5-HTP has been used in connection with the following conditions and health concerns: Depression, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Migraine headaches, Weight loss and obesity, Bipolar disorder/manic depression and Seasonal affective disorder. Disruptions in emotional well-being, including depression and anxiety, have been linked to serotonin imbalances in the brain. Individuals with fibromyalgia often have low serotonin levels in their blood. Supplements of 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis in these cases. The cause of migraine headaches is related to abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels, and 5-HTP may help correct this abnormality. Insomnia has been associated with L- tryptophan deficiency in the tissues of the brain; therefore, 5-HTP may provide a remedy for this condition.
300 mg per day was shown to be effective in reducing many symptoms of fibromyalgia, including pain. morning stiffness, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. For depression, 300 mg per day is often effective, though much of the research used 5-HTP in combination with drugs or was uncontrolled. For insomnia, a single 100 mg nighttime dose of 5- HTP was sufficient to improve the duration and depth of sleep in one placebo-controlled study. For migraine headaches, amounts ranging from 400-600 mg per day have been shown to be effective at reducing the frequence and severity of attacks. Appetite reduction and weight loss (averaging 11 pounds in 12 weeks) has occurred with amounts of 600-900mg daily.
CAUTION: 5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants, weight-control drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances known to cause liver damage, because in these cases 5-HTP may have excessive effects. Individuals with liver disease may not be able to regulate 5-HTP adequately, and those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive to 5-HTP. These people should not take 5-HTP without consulting a knowledgeable healthcare professional. The safety of 5-HTP therapy during pregnancy or lactation is not known at this time. Certain medications interact in a positive and/or negative way with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Consult your Doctor if you are unsure of the medication you are taking. |
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