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5-HTP

Generic name: 5-hydroxytryptophan [ 5-hye-DROX-ee-TRIP-toe-fan ]
Brand names: 5-HTP, 5-HTP Mood and Stress
Drug classes: Herbal products, Miscellaneous antidepressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP, also known as 5-HTP, is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.

5-HTP has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating depression.

Other uses not proven with research have included anxiety, down syndrome, alcohol withdrawal, alzheimer disease, headaches, attention deficit disorder, muscle spasms in mouth, fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome, seizures, weight loss, parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders.

It is not certain whether 5-HTP is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

5-HTP is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

5-HTP may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

5-HTP side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Stop using 5-HTP and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

Common side effects of 5-HTP may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

5-HTP side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before using 5-HTP, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have certain medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you also use stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with 5-HTP could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Taking 5-HTP while you are pregnant is possibly unsafe. Do not use this product if you are pregnant

Taking 5-HTP while you are breast-feeding is possibly unsafe. Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I take 5-HTP?

When considering the use of 5-hydroxytryptophan, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use 5-HTP, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you need surgery, stop taking 5-HTP at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking 5-HTP?

Do not use different forms of 5-hydroxytryptophan (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.

Avoid using 5-HTP together with other herbal/health supplements that can cause drowsiness. This includes California poppy, catnip, chamomile, gotu kola, Jamaican dogwood, kava, melatonin, St. John's wort, skullcap (or scullcap), valerian, yerba mansa, and others.

What other drugs will affect 5-HTP?

Taking this product with any medicine that makes you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking 5-HTP with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Do not take 5-HTP without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect 5-HTP, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

5-HTP drug interactions (more detail)

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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