplement form, 5-HTP is sourced from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Griffonia simplicifolia is a medicinal shrub from West and Central Africa. The seeds of this plant are naturally high in 5-HTP.

Tryptophan, and subsequently 5-HTP, is a precursor of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is known as the “happiness neurotransmitter” because it is associated with positive emotions including happiness, calm, and peacefulness. One of the main reasons people take 5-HTP for depression is the possibility of increasing Serotonin levels.

This article will examine how 5-HTP works in the body, benefits of 5-HTP supplements for depression, safety and side effects, and interactions with prescription antidepressants.

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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How Taking 5-HTP for Depression Works in the Body

The causes of depression are multiple and varied, with low levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin in the brain being one potential cause.

Serotonin is associated with improved mood and overall behavior. Elevated Serotonin levels have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and even how the body responds to pain.

The amino acid Tryptophan, and consequently 5-HTP, is a precursor to Serotonin. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning it cannot be produced in the human body. Tryptophan must be obtained through the diet or supplements. Dietary sources of Tryptophan include many protein-rich foods such as turkey, milk, red meat, eggs, green beans, garlic, and chickpeas.

When Tryptophan is broken down in the liver, 5-HTP and other metabolites are produced. Some 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain. The 5-HTP crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream and the brain.

Once in the brain, 5-HTP is converted into Serotonin. Some Serotonin in the brain is further converted into Melatonin. Melatonin is the main neurotransmitter associated with circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycles) in the body.

One could use a Tryptophan supplement for depression, mood enhancement, and improved sleep patterns. However, taking 5-HTP directly is often considered more effective since it avoids the unnecessary initial conversion. Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, therefore it is ineffective to supplement directly with Serotonin to increase levels in the brain.

Using 5-HTP for Depression Symptoms

Several research studies have demonstrated that 5-HTP may help with low-Serotonin related conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and sleep issues like insomnia. Because 5-HTP may cause an increase in Serotonin levels, there is a considerable amount of interest in researching the use of 5-HTP to improve symptoms of depression.

The Natural Medicines database has deemed 5-HTP as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of depression.

Some clinical research has shown that taking 5-HTP may be comparable to some conventional antidepressant therapy. In one study, individuals were given 150-400 mg of 5-HTP daily for eight weeks. The 5-HTP had similar effects in reducing symptoms of depression as 20-40 mg of fluoxetine (Prozac).

Other studies have shown that 5-HTP is comparable for improving depression symptoms to fluvoxamine (Luvox) or imipramine (Tofranil). Another study found that 300 mg 5-HTP combined with 50 mg of the tricyclic antidepressant chlorimipramine significantly decreased depression symptoms over patients taking chlorimipramine alone.

More research is still needed to fully determine the effects 5-HTP has on reducing symptoms of depression. At this time, the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat depression.

Additional Health Benefits of 5-HTP Supplements

Reducing symptoms of depression is not the only recorded use of this supplement. Studies also suggest that 5-HTP may have effects on fibromyalgia symptoms, insomnia, and weight loss.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, morning stiffness, and fatigue. Many people suffering with this condition have low levels of Serotonin. Doctors will typically prescribe anti-depressants to increase Serotonin levels. Preliminary clinical evidence has shown that using 100 mg of 5-HTP three times daily improved symptoms of fibromyalgia including pain,  anxiety, and fatigue.

5-HTP may also produce positive outcomes for patients with insomnia. In one sleep study, participants given a combination of 5-HTP and GABA went to sleep faster and slept more deeply than those who were given a placebo. The effect of 5-HTP alone is unknown, and more research is needed.

Preliminary research has shown that 5-HTP supplementation may help reduce appetite, calorie intake, and weight in obese individuals. In one study, obese female patients who took 5-HTP 8mg/kg body weight for five weeks had decreased calorie intake and greater weight loss then patients on placebo.

More research is still needed to fully determine the effects 5-HTP may have on various low-Serotonin conditions like anxiety, fibromyalgia, and insomnia. At this time, the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

5-HTP Safety and Side Effects

The Natural Medicines database has deemed 5-HTP as Possibly Safe for oral use in adults. 5-HTP has been rated as Possibly Unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and use should be avoided in these cases.

Most individuals who use 5-HTP at recommended levels will experience mild or no side effects.  Mild side effects reported by users include nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, and heartburn.

If you are considering taking 5-HTP for depression, it is imperative to speak to a doctor first before using it. 5-HTP should not be combined with any medications prescribed for symptoms of depression (ex. MAOIs and SSRIs) without getting explicit approval from your doctor.

Taking 5-HTP together with prescription antidepressants may cause Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin Syndrome is a very serious condition that occurs when there is an excess of Serotonin in the brain. It can cause excessive sweating, mental fog, irregular heartbeat, and in extreme cases, if left untreated, may be life threatening.

5-HTP Dose for Depression and Mood

The FDA has not established a recommended daily dose of 5-HTP. For general use in healthy adults, several studies have suggested that starting with a low dosage (50 mg up to three times a day) and gradually increasing the dosage as needed may minimize side effects.

The dosage you decide to use will depend on your personal sensitivity, physiology, and the reason for taking 5-HTP. Individuals who are taking 5-HTP capsules for depression typically report that higher doses are necessary to experience the full benefits.

Only your physician will know whether this supplement is appropriate for you. If you decide to use 5-HTP for depression, it is recommended that you begin at the lowest effective dosage and do not take more unless you are free of side effects and your doctor approves.

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