5HTP crosses the blood brain barrier and converts into serotonin 
5HTP is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin. Serotonin is known as 5-HT, or 5-hydroxytryptamine. It is found in many places in the body particularly the brain, gastrointestinal system, and blood cells.

Q. I recently discovered your website and wondered if you can clarify the claims made in an article in "Oprah" magazine. An Australian study found that 5HTP is converted into serotonin in the stomach where it remains, causing stomach upsets and nausea. It further claims that the serotonin never makes it the brain, and is therefore, useless as a mood enhancer, antidepressant, etc. Does 5htp ever make it to the brain?
   A. Yes a 5HTP supplement quickly goes into brain tissue and converts into serotonin. People often feel the effects of 5htp within an hour or sooner. We noticed the effects of 5 htp - drowsiness, sleepiness, relaxation - within 10 minutes the very first time we took a 50 mg capsule. Some researchers make the mistake of not taking a supplement themselves. A great deal can be learned by self experimentation, sometimes much more than doing in vitro studies or studies with rodents.

Diet Rx has 25 herbs and nutrients, including 5-HTP, and is very helpful in appetite control. For better sleep, consider Good Night Rx. Mind Power Rx is a formula that helps improve mood and provides mental clarity. St. John's wort and SAM-e are natural supplements used for depression.

Benefit of 5 HTP supplement use
5HTP supplements may be of benefit in anxiety, depression, headache, sleep problems, and weight loss. We discuss each of these conditions.

Benefit for ADHD
We have not seen any good 5HTP studies in regards to ADHD treatment in children or adults.

Benefit for anxiety
Most people who take a 5HTP supplement notice a reduction in anxiety symptoms. Others respond better to herbs such as passionflower, kava, or the amino acid theanine. 5HTP works well for anxiety symptoms.

Q. I would like to use 5 HTP for anxiety symptoms but I also do not want to depend on daily use of 5HTP supplements. Are there other herbs or supplements for anxiety that I could substitute on the days I am not taking a 5HTP supplement for anxiety?
   A. Herbs that can be helpful for anxiety include passion flower, kava, ashwagandha, and valerian. 5-HTP woks well for anxiety but it is a good idea to alternate different herbs and supplements so as not to be dependent one particular one or build a tolerance to any particular herb or nutrient.

Q. I've been on Lexapro escitalopram 10 mg for 5 months and then quit, because i felt better and worked for me. Now (3 months later) i have a lot of anxiety, fear of people and i feel depressed. I 've tried 5-htp 50 mg 2 times each day or 100mg single time and i didn't find any real improvement, the anxiety has raised and can't sleep at night. The 5-htp 100mg comes with magnesium and B6 vitamin. Now i am unsatisfied with 5-htp. May be 5-htp doesn't work for me ? Can i try other combination in order to avoid returning to Lexapro escitalopram (with some sexual undesirable side effects) ?
   A. We are not sure if the particular product of 6-HTP may be the problem or that your anxiety does not respond to 5HTP supplements. There are a number of supplements that are used for anxiety including passionflower, ashwagandha, kava (used only 3 days a week), valerian, and theanine. Sometimes it is difficult to predict which supplement a person will respond to until the person takes it for a few days.

Q. I would like to take 5HTP for anxiety but don't know what time of day to take the supplement.
   A. It depends on several factors including whether you have a desk job or have a physically active job, what time of day your anxiety occurs, and whether you have other medical conditions or taking other supplements or medications. As a general rule, you can try half of a 5HTP 50 mg capsule twice a day morning and midday and then base further dosage increases or frequency depending on how you feel. 5HTP works well for anxiety in some people, but not everyone.

Q. Can 5HTP for anxiety be combined with Xanax or other benzodiazepines?
   A. It is difficult to predict the interactions of medications and supplements, much depends on the person who is taking them and the dosage of the medications and the dosage of the supplements and the time of day they are taken. No simple answers can be given.

For bipolar disease
5 HTP has not been studied thoroughly as a treatment for bipolar disease so we don't know if it will work. Since some SSRI drugs work as a treatment for bipolar disease, it may be worth to give a 5 HTP supplement a try.

Benefit for depression
Some people who take 5HTP notice better mood. Many people with mild or moderate depression have noticed improved symptoms while taking a 5-HTP supplement.  5HTP may be helpful in conditions that normally require prescription antidepressants. Mild depression could respond to 50 mg of 6 HTP taken daily. 5 HTP 100 mg dosage may be required for more moderate cases of depression although the risk for side effects increases with the 100 mg 5 HTP dosage.

Q. I've had a problem with everything 5-htp is for. I've only taken 50 mg once a day for the last 3 days and have noticed a complete change - no anxiety, no depression, nice relaxation. 5-HTP 50 mg is working so well for me. I'm not a small guy  I'm 190 lbs.

Fibromyalgia
5-HTP may help some patients with fibromyalgia symptoms.

Headache
5HTP may benefit some individuals with migraine headaches.

Q. What is the right 5 HTP dose for preventing migraine headaches?
   A. More research is needed for us to know the right dose. For the time being, it seems reasonable that 50 mg a day should be a good start.

 IBS - irritable bowel syndrome
We don't have enough experience with this supplement to know whether 5HTP is effective as an IBS treatment.

Panic attacks
5HTP may reduce the severity of a panic attack which may indicate that panic attacks may partly be due to low serotonin levels.
   A panic attack involves the sudden appearance of several symptoms including shortness of breath, sweating or shaking, palpitations, and the fear of dying or losing control. Women are more likely than men to have this condition. Doctors often prescribe anti-anxiety medicines such as Xanax or Valium. However, 5HTP may play an important role.  Researchers at the Department of Neuropsychology at Maastricht University in The Netherlands were able to induce a panic attack in volunteers who suffer from panic disorder by having them breathe a high concentration of carbon dioxide. They repeated the study, this time giving half of the volunteers 200-mg of 5HTP while the others received a placebo. Those who took 5HTP had a significantly diminished panic response compared to those on placebo.
   5HTP is available in health food stores in a dosage of 50 mg. The results of this study are quite interesting and indicate that those with panic attacks may not have adequate levels of serotonin. If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, it would be worthwhile to discuss the findings of this 5HTP study with your physician.  

Premature ejaculation
5-HTP is normally used to increase serotonin levels and often used to treat depression. 5-HTP is not normally known as a premature ejaculation pill, but it may help with premature ejaculation by increasing levels of serotonin. 5-HTP may not stop premature ejaculation, but at least it may slow the process.

Serotonin and impulse control, addictions, gambling
Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin is also involved in impulse control. For instance, low serotonin levels may lead to addictive behavior such as gambling or other habits with weak will power. 5-HTP supplementation may help certain individuals with impulse control and addictive behaviors.

Benefit of 5-HTP for sleep
The influence of a 5-HTP supplement on sleep is not consistent. Some users notice better sleep, while others find that this supplement is not helpful for insomnia. You may wish to try different dosages at times of the day or evening to see which dosage and timing works best for sleep. Some individuals who find themselves more alert rather than in a relaxed, sleepy state of mind when supplementing with 5HTP.
   5HTP is not consistently effective when it comes to sleep, although using a lower dose of 10 to 30 mg may be tried one to three hours before bed.

Q. I took a supplement of 5-HTP for sleep but it did not help me with sleep, in fact it made it worse, I had nightmares. The 5-HTP dose was 100 mg.
   A. Sometimes high doses of 5 HTP work less effectively than a lower dose. You may with to buy 5 HTP 50 mg and take half of it two to four hours before sleep.

Weight loss
A few studies with 5-HTP indicate that this supplement may be of benefit in appetite control and weight loss. 5HTP could be used temporarily for appetite suppression while other lifestyle and dietary changes are being incorporated regarding a life long plan for keeping weight off. Not everyone notices the appetite suppressing effect from 5HTP. A study in rodents indicates that 5HTP may be useful in controlling the excessive food intake sometimes generated by stress. 5-HTP is found in Diet Rx, a potent appetite suppressant. 5-HTP helps with weight loss in a good number of users, however, at the higher dosages required, 5-HTP side effects could occur such as decrease in libido or sex drive.

Q. Does 5HTP really work for weight loss?
   A. Many people find that 5HTP does work for weight loss. See weight loss 5HTP. However, a more effective product is Diet Rx which has additional weight loss herbs such as green tea and hoodia.

Q. I have noticed reduced appetite after a day or two of taking a 5HTP supplement. Is this common?
   A. Yes, at least half of users notice a decrease in appetite.

Q. What is the right 5 HTP dosage for weight loss?
   A. Each person is different, but a 5 HTP dosage of 50 mg to 100 mg a day works for most people. A more effective weight management product is Diet Rx which has 5 HTP along with other effective nutrients and herbs.

Q. Can 5 HTP for weight loss be combined with Alli?
   A. Probably, but we have not seen studies combining 5 HTP with Alli. Long term studies do not show Alli to have a major influence on weight loss.

5-HTP side effects -  5-HTP danger and 5HTP safety
5-HTP supplements were introduced to the over the counter market in 1994. Our understanding of the clinical uses of 5-HTP, safety issues, and side effects of this natural supplement is still fuzzy. We don't know as much as we should about the safety or full side effects of chronic 5-HTP use. Therefore, until we learn more, the idea is to take a 5-HTP supplement in the minimum effective dosage and to avoid its prolonged continuous use. Those who use 5-HTP for depression or other reasons should take frequent breaks to avoid potential 5-HTP side effects (the frequency and length of breaks varies since each person is unique). During these breaks, other forms of therapy could be substituted. As of 2008, and after more than a decade off 5-HTP being available to the public, we are not aware of any reports in the medical literature of anyone who has encountered life threatening or other serious 5-HTP side effects when used by itself. It's best to be cautious, limit use to 50 mg or at most 100 mg a day, and take breaks.
   Common side effects with 5-HTP include nausea, stomach upset, loose stools or constipation, and headache. Another 5-HTP side effect is vivid dreams which include nightmares. Another common side effect is a decrease in libido which can be reversed when the 5-HTP supplement is stopped. To increase libido quickly, Passion Rx can be quite helpful.

Q. Are there more 5-HTP side effects with a 100 mg dosage than 5-HTP 50 mg dosage?
   A. Yes, much more. Those who take 5-HTP 100 mg are likely to feel nausea and stomach upset, and have more vivid nightmares.

Q. Is 5htp a danger?
   A. High doses of some supplements could pose danger, including 5-htp. For people who limit their 5-htp dosage to 50 mg a few times a week, 5-htp poses little or no danger.

Q. I took 5 HTP for 2 weeks at 50 mg daily, My depression, bad thoughts and general anxiety lifted well. i took my 5-HTP dose at mid day, was eating better, sleeping better, energy in the daytime, i thought i was on my way to recovery then after 16 pills i began to have muscle tremors and faster heart beat at night and 1 or 2 twitches in the day, Is this just a normal response to serotonin being introduced? My doctor has no knowledge about 5 HTP.
   A. As a general rule we suggest people take breaks from most supplements since their effects can accumulate over time. Taking breaks minimizes side effects. A very important concept to keep in mind with certain nutrients and herbs is that they can accumulate in the body or their effects may be additive. For instance, if you take a certain supplement at 50 mg, some of it (or its effect on the body and brain) may still be around the next day. So, if you take another 50 mg the next day, you are now getting dosed a higher amount the second day, and even more on the third day. Sooner or later side effects are likely to occur. Just as with medications, supplement dosages need to be constantly adjusted. It is possible to take advantage of the benefits 5-HTP while minimizing side effects if you do it carefully.

Q. I took 5-HTP for anxiety for 2 months after a divorce and it helped me feel more balanced. But now I have low sexual interest. I stopped the 5HTP supplement. Is there a natural herb or pill I can take to reverse the sexual loss? It's not fun having no libido.
   A. Passion Rx is an excellent option, so are maca, muira puama, catuaba, tribulus terrestris, and horny goat weed. Other libido enhancers to consider include tongkat ali and mucuna pruriens.

Q. Is 5 HTP a safe supplement? Does it cause heart palpitations? Any danger?
   A. 5HTP is a safe supplement in terms of heart problems. Heart palpitations are very rare unless massive dosages are taken. We are not aware of any human fatalities with the use of 5 HTP. 5HTP may not be safe in high doses if combined with SSRI drugs due to excess serotonin.

Q. What happens with an overdose of 5-HTP supplement? Is a 5 HTP overdose common?
   A. The most common and immediate 5HTP overdose symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset and perhaps vomiting. There can be a potential danger if the 5-HTP interacts with the SSRI drugs a person may be taking. An overdose of 5 HTP along with SSRI drugs such as Prozac may lead to serotonin syndrome. You can avoid an overdose of 5HTP by limiting dosage to less than 100 mg a day. 5 HTP overdose is rarely mentioned in the medical literature.

Q. I took 50 mg of 5-HTP for one month and noticed a decrease in sex drive. Does 5-HTP effect sex drive?
   A. Yes, 5-HTP, by increasing serotonin, dampens sex drive. This can be reversed with Passion Rx.

Q. I wanted to let you know of 5 HTP withdrawal side effects of brain zaps. I took 100 mg of 5-HTP, sometimes 200 mg a day for a few months and after I quit, I started getting "Brain Zaps"---strange and frightening zapping in my head. I looked up "brain zaps" on the internet and found it is often a side effect after stopping prescription SSRI anti-depressants. I think stopping 5-HTP caused these sensations in my head.

Q. Does 5htp cause Impotence?
   A. Yes, it is possible that regular use of 5HTP in high doses could cause impotence in some men. Erections are often returned to normal after a week or two of stopping the 5HTP.

5HTP and liver health
Q. Does 5HTP cause liver problems?
   A. We have not come across any 5HTP research that indicates damage to the liver when this supplement is used reasonably.

5HTP and nightmares side effect
Q. I have a question about 5htp supplement. It works wonderfully to stop my food binges and I even started singing in the shower again. But on the other hand I am dreaming a lot at night, and some of those dreams are nightmares every night! I took just one pill for 5 nights. So I gave it to my sister-in law - she had it even worse -whole night of nightmares. Can you answer me, if that is common and would it go away eventually or not? Does it mean I should use just half of that capsule?
   A. A common 5HTP side effect is nightmares and vivid dreams. In some people the nightmares are reduced over time, but not in others. Reducing the dosage of the 5HTP could help reduce the frequency or severity of the vivid dreams and nightmares. Alternatives include Good Night Rx which does not cause nightmares, or Diet Rx for appetite suppression which also does not cause nightmares.

5HTP Dosage
Some studies have used 5HTP dosages of 300 mg a day for depression, but we consider any 5HTP dose above 50 mg or 100 mg a high dose. Most 5HTP products on the market are sold in 50 and 100 mg capsules. Some people do well with 20 to 50 mg, while others may temporarily require 100 mg or more. We are not aware of 5HTP products on the market that are less than 50 mg. Those who do well with small dosages can open a capsule and take a portion mixed with water. 5HTP is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Medical supervision is recommended if high doses of 5HTP are required to treat a particular condition. We don't recommend the routine use of daily intake doses greater than 100 mg since there's the possibility of nausea or nightmares. Also, we still don't know if there are any long term side effects if people take high doses for many years.

Availability of 5HTP supplement
5 HTP is most commonly found in 50 mg dosage. The next most common dosage is 100 mg.

Q. Can I open a 50 mg capsule of 5HTP and take it sublingually? Does sublingual 5HTP work?
   A. We suggest using a lesser amount of 5HTP if taken in a sublingual form. Yes, 5 HTP does seem to be absorbed in the sublingual way and could work.

Q. I have problems taking pills capsules etc. I also am taste sensitive, can I put 5 HTP in my food or mix it in my oatmeal, does 5 HTP change chemically if it is heated is what I think I am asking?
   A. 5 HTP should be taken on an empty stomach. You could open a capsule and mix it with juice or water and drink it. Cooking 5 HTP could potentially change the structure.

Timing of 5HTP - what time of day to take 5 HTP - when to take 5HTP for the most benefit
It's difficult to recommend the best time to take 5HTP since it varies among individuals. It depends whether 5HTP is being used for sleep, in that case it is taken in the evening; for anxiety or low mood, 5HTP can be taken any time of day. In the case of appetite control or weight loss, 5 HTP can be taken on an empty stomach an hour or two before a meal.
   If you do take 5HTP during the day, it's best to take no more than 25 mg since it could cause sleepiness. 5HTP is absorbed much better taken on an empty stomach.
   There has not been enough research done with 5HTP to know the ideal dosages and timing. Also, there is significant individual variability to 5HTP. Hence, each person may need to find out for themselves the lowest dose that works well, and the ideal timing, whether early in the day, midday or evening.

Q. What's the right 5-htp dosage? Is it better to take 100 mg of 5-htp dosage at one time or to take 50 mg dosage 5-htp twice a day.
   A. Each person responds to a different 5-htp dosage, as a general rule we prefer taking a smaller amount since a high 5-htp dosage can cause nausea and other 5 htp side effects.

5-HTP in combination with natural antidepressants
Some physicians are using a combination of two or more natural antidepressants such as 5HTP, St. John's wort, SAM-e, fish oils, and others. However the interactions are not fully known and caution is advised. Any such combination should be done under medical supervision and the dosages should be low.

GABA supplement
Q. What do you think of taking GABA and 5HTP together?
   A. We have not found GABA to be as effective as 5-HTP. We don't have any experience combining the two supplements.

Melatonin
Q. Can 5HTP be taken at night with melatonin? Will there be side effects?
   A. Depending on the dosage, the combination of 5HTP and melatonin could produce very vivid dreams, including nightmares.

Q. It seems that one can take 5htp at very different dosages. 5htp and some antidepressants may be dangerous because of creating excess serotonin levels. Is it safe to take 5htp and melatonin, however?
   A. The dosage of melatonin and 5-HTP would need to be reduced if combined. First learn how each supplement works for you by itself before combining.

5-HTP and SAM-e supplement
Q. I am currently taking low doses of SAM-e (50 – 100 mg daily) and can find nothing about interaction with products that all contain 5HTP (i.e Diet Rx, Mind Power Rx, Good Night Rx). Also, it is hard to determine if it is relatively safe to try these products when the amount of 5-HTP in each is proprietary. Can a person take 5-HTP with SAM-e supplement?
   A. It is best to learn how each supplement works by itself before combining. For instance, if someone were to take Diet Rx the first few days, we suggest not combining it with SAM-e or other supplements. Same with Good Night Rx. 5-HTP is not the only ingredient that can potentially interact with SAM-e supplements. The amount of 5-HTP in Diet Rx and Good Night Rx is small, but, as previously said, there are many nutrients and herbs that need to be considered while combining supplements. There are no easy answers, and the best option is to first learn how each formula or supplement works by itself in your particular case before mixing them. Mind Power Rx does not have 5-HTP.
   Some people find they can take a low of dose of SAM-e, such as 50 or 100 mg in the morning and then take 5-HTP at 25 to 50 mg later in the day. This may work well for some individuals. But, before combining SAM-e and 5-HTP supplements, first learn how each one works for you by itself. Your dosage may need to be reduced after a few days.

Q. Is it ok to combine 5-HTP and Sam-e supplements?
   A. There is no simple answer in regards to combining 5-HTP and SAM-e supplements. SAM-e is a powerful supplement, so is 5-HTP. They work in different ways. 5-HTP helps to balance serotonin and reduce stress and anxiety along with a mood lift. SAM-e increases energy and mood, but in high dosages can cause anxiety and insomnia. The best way is to first learn how each one works by itself for a period of a week or two, and if combining the two supplements, it is a good idea to take half the regular dosage. A SAM-e pill may be taken in the morning while 5-HTP pill could be taken in the afternoon or evening. There are some people who would respond to a SAM-e pill by itself, others do better with 5-HTP pills, and still others may benefit from a combination. It is not easy to predict which will work best. Have approval by a health care provider. Dosages of supplements should be adjusted on a regular basis to avoid side effects. This may require lowering dosages or taking a day off every few days.

St John's wort herb and use for antidepressant withdrawal or weaning off prescription medications
We are often asked if 5-HTP can be taken together with St. John's wort. Many people can take them both if the St. John's wort dosage is kept at 300 mg of the 0.3 mg extract and the 5 HTP dosage is kept to 50 mg or less. One option is the take the St. John'w wort in the morning and the 5HTP in late afternoon or evening. We don't suggest taking a 100 mg 5 HTP supplement along with 3 capsules of St. John's wort a day.

Q. I am currently weaning off of Lexapro and Klonopin after 3 yrs, with the advice of my doctor, but I would like to know if it is ok to take something else like St. John's wort or 5HTP while weaning off, so that I do not have the withdrawal symptoms and or have a relapse, I have done so much research on the net and find so many suggestions that it all gets confusing, so some info regarding the use of St. John's wort or 5-HTP would be helpful for me and I can pass it along to the doctor,
   A. The use of 5HTP, St. John's wort or any natural anti-depressant for medication withdrawal has not been well-studied by scientists. There are no easy answers since each person is likely to have a different response. It is not possible to predict any one person's reaction. Therefore, the best one can do is trial and error, using 5-HTP or St. John's wort beginning with low dosages under medical guidance. The 5-HTP dosage required is likely to vary and can range from 25 mg to 50 mg, 100 mg or more. The St. John's wort dosage could range from 300 mg every other day to 300 mg twice daily. The time of use as far as days or weeks can also vary. Some people may only need to take these supplements for a week or two whereas others may need a longer time. Each person is unique.

Q. I am a doctor in the UK and have suffered from depression, intermittently, since my 20s. I am now 52. I have been taking amitriptyline 150mg a day for the last 10 years after my psychiatrist and I went through almost the entire pharmacopoeia, including SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, lithium, sodium valproate etc. The side effects from all of those prescription drugs were severe enough for me to be unable to tolerate any of them and amitriptyline appeared to suit me, though I still had breakthrough depressions, often quite severe, and I could do nothing about them drug wise because of my intolerances. At the moment cognitive behavioural therapy is flavour of the month here but it never had the slightest beneficial effect on me. In addition, every non-prescription chemical I tried, including St John’s wort, produced no beneficial effect. During my most recent depressive episode I searched the internet in desperation for any possible treatment I might have missed out on, and I came across your articles on 5 HTP. I ordered some online and the effect has been spectacular. After the second dose I felt better than I have felt in so many years that my only regret is that I didn’t discover this natural supplement years ago. I appreciate that it is early days for me (I have been on 100mg a day for the last 4 weeks) but I know that I am remarkably better. My friends and family have also noticed the positive change in my behaviour and for the first time in so many years I have positive feelings about the future.

Q. I have been taking 5HTP 300 mg a day with 900 mg. St. John's wort for over 8 months now. I read an article by Dr. Ray Sahelian that St. John's wort triggers mania in bi-polar patients; therefore, I discontinued it and I lowered my dosage of 5HTP to 100 mg a day. I have just ordered Lithium orotate and rish oil from LifeLink in the hopes that it will help me with bi-polar depression. Is it ok to take 5HTP with the Lithium orotate? I currently do not see a doctor since I have always had bad reactions to psychiatric medicines. 5HTP seems to do well with the depression, but it does not take away some of the mania I experience.
   A. We have not seen any studies regarding the combination of 5 HPT and lithium orotate. It is best to first learn how each supplement works by itself before combining, and when supplements are combined a safer approach is to use less of a dosage of each initially to determine how the combination is influencing your body and mind.

5HTP versus tryptophan amino acid
Q. Which is better for depression treatment, 5HTP or tryptophan?
   A. In our experience, we have found 5 HTP to be more effective, but many people who prefer tryptophan swear by it. Therefore, you can try each supplement separately to see which one works for you better.

Tyrosine amino acid
Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps elevate mood. If you plan to use tyrosine and 5 HTP together, we suggest the maximum dose of tyrosine not to exceed 250 mg, and the maximum dose of 5HTP not to exceed 50 mg.

Vitamin B6 or B vitamins
We often get a questions such as this, " Is it okay to take a B vitamin supplement or vitamin B6 and 5htp? I've read conflicting reports about the safety of doing so."
   We suggest taking 5-HTP by itself. Most of the time 5-HTP is taken in the late afternoon or evening while B vitamins are taken in the morning. We don't see the need to take a 5-THP capsule that already has B vitamins in it. 5-HTP works quite well by itself without vitamin B6 or the other B vitamins.