Top 5-HTP Uses for Depression, Anxiety, Fibromyalgia, Attention, and Diet

5-HTP uses cover an extensive range of both mental and physical conditions.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplements are used for weight loss, relief from stress and anxious thoughts, help with sleep, improved focus, reduction of pain, and generally improved moods.

5-HTP works by increasing production of Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being, peacefulness, and calm. The diversity of uses for 5-HTP supplements is a direct result of the diverse roles that Serotonin plays within the brain and body.

This article will examine how this supplement works in the body, different 5-HTP uses and reported benefits, and the safety and potential side effects of 5-HTP supplements.

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 Uses in the Body

In addition to being available in supplement form, 5-HTP is produced naturally in the body from the breakdown of Tryptophan.

Tryptophan is an amino acid found in many protein rich foods including poultry, red meat, chickpeas, beans, and lentils. Tryptophan from the diet is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP and other metabolites.

Sometimes the amount of Tryptophan in the diet is insufficient. Additionally, some people naturally produce low amounts of 5-HTP. In these cases, supplementation with 5-HTP may be useful.

As a supplement, 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant, native to Africa. Griffonia Simplicifolia seeds naturally contain up to 20% 5-HTP by weight.

5-HTP, either from supplements or Tryptophan breakdown, travels through the bloodstream to the brain. 5-HTP is able to cross the barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain. Once in the brain, 5-HTP is converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin.

5-HTP works by increasing the amount of Serotonin available to be used, particularly within the brain. This neurotransmitter is intimately linked to moods and behaviors, causing feelings of contentment, ease, and satisfaction.

When Serotonin levels are high, we feel calm and it is easier to fall asleep. Also, some Serotonin is converted into Melatonin, the main hormone that regulates sleep/wake cycles (circadian rhythm). This makes 5-HTP also an indirect precursor to Melatonin.

5-HTP Uses and Benefits

5-HTP is used by some individuals as an alternative to prescription medication for conditions such as depression, fibromyalgia, and ADHD.

In some research studies it has been used for those who are not seeing results with traditional pharmaceuticals, as with therapy-resistant depression. It is also favored by individuals who are looking for a more natural alternative.

The Natural Medicines database has rated 5-HTP as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of depression. Multiple studies have shown that 5-HTP is significantly more effective than placebo at improving the symptoms of depression.

Some research has compared 5-HTP to traditional antidepressants. One study compared 5-HTP use to fluoxetine (Prozac). Over an eight week period, patients were administered either 5-HTP (dosage began at 150 mg and was increased gradually to 400 mg) or fluoxetine (dosage began at 20 mg and was increased gradually to 40 mg).

At the end of the trial, it was determined that 5-HTP was as effective as the fluoxetine at improving symptoms of depression.

In a similar trial, use of 100 mg 5-HTP three times per day was comparable to 50 mg fluvoxamine three times per day for decreasing symptoms of depression. Another clinical trial saw similar results comparing 800 mg 5-HTP per day to 150 mg imipramine (Tofranil).

Many reviewers have reported that they found it beneficial to use 5-HTP for anxiety and related mood disorders. There is a correlation between anxiety and a decreased production of Serotonin. It is hypothesized that by naturally increasing the amount of Serotonin in the brain, it may be possible to prevent panic or anxiety attacks.

There is conflicting evidence about the effects of 5-HTP use for anxiety. Preliminary clinical data suggests that taking between 25-150 mg/day 5-HTP together with the medication carbidopa (150 mg/day) for 8 weeks may reduce anxiety in people with phobias or anxiety states. However this treatment was determined less effective than taking between 25-150 mg/day clomipramine (Anafranil).

Another similar study showed 75-150 mg 5-HTP use daily combined with 150 mg carbidopa reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with a history of anxiety disorders. However, 5-HTP dosages over 225 mg/day seemed to worsen anxiety symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain (affecting muscles and bones) throughout the body. Fibromyalgia also often causes issues with mood and sleep. Research has shown that fibromyalgia in some cases is associated with decreased levels of Serotonin in the body.

Preliminary clinical data has shown that taking 100 mg 5-HTP orally three times per day for between 30-90 days can improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain severity, morning stiffness, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

For individuals who have a hard time focusing or staying on task, 5-HTP use may help improve learning, concentration, and memory. This effect is more pronounced in individuals with ADHD or ADD.

According to clinical nutritionist Billy J. Cahley, Ph.D., the Serotonin-boosting effects of 5-HTP may result in improvements to symptoms of ADHD and behavioral disorders.

Not all individuals with ADHD may benefit from using 5-HTP due to differences in the genetic components of this disorder. Your doctor can help you determine whether this is an appropriate use of the supplement for you.

Research on the full effects of 5-HTP use for depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, concentration, and memory is limited, and more clinical studies are still needed. At this time the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Additional Benefits of 5-HTP Use

Other indications for 5-HTP use are for appetite control and as a sleep aid.

5-HTP may support weight loss in individuals with obesity by reducing appetite, caloric intake, and overall weight. In a five week clinical trial, obese participants given 5-HTP consumed fewer calories per day and lost more weight than a control group given a placebo. Participants were not instructed to change their eating habits, but reported higher levels of satiety after meals and felt less of a need to eat.

Using 5-HTP as a sleep aid may also lead to improved health on a number of different levels. Sleep plays an important role in weight loss, brain health, controlling stress, boosting the immune system, and cellular repair.

Taking 5-HTP later in the day may increase the amount of Serotonin available to make Melatonin. Increased Melatonin helps us to fall into deep sleep states that allow us to wake feeling rested and refreshed.

Safety and Side Effects of Using 5-HTP

5-HTP has been deemed by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Safe for oral use in adults. Before using 5-HTP, consult a healthcare professional to determine whether this supplement is right for you.

Use in pregnant or nursing women is considered Possibly Unsafe, and should be avoided. 5-HTP use is reported to cause seizures in some patients with Down’s syndrome; therefore use is not recommended for these individuals either.

It is recommended that you stop 5-HTP use for up to two weeks prior to any surgical procedures to avoid adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Most people who take 5-HTP can expect to experience no side effects. There have been reports of mild side effects though in some users, including muscle tenderness, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, sexual problems, drowsiness, and muscle irregularities.

5-HTP can interact negatively with various medications, specifically those prescribed for mood disorders and depression (SSRIs and MAOIs). Use of 5-HTP with these medications may cause a serious condition known as Serotonin Syndrome.

Serotonin Syndrome occurs when there is an excess of Serotonin in the body. Symptoms include restlessness, agitation, excessive sweating, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome may be fatal.

The recommended dosage of 5-HTP will vary from individual to individual. Proper dosage will depend on many factors including age, weight, sensitivity level, and the reason for taking this supplement.

Speak to your doctor to receive personalized dosage information. A doctor can also determine if 5-HTP may interact with any prescription or over the counter medications you are taking.

While 5-HTP may be safe for short-term use, there have been no studies examining the effects for extended long-term use. It is recommended to use this supplement for a maximum of one month and speak to your doctor before continuing for longer periods of time.

5-HTP uses extend from mood enhancement and better memory, to weight loss and improved sleep. However to get the most from this supplement, safe usage is a must.

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