5 htp what is the benefits

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes people to feel fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and brain fog. Early research shows that 5-HTP supplements can help improve fibromyalgia symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and muscle pain. Studies have shown that 5-HTP can reduce anxiety and panic attacks. For some people, chronic panic attacks are the result of low serotonin.

Even for those with general feelings of stress, 5-HTP can be beneficial. Use cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, due to the potential for worsening symptoms. Use cautiously in patients with seizure disorders or those using agents that may lower the seizure threshold, due to increased risk of seizures. Use cautiously in patients with a history of mental disorders.

Use cautiously in patients using CNS depressants. Drowsiness or sedation may occur. Use caution if driving or operating heavy machinery. Use cautiously in patients taking decarboxylase inhibitors. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure. Use cautiously in patients with bradycardia slow heart rate. Avoid in patients with eosinophilia syndromes, due to cases of eosinophilia and eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome EMS.

Avoid in infants with Down syndrome, due to the potential for spasm. Avoid in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Avoid in patients with suicidal thoughts, based on suicide attempts following 5-HTP use. Avoid use in individuals using "party pills" benzylpiperazine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine , based on population studies suggesting that the combination is associated with increased adverse effects from the party pills. Avoid in patients taking antidepressant medications tricyclics [TCAs], monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, mirtazapine, or bupropion or any other medications that may affect serotonin, due to potential increases in serotonin levels and increased risk of serotonin toxicity syndrome.

Avoid in women who are pregnant or lactating, due to a lack of safety data. Avoid in patients with a known allergy to 5-HTP-containing products. Signs of allergy to 5-HTP may include rash, itching, or shortness of breath.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Interactions Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods.

Interactions with Drugs Note: 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin; thus, it may interact with agents that modulate levels of serotonin. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood, and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions.

Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high or too low in the blood.

It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P system. John's wort , anticancer agents, antidepressants including monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs] and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] , anti-inflammatories, antiobesity agents, antioxidants, antiseizure agents, antipsychotics, cannabinoids, cholesterol-lowering agents, chromium, herbs that lower the seizure threshold, hormonal herbs and supplements, jujubosides from Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

Chow, L-tyrosine, magnesium, melatonin, niacin, painkillers, protein, SAMe, sedatives, serotonin receptor antagonists, spinosin, theanine, thyroid herbs and supplements, tryptophan, tryptophan-containing foods, or vitamin B6. About the Author This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration www.

Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies.

Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider s. Potential benefits, risks including financial costs , and alternatives should be carefully considered. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.

Stevens — Updated on August 20, The brain uses serotonin to regulate: mood appetite other important functions Unfortunately, 5-HTP is not found in foods we eat. Possible Dangers and Side Effects. Read this next. Serotonin: What You Need to Know. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for Depression. The Surprising Truth. Magnesium for Migraines When taken in safe doses, magnesium can effectively prevent migraines for many people. The 10 Best Multivitamins for Women Over Many other studies have also found that 5-HTP increased feelings of fullness and aided weight loss in overweight or obese people 8 , 9 , 10 , Moreover, animal studies have shown that 5-HTP may reduce excessive food intake due to stress or depression 12 , While the exact cause of depression is largely unknown, some researchers believe that a serotonin imbalance may influence your mood in a way that leads to depression 14 , In fact, several small studies have found that 5-HTP reduced symptoms of depression.

However, two of them did not use placebos for comparison, limiting the strength of their findings 16 , 17 , 18 , Similarly, another analysis concluded that 5-HTP may help treat depression However, much of the research suggests that the potential antidepressive effects of 5-HTP are stronger when combined with other substances or antidepressant medications, compared to when they are used alone 17 , 21 , 22 , Moreover, many reviews conclude that additional, high-quality studies are needed before 5-HTP can be recommended as a treatment for depression 24 , Nonetheless, more research is needed.

Supplementing with 5-HTP may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by muscle and bone pain, as well as general weakness. There is currently no known cause of fibromyalgia, but low serotonin levels have been associated with the condition This has led researchers to believe that increasing serotonin levels through 5-HTP supplements may benefit people with fibromyalgia Indeed, early evidence suggests that 5-HTP may improve symptoms of fibromyalgia, including muscle pain, sleep problems, anxiety and fatigue 28 , 29 , However, not enough research has been conducted to draw any clear conclusions about the effectiveness of 5-HTP at improving fibromyalgia symptoms.

While their exact cause is debated, some researchers believe they are triggered by low serotonin levels 31 , One study in people compared the ability of 5-HTP and methysergide, a common migraine medication, to prevent migraines Similarly, many other studies have found that 5-HTP may be an effective treatment option for people with migraines 30 , 35 , Melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep.

Its levels begin to rise in the evening to promote sleep and fall in the morning to help wake you up. Therefore, supplementing with 5-HTP may promote sleep by increasing melatonin production in your body. One human-based study showed that a combination of 5-HTP and gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA significantly reduced the time it took to fall asleep, increased sleep duration and improved sleep quality GABA is a chemical messenger that promotes relaxation.

Combining it with 5-HTP likely has a synergistic effect