5-HTP Withdrawal Symptoms, Duration and How to Stop Taking

Is 5-HTP withdrawal a possibility when taking 5-HTP supplements?

5-HTP is a natural supplement that may boost Serotonin levels within the brain. It is used for a variety of ailments including depression and anxiety, fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders like insomnia.

5-HTP supplements are made from the seeds of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. The seeds are one of the only natural sources of 5-HTP, and contain up to 20% 5-HTP by weight.

This supplement is commonly taken for mood enhancement, weight loss, sleep improvement, and other conditions connected to low Serotonin levels. Before you start using this product, you may be wondering about the potential for 5-HTP withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.

With many prescription depression and anxiety medications users can develop either tolerance or conversely dependence to the drugs. Withdrawal symptoms are also an issue if use is paused or stopped.

It is natural to be concerned about similar effects before starting to use 5-HTP for a mood disorder or for other reasons. This article will discuss the prevalence of 5-HTP withdrawal and other side effects as well as provide guidelines for using 5-HTP safely.

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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Do the Benefits Outweigh the Possibility of 5-HTP Withdrawal?

While it is common to be concerned about withdrawal symptoms associated with supplemental 5-HTP, it is important to know that some 5-HTP is already present in the body naturally.

5-HTP is naturally produced in the body from the breakdown of Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in many high protein foods including red meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and chickpeas.

Tryptophan from the diet is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP and other compounds including niacin (Vitamin B3). 5-HTP travels from the liver through the bloodstream to the brain. There the 5-HTP crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain and enters the brain tissue.

Once in the brain, 5-HTP is converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is the main neurotransmitter associated with mood balance. Serotonin is often nicknamed the “happiness neurotransmitter” because it is present in the body in elevated levels during times of positive emotions including happiness, peacefulness, and calm.

Some people may not get enough Tryptophan in their diet. Additionally, some people naturally make low levels of 5-HTP from the Tryptophan they do consume. In these cases, 5-HTP supplements may be an effective way to increase Serotonin levels in the brain. Research shows 5-HTP may be as good as or better than a number of prescription antidepressants for raising levels of this neurotransmitter.

5-HTP has a high rate of oral bioavailability and can also be absorbed sublingually (underneath the tongue). Patients who were given 40mg/day of 5-HTP had a 137% increase of 5-H1AA (a chief metabolite of 5-HTP) in their urine over normal levels.

5-HTP for Mood, Anxiety, Sleep, and Weight Loss

The Natural Medicines database has rated 5-HTP as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of depression. Numerous studies have been undertaken to establish the effects of 5-HTP on the symptoms of depression.

Multiple trials have found that 5-HTP is significantly better than placebo at decreasing the symptoms of depression. As well, several studies have found this supplement to be equally effective as some prescription antidepressants (i.e. fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, imipramine) in improving the symptoms of depression.

Research has shown that 5-HTP may reduce anxious thoughts and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. As 5-HTP affects Serotonin levels, it is believed that it may assist in reducing the severity or duration of panic attacks.

One study induced patients with a panic attack. Half of the patients were normal patients with no history of attacks, and the other half were diagnosed with the disorder. They were all treated with 200mg 5-HTP prior to the attacks being induced. The results showed that the occurrence of panic attacks was reduced in both groups but more so in the patients suffering from diagnosed panic disorders.

5-HTP use may also improve sleep quality. Serotonin, that has been made in the body from 5-HTP, gets converted into the sleep hormone Melatonin during the evening and nighttime. Higher levels of Melatonin are associated with deeper sleep. Deep sleep can have profoundly positive impacts for health and aging.

Several studies have been performed under double blind placebo controls to study the effects of 5-HTP supplements on appetite suppression and weight loss in obese individuals. Overall they concluded that 5-HTP may suppress appetite and thus could possibly contribute to weight loss.

Patients who took this supplement experienced fewer carbohydrate cravings and were able to better control their food intake. The group given 5-HTP ate 500 calories less per day than the group given a placebo and was able to lose 3 lb in 5 weeks.

Research on the effects of 5-HTP for depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and weight loss 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.

5-HTP for Alcohol Withdrawal

Although the scientific evidence is limited, there are reports of 5-HTP reducing the effects from alcohol withdrawal.

One clinical study measured the effects on patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal, who were given a combination of 5-HTP, Glutamine, and D-Phenylalanine. The control group underwent alcohol detoxification therapy alone. The research measured symptoms of anxiety and also blood levels relating to liver enzymes, bilirubin, cortisol and lymphocytes.

It was found that cortisol levels were not affected. The other blood parameters showed positive results among the group given 5-HTP over the control group. Symptoms of anxiety were reduced in the 5-HTP group compared to the control group.

5-HTP Withdrawal Symptoms

Because 5-HTP increases Serotonin levels in the brain, there is potential for the development of tolerance and some signs of withdrawal. While the prevalence of tolerance and withdrawal is low for the majority of users, it is still a possibility.

When you stop using 5-HTP, it is possible that your body may have become accustomed to the higher levels of Serotonin. This is more likely when an individual has been taking 5-HTP for long periods of time at higher than normal dosages. However, some individuals may develop a tolerance even at lower dosages.

Few 5-HTP withdrawal effects are officially known. However, some reviews do make note of specific symptoms, particularly if the supplement has been taken long-term. Some users report dizziness for several days after stopping the product. Others report a low mood or feeling fatigued for a period of up to one week after they stop 5-HTP use.

To avoid these effects, it is recommended that the amount taken is gradually reduced over a period of 3 to 4 weeks. It is not recommended that users simply stop taking the supplement, as stronger withdrawal symptoms may occur.

You can help to prevent the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms by following dosage guidelines correctly and never taking more than recommended amounts. You may also want to cycle the supplement so that you are not using it for long uninterrupted periods of time.

How to Take 5-HTP

The correct dosage of 5-HTP to use will depend on the reason for taking this supplement, age, weight, personal sensitivities, and other factors. It is recommended to speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your individual needs.

For mood disorders, research studies have found positive results when taking up to 300mg per day. This dosage is typically split into two or three administrations a day.

For weight loss purposes and as an appetite suppressant, an amount of 50 mg per day may be sufficient.

Some studies have found dosages of up to 900 mg per day to be tolerable, but this amount should not be used unless advised by your doctor. At this very high level the chance of negative side effects is greatly increased, typically without an increase in potential benefits.

Doctors generally recommend that this supplement should not be taken continuously or for long periods of time. A general guideline is to take the product for only 3 weeks out of every 4 to prevent side effects, tolerance, or withdrawal.

Safety and Side Effects of 5-HTP Use

In addition to the potential for withdrawal if used for long periods of times, there may be some side effects associated with this supplement.

5-HTP has been deemed Possibly Safe by the Natural Medicines database for oral use in adults. It is considered Possibly Unsafe for pregnant and nursing women.

When 5-HTP is taken according to recommended dosages, it is considered well-tolerated in the majority of cases. Most users can expect to experience no side effects. Mild side effects have been reported though, including:

• Dizziness
• Cessation of menstrual bleeding
• Agitation
• Aggressiveness
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Depressed mood
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Ear buzzing (tinnitus)
• Euphoria
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Hives
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Mania
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Restlessness and insomnia
• Vertigo
• Vivid dreams
• Weight gain

If users should experience any of the above on ingesting 5-HTP it is suggested they stop immediately and consult a doctor before continuing use.

A more serious side effect known as Serotonin Syndrome may occur when 5-HTP is taken in very high doses or in conjunction with other Serotonin concentration-altering compounds, including antidepressant medications of the SSRI or MAOI classes.

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

Other medications that may have a negative interaction with 5-HTP include (but are not limited to): carbidopa, (Lodosyn), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and meperidine (Demerol).

Always consult with your doctor before beginning a new supplement, especially if you are on any prescription medication. Your doctor can determine if there may be any negative interactions between your medications and any supplements.

5-HTP Withdrawal Summary

5-HTP is a natural Serotonin booster that may offer benefits for mood, weight loss, sleep and more. While 5-HTP withdrawal is a possibility, it is rare when used properly. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, it may be necessary to wean yourself off high dosages of the supplement by gradually decreasing intake over multiple weeks.

To reduce the risk of developing a 5-HTP tolerance or withdrawal, the supplement should be used for a maximum of three weeks in a row and dosage guidelines should be adhered to closely. If side effects occur, the supplement should be discontinued until professional advice is taken.

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