Is anyone familiar with 5htp?!
Question:
Is anyone familiar with 5htp?
I have a friend who reccomended it for my mood. I've been a bit down lately. It also supposedly decreases appetite, which isn't a problem for me. I'm worried about the side effects. Does anyone have any experience with this med?
Answers:
The nutrient 5-HTP (the common name for the compound 5-hydroxytryptophan) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan.
A mood-enhancing chemical, 5-HTP has attracted a good deal of attention lately because of its ability to increase pain tolerance, induce sleep, and affect how hunger is perceived. Unlike many other supplements (and drugs) that have molecules too large to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, molecules of 5-HTP are small enough to do so. Once in the brain, they're converted into an important nervous system chemical, or Neurotransmitter, called Serotonin.
The body produces its own supply of 5-HTP from tryptophan, an amino acid found in high-Protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products. Any healthy diet should include tryptophan-rich sources such as these. In addition, 5-HTP is available as a supplement; this form of the compound is extracted from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.
Specifically, 5-HTP may help to:
Elevate mood in cases of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. 5-HTP appears to increase the brain's serotonin levels, positively influencing such disorders as depression that have been linked to low levels of this brain neurotransmitter.
Treat insomnia. Several elements of a good night's sleep appear to be influenced by 5-HTP. In addition to reducing the amount of time it takes to nod off, this compound actually may enhance the quality of sleep itself, increasing both the duration of dream states (REM sleep) and of deep slumber.
Promote weight loss. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may curb the appetite when taken before meals. In addition, because 5-HTP reportedly reduces cravings for sweets and starches, it may also be of use in helping diabetics adhere to a healthy diet.
Ease migraine pain. Migraine headaches have been linked to low serotonin levels. Studies are ongoing to determine if 5-HTP, which may boost the brain's serotonin levels, can help to reduce the intensity, frequency, and duration of this extremely painful type of headache.
Increase tolerance to the pain of fibromyalgia. People who suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that commonly causes muscle pain and disabling fatigue, may have low serotonin levels. By increasing the level of these neurochemicals, 5-HTP may improve pain tolerance.
Forms: tablet, capsule
Dosage Information
For depression, anxiety, and panic attacks: Take 50 to 100 mg three times a day.
For insomnia: Take 100 mg 30 minutes before going to bed.
For weight control: Take 100 mg three times a day, 20 to 30 minutes before meals. After two weeks, increase the dose to 200 mg (three times a day).
For migraine prevention: Work gradually up to a dosage that controls migraine pain, starting with 50 mg three times a day but ultimately exceeding no more than 100 mg three times a day. It may take several months to get the full benefit of 5-HTP's migraine-preventive effects.
For fibromyalgia: Take l00 mg three times a day. If drowsiness occurs, reduce the dose to 50 mg three times a day
Guidelines for Use -
In general, to minimize the risk for side effects, begin with a low dose of 5-HTP (50 mg once a day). Continue for one week and then increase the amount by 50 mg increments each week, up to the dose recommended for your condition.
Take 5-HTP on an empty stomach for quickest absorption.
Don't take 5-HTP for more than three consecutive months without consulting your doctor.
The time it takes for an improvement in depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to develop varies among individuals. In general, however, it may take two to four weeks for a clinical response to occur.
If you're already taking a conventional antidepressant, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, or Effexor, check with your doctor before starting on 5-HTP.
Read ingredient labels carefully; some 5-HTP supplements contain unnecessary herbs or nutrients.
General Interaction -
The combination of 5-HTP with conventional antidepressants, such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, or Effexor, may cause such unwanted reactions as anxiety, confusion, increased heart rate, excessive perspiration, and diarrhea.
Don't try 5-HTP within four weeks of using an MAO inhibitor.
Consult your doctor before combining 5-HTP with the Herb St. John's wort.
Avoid taking 5-HTP with sedating antihistamines; the combination can lead to drowsiness.
Don't take 5-HTP with over-the-counter cold remedies or any medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, because anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects may develop.
Muscle relaxants could cause excessive drowsiness when combined with 5-HTP.
Drowsiness may develop if 5-HTP is taken with a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine or morphine.
Consult your doctor before trying 5-HTP if you take levodopa for Parkinson's disease, because anxiety, confusion, or other adverse reactions may occur when the two substances are combined.
Psychiatric medications such as buspirone (to combat anxiety) and lithium (to prevent mania) may combine with 5-HTP in such a way that anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects develop.
Possible Side Effects -
Side effects are typically mild but may include nausea, constipation, gas, drowsiness, or a decreased sex drive.
Nausea, should it occur, commonly disappears after a few days.
Cautions -
Many experts consider 5-HTP supplements very safe and effective; adverse reactions to the supplement in a handful of users several years ago were traced to contaminants in the manufacturing process that appear to have been resolved.
Reduce the dose if drowsiness occurs. Also, because of this risk for drowsiness, avoid driving or performing any other potentially dangerous task until you've determined how the supplement (at various dosages) affects you.
Stop taking 5-HTP and call your doctor if you develop a bad reaction to it.