What is 5 HTP?

Manufactured from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia, 5 HTP is being used as a treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraines, and weight loss.

5-HTP research has produced some small clinical trials for each of these conditions.

For instance, the clinical trial for its affect on depression suffers, during a six-week period, 63 people were given 100 MG of 5 HTP and there seemed to be an effect similar to a prescribed serotonin increaser prescription drug-or antidepressant medication. Larger test audiences are probably needed to find if this indeed is a useful treatment for depression.

For migraine sufferers, 5 HTP showed small signs of helping to prevent migraines or reduce their frequency. As much as 600 MG of 5-HTP was given to participants and suffers of migraines and after six months some claimed it was as effective as their prescription medicine. Again, the small clinical trials used here should be expanded to larger, more controlled trials to get all the facts, including any side effects. For instance, this same study showed that while many felt relief, others did better with the drug Propranolol.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that includes fatigue, enormous pain in joints and muscles, and skin that is tender to the touch. A double-blind study using a placebo where 50 people participated did feel small improvement with the 5-HTP over a four-week period. Side effects were mild in this clinical trial; however, the need for a larger clinical trial may be needed.

For sleep-deprived sufferers, 5 HTP was used to produce higher serotonin levels. Serotonin, which is converted to Melatonin naturally, was the desired effect here as Melatonin has been proved to help insomnia.

Side effects did occur in most studies, no matter what the study, and included dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea. Using 5 HTP while nursing or pregnant has not been studied so women should avoid using 5-HTP without talking with their physicians.

There can be drug interactions using 5 HTP with other medicines such as Carbidopa used for Parkinson's disease, Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, Tramadol, a pain reliever, and Triptans, which are drugs used to prevent and stop migraine pain. People should not mix 5-HTP with these or any other medicines or drugs without talking with their physician.

Tryptophan is no longer available on the market and has been removed by the FDA when people developed a severe blood disorder. Because 5 HTP claims to act much as tryptophan did, there are concerns of the purity of 5-HTP and what long-term side effects may exist with the intake of 5 HTP.

Still, others are claiming their use of 5-HTP is outweighing any need for more studies on their behalf as the benefits are worth the risk. While depression, migraines, and fibromyalgia are very life-effecting conditions, until more research is done, the sufferers of these conditions will most likely continue with 5-HTP if it does indeed reduce their symptoms.

5 HTP in gelatin form is sold in herbal stores and some drug stores in 50 MG and 100 MG doses and can come in a pure form, or with other supplemental ingredients such as ginseng and Niacin.