5-HTP

Overview

5-HTP raises serotonin. That is not automatically good, and combining it with serotonergic medication is dangerous. Evidence for stand-alone use is preliminary.

Benefits

• →May support subjective mood or sleep quality

Best for

Stacks with

Side effects

• • GI upset
• • Vivid dreams
• • Fatigue

Warnings & cautions

• ⚠Do not combine with SSRI, SNRI, MAOI, tricyclic, or other serotonergic medications — risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
• ⚠Do not combine with tramadol, triptans, or St. John's Wort.
• ⚠Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• ⚠Do not use before driving or operating machinery.
• ⚠Discontinue and seek emergency care for symptoms of serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity).

Drug & condition interactions

• • All serotonergic medications, MAOIs, tramadol, triptans, St. John's Wort, some antinausea drugs.

Evidence notes

Limited human trials suggest possible effects on mood and sleep. Safety data is limited and combining with serotonergic medication is dangerous.

Research references

• [1] Turner EH, Loftis JM, Blackwell AD. Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. — Pharmacol Ther, 2006; 109:325–338