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5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a naturally occurring amino acid that is often used as a supplement to boost serotonin levels. It is produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia. While 5-HTP is used to treat a variety of health issues, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fibromyalgia, there are concerns about its safety. Side effects may include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. Large doses of 5-HTP have been linked to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms, and in rare cases, it may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by a dangerously high heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Some people who have taken 5-HTP have also developed a condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), which causes excessive muscle tenderness, but it is unclear whether this is due to the supplement or an accidental contaminant. Given the potential risks, it is important to consult a doctor before taking 5-HTP, especially when taking other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can 5-HTP cause muscle pain? | Yes, 5-HTP can cause muscle pain, tenderness, spasms, and weakness. |
| What is 5-HTP? | 5-HTP is a chemical byproduct of L-tryptophan, a naturally occurring amino acid. It is commercially produced from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. |
| What does 5-HTP do? | 5-HTP increases the production of serotonin, a chemical that can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation. |
| Why is 5-HTP used? | 5-HTP is used as a supplement to boost serotonin levels, which can help regulate mood, appetite, and muscular discomfort. It is also used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. |
| Are there side effects to taking 5-HTP? | Yes, common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. Large doses of 5-HTP (6-10 grams daily) can be unsafe and may lead to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms. |
| Are there any serious side effects or conditions associated with 5-HTP? | In rare cases, 5-HTP may cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition characterised by excessive muscle tenderness, blood abnormalities, and high white blood cell count. Additionally, 5-HTP may cause serotonin syndrome when combined with certain medications, resulting in dangerously high heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. |
| Are there any precautions or interactions to be aware of when taking 5-HTP? | 5-HTP may interact with many medications, especially antidepressants and other drugs that affect serotonin levels. It should not be taken with other medications that increase serotonin, such as SSRIs and MAO inhibitors. It is important to consult a doctor before taking 5-HTP, especially if you are taking any other medications or supplements. |
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What You'll Learn
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS)
EMS has multiple clinical presentations and variable severity. The first clinical reports showed that most patients developed profound eosinophilia and severe myalgias, as well as joint pains, weakness or fatigue, difficulty breathing or cough, rash, headache, peripheral edema (swelling), fever, and abnormal tingling sensations. About half of the patients had abnormal liver function tests. There is no definitive test to diagnose EMS, and many physicians lack knowledge of the syndrome, so patients may be misdiagnosed with other diseases that have overlapping symptoms, such as fibromyalgia.
The treatment for EMS is the withdrawal of products containing L-tryptophan and the administration of glucocorticoids. Most patients recover fully, but the disease is fatal in up to 5% of cases. The risk of developing EMS from L-tryptophan or 5-HTP consumption is uncertain, and it is not clear whether EMS is caused by an accidental contaminant or by 5-HTP itself. However, the National Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome Network (NEMSN) has received reports from people who have developed EMS-like symptoms after ingesting manufactured L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, or other products containing these substances, such as certain bodybuilding products, weight loss supplements, and sleep aids.
As 5-HTP is sold as a supplement and not a medication, it has not been approved by the FDA. There is also a risk of serious drug interactions with many medications, especially antidepressants, as 5-HTP increases serotonin levels. Taking 5-HTP with antidepressants can lead to dangerously high concentrations of serotonin, resulting in serotonin syndrome, which is characterised by a dangerously high heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any new supplement, especially if you are also taking medication.
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Serotonin syndrome
The syndrome usually occurs when two or more medications that affect serotonin levels are taken together. For example, it can occur when a person takes an antidepressant, which increases serotonin, in combination with a migraine medication or an opioid pain medication. Additionally, taking a new drug or increasing the dosage of an existing drug that increases serotonin levels can also trigger serotonin syndrome.
The symptoms of serotonin syndrome can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Mild symptoms include shivering, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms include muscle rigidity, fever, seizures, delirium, and confusion. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
The treatment for serotonin syndrome involves stopping the use of any drugs or medications that are causing the syndrome. In some cases, additional interventions may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
It is important to note that 5-HTP supplements, which are often used to boost serotonin levels, can potentially lead to serotonin syndrome if combined with other serotonergic medications. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or medications that may impact serotonin levels.
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Fibromyalgia
A 90-day open study involving 50 patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome found that 5-HTP was effective in improving symptoms. Clinical variables such as the number of tender points, anxiety, pain intensity, quality of sleep, and fatigue all showed significant improvement. Nearly 50% of patients reported a 'good' or 'fair' clinical improvement during the treatment period.
Additionally, 5-HTP may help increase deep sleep and reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients. This is supported by a study published in the Alternative Medicine Review, which found that 5-HTP supplementation may improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fibromyalgia.
However, it is important to note that 5-HTP has been associated with a serious condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, which causes severe muscle pain, among other symptoms. Experts believe that a contaminant in these supplements may be responsible for this condition.
While 5-HTP is generally well-tolerated, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
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Drug interactions
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a supplement that boosts serotonin levels. It is not regulated by the FDA and has been linked to several adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms, heartburn, nausea, and muscle problems. It is advised that you consult a doctor before taking 5-HTP, especially if you are already taking other medications.
The following drug interactions with 5-HTP have been identified:
- Serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can lead to serotonin syndrome.
- Parkinson's medication, such as carbidopa, can result in a scleroderma-like illness with hardened, thickened, and inflamed skin.
- Second-tier natural antidepressants like St. John's Wort and SAM-e.
- 5-HTP can also interfere with the results of 5-HIAA, a urine test used to diagnose or monitor certain types of cancers.
Additionally, stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, medicine for depression, mental illness, migraine headaches, serious infections, or nausea and vomiting prevention can interact with 5-HTP. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking 5-HTP, especially if you are taking any other medications or supplements.
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Side effects
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a supplement that can be used to boost serotonin levels. It is often used to regulate mood, appetite, and muscular discomfort. However, there are several side effects associated with taking 5-HTP, including:
- Serious drug interactions: 5-HTP can interact with many medications, especially antidepressants, as they work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Taking 5-HTP alongside these medications can lead to dangerously high levels of serotonin, resulting in serotonin syndrome, which is characterised by an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased temperature.
- Stomach problems: Common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large doses of 5-HTP have been linked to severe stomach issues and muscle spasms.
- Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS): Some people who take 5-HTP develop EMS, which causes excessive muscle tenderness and blood abnormalities. It is unclear whether EMS is caused by an accidental contaminant or by 5-HTP itself.
- Increased drowsiness: 5-HTP may increase drowsiness when taken with certain herbs or supplements.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient information to determine whether 5-HTP is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. As a precaution, it is advised to avoid taking 5-HTP during these periods.
- Surgery: 5-HTP can affect serotonin levels, and some drugs administered during surgery also influence serotonin. Taking 5-HTP too close to a surgery date may cause an excess of serotonin, leading to adverse effects such as heart problems, shivering, and anxiety. It is recommended to discontinue the use of 5-HTP at least two weeks before surgery.
- Other side effects: Less common side effects include muscle pain or weakness, fatigue, headaches, lowered blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, sleep changes, and weight gain, among others.
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Frequently asked questions
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is a chemical byproduct of the protein-building block L-tryptophan. It is commercially produced from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-HTP is available as a supplement and has been used to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. It is also used to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some people who have taken 5-HTP have developed a serious condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), which causes excessive muscle tenderness and blood abnormalities. However, it is unclear whether EMS is caused by an accidental contaminant or by 5-HTP itself. Large doses of 5-HTP have also been linked to muscle spasms.
Common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. 5-HTP may also cause serious drug interactions with medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants and pain medications.
