5-HTP 100 mg, 60 capsules

5-HTP 100 mg - natural support for mood balance and calmness

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

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and is made 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 plant seed extract, Griffonia simplicifolia and oxytryptan.

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

- Sleep disorders, including insomnia
- Mood-related problems, such as depression and anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Obesity and overeating
- Pain, including from fibromyalgia and PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Symptoms of ADHD
- Symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other neurological problems
- Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
- 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 that people use 5-HTP along with other antidepressants or medications for additional support. 5-HTP can also be used by people who are resistant to SSRIs to fight depression.(research)

Some studies have shown that 5-HTP, taken in doses of at least 100 milligrams a day, three times a day, can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, tenderness, anxiety, fatigue and stiffness. In one study, "sufficient" clinical improvement was observed in nearly 50 percent of patients during the treatment period. It is believed that supplementation should last from at least a few weeks to several months to get the most benefit. It can also help alleviate migraine symptoms for some other conditions that are likely triggered by serotonin levels. One study found that supplementation led to significant improvements in 71 percent of participants treated with 5-HTP.(research)

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

However, there are some potential side effects of 5-HTP that should be kept in mind, such as indigestion and stomach problems, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and drowsiness, muscle cramps and dysfunction.

Also, be sure not to take 5-HTP with the following medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), sedatives (CNS depressants), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), meperidine (Demerol)