5-HTP for Fibromyalgia Treatment and Symptom Relief

In research studies, the use of 5-HTP for fibromyalgia has been found to reduce pain severity, stiffness, and sleeplessness. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a dietary supplement that is used to increase Serotonin levels in the brain. Reduced levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin are thought to play a role in development of fibromyalgia symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder primarily indicated by joint and muscle pain and tenderness throughout the body. Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include cognitive/concentration problems (“fibrofog”), insomnia, overwhelming fatigue, headaches/migraines, sensitivity to light and noise, and tingling/numbness in the extremities (hands and feet).

Serotonin regulates pain thresholds by interacting with other brain chemicals (specifically, endorphins and the neurotransmitter substance P) involved in sensing pain.

According to research, by taking 5-HTP supplements, fibromyalgia patients may experience improvement in all clinical parameters (pain, fatigue, cognitive issues) associated with the disorder. What is the best way to use 5-HTP for fibromyalgia management?

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

Top 5-HTP Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

While the primary cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, researchers think a number of factors are involved in the development of the condition.

Experiencing long-term physical stress from disease, emotional stress, suffering a traumatic event, undergoing a major operation, and substance addiction have all been considered factors influencing the severity and chronic nature of fibromyalgia symptoms.

A genetic factor is also being investigated. We know that genes are involved in regulating the body’s pain response. Several genes have already been identified in fibromyalgia patients that do not exist in non-fibromyalgic individuals. [3]

Researchers are hoping to pinpoint genes that “turn on” fibromyalgia symptoms and to develop techniques and/or medications that can suppress genetic activity involved with the development of fibromyalgia.

What we do know is that individuals with fibromyalgia tend to have lower levels of Serotonin in their brains compared to health adults. A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite and pain perceptions, Serotonin is increasingly becoming implicated in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.

5-HTP for Fibromyalgia Pain

5-HTP is required to synthesize Serotonin within the body. [4] 5-HTP is produced from the breakdown of the dietary amino acid L-Tryptophan in the liver. 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream from the liver to the brain. There it crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain. Once in the brain, 5-HTP is converted into Serotonin.

When subjects were given 5-HTP for fibromyalgia pain in one research trial, results achieved “a statistically significant effect after only 15 days of treatment and retained this effect for up to 90 days of treatment”.

In addition, subjects taking 5-HTP for fibromyalgia symptom relief experienced only mild, transient side effects (in particular, nausea) that did not interfere with their daily activities. [5]

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 5-HTP as “Possibly Effective” for fibromyalgia pain, stiffness and anxiety. [7] The Natural Medicines database as well has rated 5-HTP as Possibly Effective for fibromyalgia, stating that oral use of 5-HTP has been seen to improve symptoms including pain severity, morning stiffness, and sleeplessness.

The National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association [8] also advocates the use of 5-HTP supplements for restoring beneficial Serotonin levels and relieving fibromyalgia symptoms without the use of prescriptions.

5-HTP vs. Traditional Fibromyalgia Treatments

Analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and various prescription drugs are typically given to fibromyalgia patients. However, these drugs do nothing to treat the root cause of fibromyalgia (which may very well be Serotonin dysregulation) and also cause a number of unwanted side effects.

Side effects include but are not limited to spikes in blood pressure, edema, gastrointestinal problems and blood thinning. Long-term use of NSAIDS is known cause potentially irreversible damage the heart, kidneys and liver as well.

In some cases, antidepressants like Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been used to treat fibromyalgia. SSRIs are Serotonin concentration altering medications that are used to correct Serotonin imbalances that may cause fibromyalgia. These drugs can be effective in some cases, however, there is a risk of serious side effects, developing dependence, and withdrawal symptoms that some people would prefer to avoid.

5-HTP is favored by some as a natural treatment alternative because it poses a low risk of side effects when it is used properly. 5-HTP is also unlikely to cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

5-HTP pills may not be effective for everyone with fibromyalgia. 5-HTP has not been approved for use as a drug by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of any condition.

In most cases, 5-HTP is used as part of a larger treatment protocol that may combine both natural and traditional therapies. Speak to your doctor to determine what the best treatment approach for you is.

How Much 5-HTP Should I Take for Fibromyalgia?

Double-blind studies involving 50 fibromyalgia patients given 50 to 100 mg of 5-HTP three times a day found that subjects experienced relief from muscle pain, anxiety, early morning stiffness and insomnia. [9].

Some studies implemented dosages of 300 mg per day (split into multiple doses per day) but most doctors consider 100 mg to be the safe, maximum dose of 5 HTP for fibromyalgia.

Also, 5-HTP seems to work more rapidly when absorbed into the blood on an empty stomach. [10] Having an empty stomach may also reduce the nausea that some people temporarily experience when taking 5-HTP for fibromyalgia.

As with any supplement, it is best to start at a low dose of 5-HTP for fibromyalgia and gradually increase the dosage, if necessary. Weight, pre-existing medical conditions and age are all factors in determining how much 5-HTP is needed for a dose to be effective. Speak to your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs.

5-HTP Safety and Interactions

5-HTP has been rated as Possibly Safe by the Natural Medicines database for oral use in adults. Use in pregnant and nursing women is considered Possibly Unsafe, and therefore should be avoided.

Most people who take 5-HTP can expect to experience no or mild side effects. Mild side effects have been reported, including nausea, heartburn, vomiting, and diarrhea.

You should not begin a regimen of 5-HTP for fibromyalgia without first consulting with your physician. 5-HTP supplements may interact unpredictably with the following medications and herbal substances:

• St. John’s Wort
• Dextromethorphan (a prescription cough medicine)
• Antidepressants such as Elavil, Celexa, Sinequan, Tofranil, Zoloft and Paxil
• MAO inhibitors (older antidepressants) that include Marplan, Nardil, Eldepryl and Parnate
• Parkinson’s Disease medications (Parcopa, Atamet)
• Prescription pain drugs (Demerol, Ultram) [11]

Also be aware that 5-HTP may interact with medications administered before and during surgery. If you are currently taking 5-HTP for fibromyalgia and are scheduled for surgery in the near future, you should stop taking 5-HTP two to three weeks prior to your surgery. [12]

5-HTP should not be taken with any Serotonin concentration-altering drugs, including SSRIs and MAOIs, as this may lead to Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin Syndrome occurs when there is an excess of Serotonin in the body. Symptoms include excessive sweating, fever, dizziness, irritability, agitation, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal.

Always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, including 5-HTP . Your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your needs, personal sensitivities, and physiology, and determine if 5-HTP may interact with any of your current medications or supplements.

5-HTP for Fibromyalgia Reviews

User reviews of 5-HTP for fibromyalgia are both positive and plentiful on the Internet.

In addition to finding 5-HTP effective for relieving fibromyalgia symptoms, users reviews also say that this Serotonin booster improves mood and promotes feelings of well-being.

In research studies, it has been shown to relieve anxiety, enable individuals to enjoy a more relaxed state of mind and helps users fall asleep faster without feeling drowsy in the morning.

Rate This Article

(3 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5, rated)

L-Tryptophan

L-Theanine

GABA

Melatonin