5-HTP 100mg/capsule

5-HTP 100mg/ 60capsules

According to an article published in Nutrition Review, "Serotonin neural circuits promote well-being, calmness, personal security, relaxation, confidence and concentration." While research on its effectiveness has been generally mixed, 5-HTP's benefits can help to reduce overeating and weight gain, sleep issues, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and is produced from tryptophan. Tryptophan is first converted to 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase and then 5-HTP is converted to serotonin by the enzyme L-amino acid decarboxylase. In supplement form, it has many other names, including Griffonia Seed Extract, Griffonia simplicifolia, and Oxytriptan.

Most commonly, 5-HTP supplements are taken to support symptoms and conditions such as:

1. sleep disorders, including insomnia

2. Mood related issues such as depression and anxiety

3. Headaches and migraines

4. Obesity and overeating

5. Pain, including from fibromyalgia and PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

6. Symptoms of ADHD

7. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other neurological problems

8. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

9. Seasonal affective disorder

SSRIs work not by increasing the production of serotonin, but by preserving the serotonin that is already in the brain, preventing the enzymatic degradation of synaptic serotonin. On the other hand, 5-HTP can help the brain produce more serotonin. Many times, doctors recommend people take 5-HTP along with other antidepressants or medications for extra support. 5-HTP can also be used by people who are resistant to SSRIs to fight depression. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8728550/

Some studies have shown that 5-HTP, taken in doses of at least 100 milligrams a day, three times a day, can help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, tenderness, restlessness, fatigue, and stiffness. In one study, "sufficient" clinical improvement was seen in nearly 50 percent of patients during the treatment period. It is believed that to obtain the most benefits, supplementation should last from at least a few weeks to several months. It may also help relieve migraine symptoms in some other conditions that are likely triggered by serotonin levels. One study found that supplementation led to significant improvement in 71 percent of participants treated with 5-HTP. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2193835/

Overall, it appears to be safe for most adults when taken by mouth in doses of up to 400 milligrams per day for up to one year.

However, there are some potential 5-HTP side effects to be aware of, such as:

1. indigestion and stomach problems

2. heartburn

3. nausea

4. vomiting

5. fatigue and drowsiness

6. muscle spasms and dysfunctions

Also, remember not to take 5-htp with the following medications:

fluoxetine (Prozac)

paroxetine (Paxil)

sertraline (Zoloft)

amitriptyline (Elavil)

clomipramine (Anafranil)

imipramine (Tofranil)

sedatives (CNS depressants)

dextromethorphan (Robitussin)

meperidine (Demerol)