5-HTP Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

5-HTP Capsule (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a vitamins and supplements product. It is a natural substance made by the body from the amino acid tryptophan and is also sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, often made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It is not regulated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. It is used for mood, sleep, and anxiety support, with more limited evidence for depressive symptoms and appetite regulation.

What is 5-HTP Capsule

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a natural substance made by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is also sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, often made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It is not regulated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.

5-HTP Capsule uses

• Mood support
• Sleep support
• Anxiety symptoms
• Depressive symptoms (evidence is limited)
• Appetite regulation (evidence is limited)

Benefits of 5-HTP Capsule

• May support mood
• May help reduce appetite and support weight management
• May support sleep quality
• May help with migraine prevention
• May help with fibromyalgia symptoms

How 5-HTP Capsule works

The body naturally makes 5-HTP from tryptophan and then turns it into serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood and behavior. Taking 5-HTP may raise serotonin levels in the brain. The body also uses 5-HTP to help make melatonin, a hormone that helps control the sleep-wake cycle. However, it is not clear if these effects reliably reduce depression symptoms, appetite, or sleep problems.

5-HTP Capsule dosage

Read and follow the directions on the specific product label, or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose. 5-HTP is not considered safe for children. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking this supplement because its safety has not been established.

Available forms and strengths

Capsule

Side effects of 5-HTP Capsule

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Rumbling sensations in the stomach
• Feelings of uncomfortable fullness
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety

Serious

• Serotonin syndrome (confusion, anxiety, muscle twitches or spasms, sweating, shivering, diarrhea)
• Severe allergic reaction (breathing problems, wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, trouble swallowing, hives, dizziness, fainting, stomach cramps, joint pain)
• Heart and blood vessel issues, including risk of dangerous blood clots
• Osteoporosis with very high serotonin levels
• Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (muscle pain, cramping, weakness, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, fatigue)
• Overdose and toxicity, including organ failure

Warnings and precautions

• People who are allergic to 5-HTP, 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-5-hydroxytryptophan, oxitriptan, or any ingredient in the product should not take it.
• If you are already taking a medicine for depression, talk to your health care provider before starting 5-HTP, because combining them can cause serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome.
• Some 5-HTP supplements have been found to contain a harmful contaminant that may be linked to a rare but serious condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, though it has not been proven that 5-HTP itself causes this condition.
• Some products made from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds may contain other chemicals besides 5-HTP, so it's important to check the label.
• Do not take 5-HTP with medicines that increase serotonin, such as certain antidepressants, migraine drugs, or pain medicines, because this can cause a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
• 5-HTP is not considered safe for children.
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid 5-HTP because its safety has not been adequately studied.
• It is not known if 5-HTP is safe during pregnancy or if it could harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if 5-HTP passes into breast milk, so tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems before using 5-HTP.
• It is not known whether drinking alcohol affects 5-HTP.

Storage

Store 5-HTP according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking 5-HTP and get help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems or wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, trouble swallowing, itching or rash, hives, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, stomach cramps, or joint pain.
• If you or someone else has taken too much 5-HTP, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center.
• Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) such as skin rash or hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, stomach pain, abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea, or a feeling of impending doom.
• A person needs emergency medical attention if anaphylaxis or signs of serotonin syndrome occur after taking 5-HTP.
• Contact a doctor if 5-HTP does not improve your symptoms, if you develop new or worsening symptoms while taking it, or if you experience unpleasant side effects.

Alternatives

• Magnesium
• Melatonin
• L-Tryptophan