You may have heard about using the natural supplement 5HTP to address a number of mental and physical problems. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about 5HTP.
I’ve heard about people taking 5 htp for depression. What exactly is 5 htp?
5 htp,
or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally occurring amino acid used by the body to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Because it is an ingredient in serotonin production, 5 htp plays a vital role in normal nerve and brain function. Mood, sleeping patterns, and the perception of pain are all regulated in large part by serotonin. Clinical studies have associated low serotonin levels with depression, as well as fibromyalgia, insomnia, binge-eating, and anxiety.
The 5 htp found in most commercially available supplements is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Small amounts of 5 htp can be found in foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds, but for those who wish to use 5 htp for depression relief, taking a dietary supplement is recommended.
Is taking 5 htp for depression effective?
A number of clinical trials have been conducted to determine if taking 5 htp for depression is effective, with largely favorable results. One study even indicated that 5 htp is as effective at relieving depression as the popular selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluvoxamine, more commonly known by the brand name Luvox. 5 htp’s ability to increase the brain’s natural serotonin production has been consistently shown to relieve depression by elevating mood, prompting a more positive outlook, promoting healthy sleep patterns, and reducing feelings of anxiety.
Why should I take 5 htp for depression instead of prescription antidepressants like SSRIs?
One of the best reasons to choose 5 htp for depression over SSRIs is 5 htp works with your brain’s natural functions, not against them. SSRIs block brain receptors which absorb serotonin, which theoretically slows the rate at which we use, or “uptake,” the serotonin we produce. SSRIs artificially manipulate the brain’s physiological regulatory system to achieve the increased serotonin levels desired to treat depression.
In contrast, 5 htp is itself the natural chemical precursor to serotonin, which means our brains need it in order to manufacture serotonin at all. Taking 5 htp for depression amounts to giving the brain more of the material it needs to produce serotonin, and having more serotonin available is the ultimate goal in effectively treating depression.
Another reason many choose 5 htp for depression over prescription medications is its virtual lack of side effects. The only side effect commonly reported by those taking 5 htp for depression is mild gastrointestinal upset, which typically subsides once the body acclimates to the supplement.
Prescription depression medications like SSRIs are associated with a host of ongoing side effects, including nausea and vomiting, inability to orgasm, weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, muscle pain, agitation, and in rare cases, an increase in suicidality. Research shows up to 45% of people taking an SSRI will experience a decline in sexual function, more than 20% will gain weight, and most disturbingly, a small percentage (2%-4%) will experience an increase in suicidal thoughts.
Will I get “hooked” if I start taking 5 htp for depression?
There are no reports of anyone having any difficulty discontinuing 5 htp. Because it simply gives the brain more of what it naturally uses to make serotonin, it can be stopped quite easily. This is not the case with prescription depression medications, which artificially manipulate the brain’s physiological processes. Many people taking SSRIs, for example, find them very difficult to discontinue, and stopping them abruptly is strongly discouraged by drug manufacturers and physicians alike because it can result in physical withdrawal.
Do I need a prescription from my doctor to take 5 htp for depression?
While you should definitely tell your doctor if you’re taking 5 htp for depression, you do not need a prescription from him or her in order to purchase 5 htp. 5 htp is available in the vitamin and supplement section of most drug stores and supermarkets, health food stores, and can also be purchased online.
How much 5 htp should I take to effectively treat depression?
Most people taking 5 htp for depression take between 50 mg to 300 mg daily. Some obtain better results while taking a lower dose, so it’s a good idea to start with 50 mg and add more over time if you feel it’s necessary. In order to best absorb 5 htp, it should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of water. Never take more than 200 mg of 5 htp at once unless specifically advised to do so by your physician.
5 htp is not medically appropriate for everyone, and should NOT be taken by those currently on anti-Parkinsons or prescription antidepressant medications. Consulting a health care professional before taking 5 htp for depression or any other condition is strongly advised.
