5-htp Safety,
Side Effects, Dangers

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
Safety and Side Effects

5-HTP appears to be well tolerated with few and relatively mild side effects, the most common being nausea. However, large doses of 5-HTP should be avoided as it can result in the formation of excessively high levels of serotonin in tissues other than the brain, resulting in significant adverse reactions.

5-HTP is generally better tolerated than its SSRI counterparts, such as Prozac^®. The following chart compares the rate of side effects between 5-HTP and SSRIs.

Side Effect	% of Patients Experiencing Side Effect
	5-HTP	SSRIs
Nausea Headache Nervousness Insomnia Anxiety Drowsiness Diarrhea Tremor Dry mouth Sweating Dizziness Constipation Vision Changes	9 5 2.5 2.5 2.5 7 2.5 0 7 2.5 5 5 0	23 20 16 17 14 11 12 11 12 9 7 5.5 4

Source: 5-HTP The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia by Michael Murray, N.D.

5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with anti- depressants except under the supervision of a physician, because 5-HTP increases the activity of these drugs.

5-HTP should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with significant cardiovascular disease. It is also contraindicated in those with carcinoid tumors.

Large doses of 5-HTP may significantly increase serum levels of serotonin which, at least theoretically, may result in the serotonin syndrome which can be very serious, although there have been no reports of the syndrome occurring with use of 5-HTP in humans. Do not exceed 900 mg per day.

Vitamin B6 taken in doses of 5 milligrams or greater causes 5-HTP to be converted into serotonin before it passes into the brain. Since serotonin does not easily pass the blood-brain barrier as 5-HTP does, this effect is undesirable and can be detrimental.

May have additive effects with tryptophan, St John's wort, and SAMe.

Be sure to get 5-HTP from a reputable source to ensure purity, such as MedQuest Pharmacy.

As with any supplement, 5-HTP can be abused. However, when used wisely, it has proven itself to be a safe and effective supplement.

5-HTP is Available Online ...from people that you trust!

*The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

PROZAC is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.