5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan or oxitriptan) is an amino acid that is naturally produced in your body. 5-HTP is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan which we get from food.
5-HTP is the immediate precursor of serotonin. And as a nootropic and dietary supplement, 5-HTP is popular with those who advocate its effectiveness in treating depression. Along with a number of other serotonin-related diseases.
But using 5-HTP for treating depression and anxiety is not supported by science. The research is contrary to how 5-HTP is viewed by many, including medical doctors.
When we dig into the research, we find that 5-HTP may be contraindicated for depression in those whom marketers advocate its use.[i]
We’re all for boosting neurotransmitter levels and optimizing cognitive performance here at Nootropics Expert®. But now and again we run into a nootropic or dietary supplement that may be popular. But also may be a particularly bad idea.
We’re going to get to the bottom of how 5-HTP works in your brain in this review. We’ll examine why it’s critical for brain health. And reasons why you may want to find another way to boost serotonin levels in your brain.
5-HTP helps:
- Anxiety & Depression. 5-HTP is synthesized into serotonin in brain cells. Elevating levels of serotonin can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Neurotransmitters. 5-HTP is a necessary ingredient for serotonin synthesis which boosts mood and social behavior, improves memory, regulates appetite and digestion, sleep, sexual desire and function.
- Brain Optimization. A critical balance of the primary neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are needed for the highly optimized brain. When these neurotransmitters are not in balance it affects mood, memory, cognition, decision-making, sexual desire, and a host of other critical life functions.
Table of Contents
Overview
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan or oxitriptan) is an amino acid that’s synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan.
Tryptophan is hydroxylated by tryptophan hydroxylase to 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), then decarboxylated to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT).[ii]
Tryptophan → 5-HTP → serotonin
80-90% of your body’s serotonin is made in your intestines. But serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. So all the serotonin that your brain needs has to be made within the brain. This is where 5-HTP comes in…
5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than tryptophan. And gets synthesized into serotonin at a faster rate than from tryptophan.[iii]
As a neurotransmitter, serotonin influences directly and indirectly, the majority of brain cells. So if you want to boost serotonin in your brain, some find that supplementing with 5-HTP is better than taking tryptophan.
Tryptophan, which your body uses to make 5-HTP, can be found in turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, turnip and collard greens, and seaweed.
5-HTP as a nootropic supplement is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from seed pods of Griffonia simplicifolia, found in West and Central Africa. 5-HTP content in extracts of this plant vary from 2 – 20.83% (from seeds obtained in Ghana).[iv]
How does 5-HTP work in the Brain?
5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role in sleep, appetite, learning & memory, mood, and sexual function.
When tryptophan’s role in converting to 5-HTP for boosting serotonin doesn’t work efficiently, the result is often depression, chronic headache and insomnia.
An open-label trial was conducted in Italy to determine the efficacy of using 5-HTP in young subjects with high levels of “romantic stress”.
Serotonin has been linked to human romantic attachment. So researchers in this study set out to determine brain levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and serotonin in relation to changes in romantic stress during the study.
15 healthy subjects (mean age 23.3 years) who had a “romantic breakup” took part in the study. Participants received 60 mg of Griffonia simplicifolia extract containing 12.8 mg 5-HTP daily for 6 weeks.
The subjects were evaluated for BDNF and serotonin levels at the beginning of the study, at 3 weeks and then again at the end of the 6-week trial.
The scientists observed significant improvements in romantic stress scores from weeks 0 through 3. So far, 5-HTP seems to be working. But no further improvement was seen from weeks 3 through 6. Even though the young people had significantly higher levels of BDNF and serotonin.[v]
More Involved in Depression and Stress than Serotonin
This “romantic breakup” study is a classic illustration of why using 5-HTP alone to treat depression and stress may not work. And if it does work, why it may not work for long.
Depression is often more than simple serotonin dysfunction. Depression can also be associated with catecholamine dysfunction, including dopamine and/or norepinephrine. Or a combination of serotonin and catecholamine dysfunction.
When you take 5-HTP alone, you are also depleting dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Synthesis of serotonin from 5-HTP, and dopamine from L-DOPA is catalyzed by the same enzyme, L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD).
Dopamine and serotonin precursor supplementation must be taken in proper balance. Because when you use only 5-HTP, it dominates dopamine at the AAAD enzyme synthesis level.
Blocking dopamine synthesis at the AAAD enzyme through competitive inhibition will lead to depletion of dopamine and the rest of the catecholamines.[vi]
Going back to our Italian study of young people dealing with “romantic stress”, the subjects stopped responding to 5-HTP in the 2nd half of the study. Likely because their catecholamines became depleted through continuous 5-HTP supplementation.
Studies have found that when dopamine is depleted enough, 5-HTP will no longer function.[vii]
Catecholamine Dysfunction Affects More Than Just Depression
When catecholamine neurotransmitter levels (dopamine and/or norepinephrine) influence depression, supplementing with 5-HTP alone is not the way to go. Because you may deplete dopamine and norepinephrine, worsening the disease and its underlying cause.
But this contraindication is not exclusive to depression. It extends to all other diseases where catecholamine dysfunction has been implicated. Including ADHD[viii], obesity, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and Parkinson’s Disease.[ix]
How things go bad
Amino acid precursors of serotonin (i.e. 5-HTP) and dopamine (i.e. L-Tyrosine) work together during synthesis, metabolism and transport to the point that they function as one system.
When serotonin and dopamine are properly balanced, functions that are regulated only by serotonin, can be regulated by manipulating dopamine levels. And functions regulated only by dopamine in this balanced state can be regulated by manipulating serotonin.[x]
When you mess with this balance and improperly supplement with serotonin or dopamine precursors, you don’t get the desired effect of using that nootropic. And you increase the possibility of side effects.
If you supplement with only one precursor (i.e. 5-HTP to boost serotonin) that dominates the other system (i.e. dopamine synthesis), depletion of the dominated system will occur (i.e. depleted dopamine).
And if this effect is pronounced enough, you will not get the benefit you were aiming for when supplementing with the original precursor (i.e. 5-HTP).
A powerful example of this effect is in the management of Parkinson’s Disease where the effects of L-DOPA are no longer observed over time due to serotonin depletion.[xi]
Since serotonin and dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, the number of serotonin and dopamine molecules in the brain is a function of the amount of nutrients (amino acid precursors) that are available to be synthesized into new neurotransmitter molecules.
Optimizing brain function with minimal side effects is NOT a function of supplementing until you get sufficiently high amino acid levels. It’s a function of achieving the proper balance between serotonin and dopamine.
5-HTP benefits
5-HTP is absolutely critical for synthesis of serotonin in your brain. But supplementing with 5-HTP to boost serotonin does not work well.
Using 5-HTP to treat depression has had very little success over the last few decades of clinical trials and biohacking.
Integrating 5-HTP into your nootropic stack is much more complicated than simply adding some 5-HTP in order to boost serotonin.
5-HTP alone will not work for depression, or any other issue you’re dealing with involving the catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) because of 5-HTP’s tendency to deplete those neurotransmitters.
5-HTP will boost serotonin in your brain.[xii] But 5-HTP must be carefully stacked with precursors for dopamine and norepinephrine or you risk making the situation worse.
You must avoid supplementing with only one of the serotonin or dopamine amino acid precursors. When amino acid precursors are not in balance, you end up with decreased effectiveness of that nootropic, increased side effects, and depletion of the non-dominant system.
How does 5-HTP feel?
Reactions to supplementing with 5-HTP vary considerably but the one consistent theme is initial feelings of well-being, better sleep, less need for sleep, improved mood, less social anxiety, lower appetite, improved tolerance for stress and improved cognitive function.
And after a couple of weeks of dosing 5-HTP – side effects begin. Serotonin overload results in dopamine and norepinephrine depletion.
Side effects include feelings of lethargy, depression, brain fog, stomach pain, and headaches. Worst case scenario is nausea, vomiting and even blacking out.
Neurohackers who report consistent success supplementing with 5-HTP stack it with B-Vitamins, a dopamine precursor like L-Tyrosine, and only use 5-HTP as needed.
Those who have a bad experience with 5-HTP from the start often have no idea why they’ve reacted badly. But an educated guess is their depression was catecholamine (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine)-related. And boosting serotonin made their dopamine-related issues worse. Very quickly.
One huge word of WARNING: Do NOT take 5-HTP with any antidepressant medication. You put yourself in the very real danger of Serotonin Syndrome which can ultimately kill you.
5-HTP Clinical Research
5-HTP supplements are heavily marketed as a natural remedy for depression. But the science does not support using 5-HTP for depression. We have decades of clinical trials available. And there is no evidence of the efficacy in using 5-HTP for depression.
The Department of Public Health at the University of Queensland Medical School in Australia did a systematic review of literature dating from 1966 – 2000 for “5-HTP” and “depression”.
The researchers found 108 clinical studies of which only 2 studies, one with serotonin (5-HT) and one with L-Tryptophan for a total of 64 patients met sufficient quality criteria to be included. These studies suggest serotonin (5-HT) and L-Tryptophan are better than placebo at alleviating depression.
But the researchers noted “the small size of the studies, and the large number of inadmissible, poorly executed studies, cast doubt on the results from potential publication bias, and suggests that they are insufficiently evaluated to assess their effectiveness.”[xiii]
5-HTP for Fibromyalgia
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Italy studied the efficacy of using 5-HTP in treating fibromyalgia symptoms.
50 patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome were selected for this study. This 1990 study did not publish the amount of 5-HTP used. But the researchers found a significant improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with only mild and transient side effects.[xiv]
5-HTP for Treatment of Depression
Insufficient activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine is a central element of the model of depression most widely held by neurobiologists today.
In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, numerous studies were performed in which depressed patients were treated with the serotonin precursors L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and the dopamine and norepinephrine precursors Tyrosine and L-Phenylalanine.
A summary published in the Alternative Medicine Revue looked at the data from all these studies. The author noted that the nature of the studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding the efficacy of neurotransmitter precursors for treating depression.
While there is evidence that precursor loading could work, particularly for serotonin precursor 5-HTP, more studies of suitable design and size “might lead to more conclusive results”.[xv]
Those studies have not materialized since that report was published 22 years ago.
5-HTP Recommended Dosage
Recommended dosage of 5-HTP if you’re going to try it is 50 mg 1 – 3 times per day.
Some studies have used higher doses than the recommended dose, but 5-HTP can be toxic at high doses.
For anxiety or depression, 5-HTP is dosed at 150 – 300 mg per day total.
To relieve post MDMA (Ecstasy) depression, 5-HTP 100 mg on Day 3-7 after MDMA use.[xvi]
Successfully supplementing with 5-HTP requires stacking it with a dopamine precursor like L-Tyrosine or L-DOPA along with B-Vitamins (for synthesis), and one of the sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine, homocysteine, or taurine).
And you must monitor the effects this stack is having on your body. If you start experiencing side effects of any kind, it’s a good indication that either serotonin or dopamine is out of balance.
DO NOT combine 5-HTP with any kind of antidepressant medication.
Combining SSRI’s, Tricyclics or MAOI’s with 5-HTP will cause Serotonin Syndrome. An extremely dangerous condition involving severe mental changes, hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.
Serotonin Syndrome can kill you. And I’m not kidding here.
5-HTP Side Effects
5-HTP supplementation can cause heartburn, heart palpitations, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems and muscle issues.
5-HTP can also cause some pretty radical mood changes including agitation, aggressiveness, anxiety, euphoria, poor decision-making, irritability, psychosis, restlessness and insomnia.
5-HTP can make the symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental disorders worse.
And I can’t emphasize this enough so I’m going to repeat it here in case you missed it…
DO NOT combine 5-HTP with any kind of antidepressant medication. Or with carbidopa.
Combining SSRI’s, Tricyclics or MAOI’s with 5-HTP will cause Serotonin Syndrome. An extremely dangerous condition involving severe mental changes, hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.
And combining 5-HTP with carbidopa also has the potential of causing Serotonin Syndrome.
Serotonin Syndrome can kill you. And I’m not kidding here.
Type of 5-HTP to Buy
5-HTP is made from tryptophan in your body.
5-HTP as a nootropic supplement is made from extracts of the African tree Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP supplements are typically in tablet or capsule form.
You’ll often find 5-HTP in many ready-made vitamin and herbal formulas.
If you are going to stack low-dose 5-HTP with L-Tyrosine I suggest: Natrol 5-HTP Fast Dissolve Tablets. Cut the 100 mg tablet into quarters using a pill splitter and dissolve 25 mg 5-HTP under your tongue (sublingually).
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
5-HTP 50 mg up to 3-times per day
I DO NOT recommend using 5-HTP as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does synthesize 5-HTP on its own to make serotonin in your brain. And you can’t get 5-HTP from food. But you can get L-Tryptophan from food which is synthesized into 5-HTP in your body.
5-HTP may help you if you’re dealing with depression. But you must stack if with a dopamine amino acid precursor along with B-Vitamins and a sulfur-containing amino acid. See the “5-HTP Recommended Dosage” in this review above.
IF you are going to try 5-HTP, I suggest starting with a dose of more than 50 mg daily. You may want to take it in the evening because it could help you sleep.
Short-term dosing of 5-HTP of no more than 2 weeks seems to provide the most benefit if you’re going to benefit from this nootropic.
Or try using 5-HTP only on an “as needed” basis. For a mood boost, improve social anxiety, and provide a short-term boost in cognition.
5-HTP supplementation on its own is NOT recommended. Nor is it recommended for long-term use.
[i] Hinz M., Stein A., Uncini T. “5-HTP efficacy and contraindications.”Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2012;8:323-8. (source)
[ii] Turner E.H., Loftis J.M., Blackwell A.D. “Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan.”Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2006 Mar;109(3):325-38. (source)
[iii] Birdsall T.C. “5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor.” Alternative Medicine Revue. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. (source)
[iv] Lemaire P.A., Adosraku R.K. “An HPLC method for the direct assay of the serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytrophan, in seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia.” Phytochemical Analysis. 2002 Nov-Dec;13(6):333-7. (source)
[v] Emanuele E., Bertona M., Minoretti P., Geroldi D. “An open-label trial of L-5-hydroxytryptophan in subjects with romantic stress.” Neuro Endocrinology Letters. 2010;31(5):663-6. (source)
[vi] Hinz M., Stein A., Uncini T. “APRESS: apical regulatory super system, serotonin, and dopamine interaction.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2011;7:457-63. (source)
[vii] Hinz M., Stein A., Uncini T. “Relative nutritional deficiencies associated with centrally acting monoamines.” International Journal of General Medicine. 2012;5:413-30 (source)
[viii] van Praag H.M. “n search of the mode of action of antidepressants. 5-HTP/tyrosine mixtures in depressions.”Neuropharmacology. 1983 Mar;22(3 Spec No):433-40. (source)
[ix] Hinz M., Stein A., Uncini T. “5-HTP efficacy and contraindications”Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2012; 8: 323–328. (source)
[x] Hinz M., Stein A., Uncini T. “APRESS: apical regulatory super system, serotonin, and dopamine interaction.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2011;7:457-63. (source)
[xi] Hinz M., Stein A., Uncini T. “Amino acid management of Parkinson’s disease: a case study” International Journal of General Medicine. 2011; 4: 165–174. (source)
[xii] Birdsall T.C. “5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor.” Alternative Medicine Revue. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. (source)
[xiii] Shaw K., Turner J., Del Mar C. “Are tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan effective treatments for depression? A meta-analysis.” Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2002 Aug;36(4):488-91. (source)
[xiv] Caruso I., Sarzi Puttini P., Cazzola M., Azzolini V. “Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome.” Journal of International Medical Research. 1990 May-Jun;18(3):201-9. (source)
[xv] Meyers S. “Use of neurotransmitter precursors for treatment of depression.” Alternative Medicine Revue. 2000 Feb;5(1):64-71. (source)
[xvi]Wang X., Baumann M.H., Dersch C.M., Rothman R.B. “Restoration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced 5-HT depletion by the administration of L-5-hydroxytryptophan.” Neuroscience. 2007 Aug 10;148(1):212-20. (source)
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Hello ,
I am currently taking 5htp and L tyrosine and Nac, Coq 10,PQQ, Gluthanione.
I don’t know if I am taking the right ratio.
200mg 5htp
250 mg L tyrosine
B- Vitamins
PQQ (10mg )Coq-10 (100mg) with Nac (255mg)& Gluthaione (250mg )it is a combo from Solaray.
Primeroseoil 1000mg
I am feeling good with this combo. I would appreciate some feedback if I am doing the right dosage. Thanks.
It helps me with my Pmdd symptoms.
Dagmar, if it is working for you then you have the right dosage. But L-Tyrosine and NAC need to be used 2 or 3-times per day for full benefit.
Hi David, this is for my 18 yr old son. What do you think of this protocol – taking 100mg of 5HTP (in evenings) with a GABA supplement (also in the evening) and then SAM-E and a Mucuna supplement (by Protocol for Life Balance) + L-Tyrosine during the day. SAM-E is needed as methylation and low methionine levels were discovered via testing and 5 HTP for low serotonin levels and L-Tyrosine and Mucuna for dopamine/norepinephrine/epinephrine support). Our practitioner is recommending the below protocol for him (after testing via Rupa Laps and Doctor’s Data and OAT test) the short term use of-
-800mg SAM-E (one morning 400mg dose/one afternoon 400mg dose before 2pm) -he’s already been on 400mg dose for the past couple months
-Mucuna extract (800mg/L-dopa of 120mg) – 2x/day
-500mg L-Tyrosine – 2x/day
-L-Theanine – 2x day
-GABA (evenings)
He has mild depression and ADD/executive function symptoms (procrastination)/mild anxiety. Thank you.
MJ, you don’t need Mucuna Pruriens if you are using L-Tyrosine. In fact, I do not recommend it in someone only 18. L-DOPA is used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
Hi David,
I read your L-tyrosine article. Can I use L-tyrosine to balance the side effects of 5-HTP. I only take 5-HTP(100mg) before bed and L-tyrosine(500mg) in the morning with 250mg DMAE. Is this combination ok?
Thanks
Yida, yes it should be OK.
Hi David,
My mother has type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. She takes Valsartan and Nifedipine for high blood pressure; and takes Dapagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride for type 2 diabetes.
She has a serious sleep problem. She tried 5-HTP and it seems to work for her. This is her routine at the moment: 5-HTP(100mg)+ Glycine( 1000mg）before bed. L-tyrosine(500mg) in the morning to balance the serotonin and DA. And Vitamin B complex.( Life Extension)
I am worried if the L-tyrosine(500mg) will increase her blood pressure. It hasn’t happened yet at the moment. I ask her to monitor it everyday….
My thought is, as She has type 2 diabetes she probably lacks serotonin in general. Maybe she can skip the L-tyrosine during the day. What do you think about this?
Thanks.
ps: I think I posted it but can not find it. Sorry if you have seen it already.
Vida, it’s going to take a lot more than just 500 mg L-Tyrosine to increase blood pressure.
David, I forget to mention that I had one side thyroid removed and have been taking Levothyroxine since then. I checked online it says that L-tyrosine will affect the thyroid. So I stopped L-tyrosine as well as 5-HTP this week. I use citrate magnesium and Glycine to replace 5-HTP. They worked, but not as good as 5-HTP does. But I have been takeing 5-HTP too long and I should have a break anyway.
I usually get up near noon and start to work in the afternoon. But this week I have to get up very early. It makes me feel so tired and fatigued especially now without 5-HTP‘s help. This morning I had DMAE and Rhodiola Rosea (250mg) and a cup of coffee, trying to get a bit more energy. And I had a 20 mins nap after lunch. In the afternoon, I took Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and then I start to have a headache. Strange enough, the headache gradually went away when I start to work. Does it mean I have too much ACH in my brain, with all these nootropics?
Since I had my thyroid removed, I constantly feel fatigued. And also I have ADD and anxiety. I don’t know if it’s a good idea to add Rhodiola Rosea to my routine.
Ps: I also use Schumann Resonance to help with sleep. it works but in a different way. You should try it, it is strangely effective. (no dreams)
Yida, thyroid hormone is made up of L-Tyrosine and iodine (T4 and T3). Some using those thyroid meds need to adjust their L-Tyrosine dosage depending on how you react to it.
5-HTP is made from serotonin. So, while magnesium and glycine may assist with sleep it is not a replacement for 5-HTP. The only thing you can replace 5-HTP with is L-Tryptophan which produces serotonin. And then goes on to make melatonin.
If you are dealing with ADHD then this is the stack you need: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/.
And if you are feeling chronic fatigue since you got your thyroid removed then your levothyroxine dosage is not correct. It is likely much too low for someone who only has half a thyroid.
Hello David! Would you recommend 5 htp at 200mg x 3 times per day as an appetite suppresant?
You are the best man, keep going!
Juan I absolutely do NOT suggest using 600 mg 5-HTP per day. Because it will eventually suppress dopamine and you will be in worse condition than when we started.
Serotonin and dopamine must be in balance. Because if they are not bad things can happen.
Thanks for the reply! Just one final question,
I was thinking in stacking 400mg of 5-htp daily (for weight loss) with 400mg of L-Tyrosine. Divided in two dosages.
What do you think?
Not a great idea because serotonin will likely become dominant and suppress dopamine. It may take a few weeks of using these supplements every day but even if it works at first in a few weeks you’ll find you are worse off.
Now, I’m not an expert on weight loss. But even so, I do know there are better supplements available for weight loss than messing with these neurotransmitters.
Hi David,
Im hoping you can help me, because I am autistic and need to see plainly what to take in a list, because I get confused. I am autistic, suffer from bad CPTSD and also ADHD after a lifetime of abuse. I do not have personality disorders or other disorders. I have been tested. I am now 49. [edited for length]
Jill, you need to shorten your question to 2 or 3 sentences if you want me to review it and provide an answer. Sorry, but I do not have the time to read an essay.
Hi David,
I have been on 100mg of 5HTP a night for 4 years, I balance it out with 500mg of Tyrosine. I have had no ill effects from the long term use. I’m desperate to try and up the 5HTP dose, to see if it can help my migraines. Have a feeling it might as triptans seem to abort them pretty well.
I had a one to one session with you a few years back and you recommended L’tryptophan instead but that just didn’t seem to suit me. I feel that 5HTP if it can help would be better at least than the awful preventatives the Doctors offer Me! Could you tell me how much more tyrosine per every 100mg of 5HTP I should take please.
Many Thanks
Emma, there is no established ‘ratio’ of Tyrosine – 5-HTP. I would not suggest increasing it any higher than 200 mg per day. I also suggest you use the search function top right and do a search of this website for “migraine” and see what else turns up.
Thanx
Hi David! For 2 years I try to improve my motivation. Even your Motivation article didn’t help. Tyrosine or NALT or Dopa don’t work for me, I dont know if it isn’t placebo. I try to take even 3000mg of tyrosine each day 1h before meals and nothing… Aniracetam Oxiracetam etc. Didnt help. AMPA receptors firing dopamine dont do much if anything in my case. I tried to take 500mg tryptophan but after 5 days I felt less motivation? Should I go back to tryptophan and double check to be sure?
If I understand correctly suplementing with only dopamine precursors overtime will cause lower dopamine effectiveness?
Increasing dopamine in excess will depress serotonin. And when that balance is upset it most certainly will have a negative effect on motivation.
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 4 years ago. He is on a low dose of Sinemet (1/2 t X 3 day) with the addition of Mucuna Pruriens, OKd by his MDS at a major university hospital.
He is also on supplements recommended by our nutritionist. However, his frequent urination (nocturia) causes me to get up at night several times. His lack of a restful night’s sleep has had consequences in his overall well being.
Because L-dopa/Carbidopa deplete Seretonin, would it be safe to add a low dose of 5-HTP? Melatonin didn’t quite have good results. He was sluggish and slower the morning after.
I love your site and your insight on Nootropics. Based on your knowledge and recommendations, I have added Uridine 3 times/week and Huperzine-A twice a week.
Your valued opinion will be greatly appreciated!
Foti, you can try 5-HTP but L-Tryptophan may be a better option. Because you can use higher doses (i.e. 500 – 1,000 mg per day) and used long-term it will keep on working.
Thanks, David. I will give a try.
Most Parkinson’s patients take levodopa medications that also contain carbidopa, such as Sinemet. There is a serious adverse interaction between 5-HTP and carbidopa. It is essential to warn Parkinson’s patients taking such medications to avoid 5-HTP. Please place such a warning prominently in your blog.
carbidopa 5-hydroxytryptophan interaction
drugs.com/drug-interactions/5-htp-with-carbidopa-1-10727-513-0.html?professional=1
“GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration with carbidopa may potentiate the pharmacologic effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is converted to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), or serotonin, in vivo. Carbidopa inhibits the peripheral metabolism of 5-HTP, and this effect has been exploited in the treatment of certain neurological disorders … to enhance the amount of 5-HTP that reaches the central nervous system. However, higher CNS levels of serotonin may also potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition…
MANAGEMENT: In general, 5-hydroxytryptophan should not be given with carbidopa. If the combination is used, close monitoring is recommended for signs and symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia.”
The problem seems to be more serious in doses above 100 mg 5-HTP combined with carbidopa (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881107082025).
Thanks for bringing this issue up. I’ll update the Side Effects section of this review.
Hi David,
I love and trust your website-thank you SO much! I really need some guidance. Long story short. I’m a 56 y/o nursing student. 7 weeks from graduation-IF I can get my brain back. 2 months ago brain fog so bad I couldn’t concentrate. I could comprehend what I was reading, but couldn’t RETAIN information for more than a few minutes. I failed the second exam of this final semester. Years ago I was on Ritalin and felt like a “real person.” I was able to successfully come off the Ritalin for 16 years by eating well, etc. As soon as I failed my exam I began researching nootropics, and came very close to obtaining a prescription for Adderall. I came across Mind Lab Pro. In the process of deciding if I should buy it, it occurred to me to see if you had any thoughts on the product. When I saw that you liked it, I told my husband we need to buy this. I had already been taking bacopa and GPC, so at least 2 ingredients were building up by the time it arrived. I have been taking it 9 days and I feel much more calm and more focused. I took an exam Friday and passed, but my head is still just above water. I read one of your articles, and if I’m correct I think you say you use Mind Lab Pro WITH additional L-Tyrosine and ALCAR AND Ritalin? After reading your article, I am considering restarting with Ritalin or Adderall. Would appreciate your feedback—Do you offer consultation services for a fee?
Thank you,
Laurie
Laurie, if you are going to start using a stimulant again ( I did) then you need extra L-Tyrosine and CDP-Choline with ALCAR which work great with Mind Lab Pro. MLP is a great supplement but you need more than what it can offer. Continue using it with the other supplements.
My protocol for stimulant support is in this article in the yellow box near the top: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Hi David, just wanted to share how awesome your website is! Also, I’m writing a paper on 5-htp and noticed you mention that it is well known that it is most beneficial for 4-6 weeks. Would you have sources to back this up?
-Thank you
Drew, one example is here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21178946/
Thank you!
Oh, um sorry. I just wanted to know if I any irreparable harm would have been done from my taking very large doses of 5htp for a year? Please just remove my other comment! Thanks.
Penny, I don’t think it would be irreparable because the human brain has an amazing ability to heal itself from all kind of abuse. But high doses of 5-HTP will upset your serotonin – dopamine balance which is not a pleasant experience.
Hi David, how do I get my serotonin receptors back to normal?
By avoiding anything that increases serotonin and then using supplements to increase BDNF and Nerve Growth Factor for receptor repair.
Hi, was wondering if this would lead to serotonin syndrome if combined with an MAO A inhibitor such as quercetin? Even if only used on an as needed basis as suggested?
I’m newer to using nootropics and notice alot seem to have MAOI characteristics. Would any Other combos such as Ashwagandha, Gingko Biloba, or Rhodiola Rosea with 5-HTP also have negative or possibly fatal effects?
Can it be combined with NALT?
Kyle the concern is using something like 5-HTP with prescription SSRIs or MAOIs. Used with natural nootropics is not an issue.
Hello! You have a great site!
According to my genes, I have a bad conversion from tryptophan to 5 5 НТРs, and according to the tests, the level of tryptophan is one third higher than normal, so I think it would be better for me to use 5 НТРs.
But for some unknown reason, the use only leads to irritability. 50 mg light 300 mg strong. I also took a break and drank tyrosine before 5 НТРs, but this did not affect the result.
By the way, earlier I tried tryptophan and for the first 2 days it gave a slight subtle sedation, and then in a milder form, irritation.
A similar situation is with melatonin, at first light sedation, and then, on the contrary, irritation.
To put it mildly, I am at a loss as to my reaction to these supplements. It looks as if something is wrong in the serotonin system.
I would be grateful if you can help me understand why this is happening. Do you have any ideas?
Vadim, scroll up and read the entire section called “Side Effects” above. Please do not take this the wrong way. But you could be dealing with an undiagnosed mental disorder.
That type of adverse reaction is usually due to using too much of a supplement like 5-HTP. But in your case there is something else going on. And it’s not ‘how much’ you are using. It is the way your system is reacting to its use.
Greetings! I recently started taking 5-HTP, just 50mg before bed. How many mg of L-Tyrosine would I need to take to balance it out? Am I taking too little of the 5-HTP? I notice the L-Tyrosine pills seem to only come in 500-1000mg doses.
Thanks in advance!
Crystal, if all you are using is 50 mg 5-HTP you do not need to worry about upsetting your serotonin/dopamine balance. It’s when you use much higher doses of 5-HTP that you need to consider raising dopamine to keep up with more serotonin.
Good evening, David. When dopamine is depleted because of 5htp, do you stop it, the symptoms stop and dopamine levels return to normal.
That is the idea. But you can avoid this by using L-Tyrosine during the day to keep your dopamine levels up while using 5-HTP.
Hi Why not combine 5-HTP with a dopamine boosting supplement?
Kevin, depending on my much 5-HTP you use you must use L-Tyrosine during the day to increase dopamine because serotonin and dopamine need to be in balance.
Hi David. I love your website. Thank you!
I’m gonna tell you my story with 5HTP. Maybe you can help me…
(Sorry my english, I’m from Brazil). I’ve been taken 150mg of 5HTP 2 times a day for 9 months, and my experience (mainly in the last few months) was terrible!! My gynecologist/nutrologist indicated because my serotonin was too low. All of my blood tests and vitamins are great, I sleep well, I do workouts 4x weakly and have a healthy diet. And I was always sooo lethargic, desmotivated, with no concentration, even to speak and organize my ideias was hard. I didnt understand why all of this was happening. I became desperate and in the last month, everyday at the night I’ve cryied because of mine useless day. It was such sad moments, I wasn’t recognizing me. After a lot of research, I’ve stopped with 5htp and started taking 500mg of tyrosine 2x a day. Result: my life and my mind had 100% CHANGED. I knew they were there. They come Back! And this was SO CRAZY! I went to a neurologist who approves me to continue with tyrosine and asked for some exams (wich I didnt get yet).
The first week was perfect, but now I’m starting to get lazy and desmotivated again. Oh no! 🙁 Do you Think it’s because I cut the 5HTP? I really dont want to take them again…
The triptophan its ok to take in a long term?? What should I do?Thank you!!
Marília, your positive experience with L-Tyrosine is no surprise. But dopamine and serotonin must be in balance. So, I suggest using L-Tyrosine as you are during the day and then use 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed. That should help balance things.
But remember there is never a “one pill” solution when fixing these things. It may still take more experimenting with other nootropics. But this should get you started.
Thank you! I’m so happy with your fast answer (I think your experience can help me more with this).
Well, I’ve tried taking others, but I haven’t had as much success as with tyrosine. I’ll keep trying with caution and until I find a good doctor. My last doubt is: would I have to take this two everyday for the long term, or do I need to take a break sometimes?
Marilla, it is my experience that once you find a supplement that works for you then keep on using it. Think of this a ‘food’ because we are supplementing what our body and brain need that we cannot get from food. And unless you are fasting you would not go without food for a day. Would you? 🙂
Ok, right. Thank you again!
Would taking 5HTP 50MG or 100MG like maybe once a week be a bad thing? can I take it with L-theanine and NAC and OMEGA and Vit D
I read it can help insomnia
Andrew, that low dose of 5-HTP used once per week is not a “bad thing” but not sure why you would even use it once per week.
Low dose L-Theanine, regular doses of NAC, OMega-3s and Vitamin D should all be used early in the day. Because DHA and Vitamin D can have stimulatory effects. Which is contrary to sleep.
For sleep you need 0.5 – 0.8 mg melatonin which is made from serotonin. You can safely use L-Tryptophan every day and long-term and it should continue to work. But that is not so with 5-HTP.
Hi Andrew
Is the following stack safe:-
5 HTP 100mg per day
L theanine 300mg per day
L tyrosine 400 mg per day
Ginkgo Biloba 250 mg per day
Kind Regards
I would divide the L-Theanine into 3 – 100 mg doses because 300 mg can make you sleepy.
And L-Tyrosine dosed twice per day – morning and noon.
Hi there!! I just bought some melatonin with 5-htp in it because I have “med resistant depression” and adhd, so sleep is an issue. Is there any benefit to keeping dopamine and serotonin in balance if I take adderall for adhd?
Adele, dopamine and serotonin must be in balance. Because it they are not you’ll experience symptoms of either excess dopamine or serotonin.
The best way to support Adderall use is with the protocol I describe in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/