5-HTP: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
5-hydroxytryptophan
Family or group:
Amino acids
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that taking 5-HTP orally for 2 to 3 weeks improves the symptoms of depression in some patients. On the other hand, comparing the efficacy of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluvoxamine) to that of 5-HTP has highlighted the equivalence of both treatments from two weeks of treatment in patients with depression. However, despite the beneficial effects demonstrated by clinical research, the trials remain small and present methodological issues. More qualitative studies on larger patient populations are necessary to confirm these results. In trials, the administered dose ranges from 150 to 800 mg per day for 2 to 6 weeks. It is interesting to note that unlike Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressants, which conserve serotonin, 5-HTP allows the body to manufacture it. Moreover, it has been shown that 5-HTP has fewer side effects (dry mouth, loss of libido), and it allows better treatment tolerance.
Posologie
Oral
150 - 800 mg
6 - weeks
Synergies
The effects of dietary tryptophan on affective disorders
A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine.
The effects of tryptophan depletion on cognitive and affective processing in healthy volunteers
The treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus imipramine. Results of two open and one double-blind study.
Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study.
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
In migraine patients, taking 5-HTP for 6 months shows an efficacy equivalent to a reference anti-migraine medication (methysergide). However, other clinical studies have not shown a reduction in the frequency and severity of migraine attacks compared to the placebo. A dose of 600 mg of 5-HTP per day in divided doses has been used.
Posologie
Oral
600 mg
6 - months
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
In fibromyalgia patients, reduced levels of serotonin metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid have been reported, suggesting the involvement of a serotonin deficiency in disease pathogenesis. In a study on fibromyalgia patients, the administration of 5-HTP for 30 days reduced the number of painful points and their intensity, as well as morning stiffness and anxiety, compared to placebo. Another study reports that an association of 5-HTP with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is the most effective treatment against fibromyalgia-related pain compared to a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (amitriptyline) or an MAOI alone. The dose used is 100 mg of 5-HTP three times a day for 30 to 90 days.
Posologie
Oral
300 mg
90 - days
Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway
Primary fibromyalgia syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: a 90-day open study.
Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome.
Weight control ✪✪✪✪✪
5-HTP can reduce appetite and cravings: it is beneficial for individuals who need to lose weight or suffer from bulimia, this is directly linked to its satiety-inducing properties.
Posologie
Oral
750 - 900 mg
12 - weeks
Relationship between the absorption of 5-hydroxytryptophan from an integrated diet, by means of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, and the effect on satiety in overweight females after oral spray administration
Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects.
Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects.
Properties
Antidepressant
5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the brain. Consequently, it increases serotonin levels in the CNS (central nervous system) similarly to conventional antidepressants that act on the serotonergic system. Although the etiology of depression is not exactly known, it is widely accepted that a defect in serotonergic activity plays a significant role in its pathophysiology. Indeed, recent data have more directly shown the involvement of serotonin in depression. On one hand, a serotonergic dysfunction has been recurrently demonstrated through biochemical assays in depressed subjects. On the other hand, the data seem to suggest that such dysfunction could be linked to genetic predispositions. Finally, the most recent studies using sophisticated imaging techniques have shown a decrease in the binding capacities of a type of serotonergic receptors.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Increases in beta-endorphin levels in the CNS (central nervous system) have been reported after the administration of 5-HTP, suggesting that it may have analgesic effects.
Usages associés
Satiety Inducer
It is believed that serotonin, whose level is increased by 5-HTP, plays a role in the regulation of food intake at the hypothalamic level. Indeed, it allows for a reduction in appetite sensation and calorie consumption.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 year(s): 100 mg - 500 mg
5-HTP is safe when used orally and appropriately. No toxicity reports have been identified for doses 50 mg / kg of body weight or less.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidepressant: strong interaction
The combination of serotonergic antidepressants and 5-HTP may increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonergic syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. These medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic and atypical antidepressants.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): strong interaction
Combining serotonergic medications, such as a non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), with 5-HTP may increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonergic syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.
Carbidopa: moderate interaction
Carbidopa is sometimes used with 5-HTP to minimize the peripheral metabolism of 5-HTP and increase the amount reaching the brain. However, this combination may also increase the risk of side effects, including hypomania, agitation, talkativeness, anxiety, insomnia, and aggression. The combination of carbidopa and 5-HTP may also increase the risk of scleroderma-like skin changes due to high serotonin levels.
Methysergide: moderate interaction
Due to the presence of 5-HTP, interactions are possible with any medication that modulates serotonin levels.
Opioids: moderate interaction
The combination of serotonergic drugs, such as opioids, with 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstriction disorders. Some of these medications include: Meperidine, Pentazocine, Tramadol.
Sedatives: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications causing sedation could have additive effects.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Sedative: minor interaction
Theoretically, the concomitant use of 5-HTP with herbs and supplements having sedative properties could increase the risk of additive sedation. Some of these supplements include calamus, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, St. John's wort, skullcap, scullcap, valerian, yerba mansa, and others.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
Avoid using 5-HTP in pregnant women due to a lack of sufficient data.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Avoid using 5-HTP in breastfeeding women due to a lack of sufficient data.
Contraindications
Carcinoid tumor: prohibited
Griffonia (which contains 5-HTP) is contraindicated in cases of carcinoid tumors of the small intestine (tumors developed from endocrine cells of the intestinal mucosa).
