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The Verdict Is Not in Just Yet, but 5-HTP May Be a Good Natural Remedy for
Treating Depression
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement
that is believed to convert in the brain into serotonin, a chemical messenger
that affects emotions, behavior, and thought.
Because low serotonin levels have been linked to depression, it is believed that
by changing into serotonin, 5-HTP can help combat the symptoms of depression, as
well as anxiety and other challenges brought on by a serotonin deficiency.
Never Heard of HTP-5?
If you’ve never heard of HTP-5, you’re not alone. That’s because studies on
the natural supplement have been very limited, most likely because of a scare
related to tryptophan (an amino acid found in HTP-5) several years ago.
In 1989, a contaminated batch of the amino acid caused an unusual muscle disease
in about 1,500 people. Tryptophan was banned, despite the fact that the amino
acid itself was not at fault.
However, this explains why few know about HTP-5 and why it remains unavailable
in some health food stores even today.
At the time of the scare, a study on 5-HTP funded by the National Institutes of
Health was abandoned. Nonetheless, there are some studies of 5-HTP and
depression that suggest HTP-5 improves the symptoms associated with depression.
These studies include a Japanese trial with 107 patients that showed improvement
in 74 who took the natural supplement, as well as a Swiss study that compared
the antidepressant Luvox (fluvoxamine) with
5-HTP and found them equally effective, according to Psychology
Today.
Mixed Results Reported to Date
Because there has been little documented research, as well as mixed reports
to date, it is important that you talk to your medical doctor or mental health
professional about whether or not you should take natural supplements such as
5-HTP for depression.
Those with mild depression may wish to try natural antidepressants first whereas
those with moderate to severe depression would likely need a strong
pharmaceutical medicine at first. Other nutrients to consider for depression
include
SAM-e and
St. John’s Wort.
Prozac and other SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, which are a
class of antidepressant that makes
serotonin more available in the brain by hindering its re-absorption) have been
tested more thoroughly than natural supplements for depression. 5-HTP is
trickier to use, tolerance may develop, long-term safety is not known as well,
but it works well for some people in improving mood, reducing appetite, and
improving sleep. It's very difficult, if not nearly impossible, to predict how
each person will react or respond to a medicine or nutrient. Sometimes the best
method is trial and error.
Benefits of 5-HTP
Some people who take 5-HTP notice the benefit of better mood balance,
decrease in appetite, reduced anxiety, better impulse control, and better sleep.
5-HTP may also be helpful in some individuals with migraine headaches and
fibromyalgia, although much more research is needed.
5-HTP appears to also reduce the severity of panic attacks, which may indicate
that panic attacks may partly be due to low serotonin levels. Again, further
research is needed to confirm this.
5-HTP Side Effects
The most common side effects with 5-HTP include nausea, stomach upset, loose
stools or constipation, and headache. 5-HTP side effects from high doses (which
could be 70 to 100 mg and greater) also include nightmares and decreased sex
drive.
Additionally, tiredness and sleepiness can occur after several days or weeks of
use, which may indicate that a break should be taken from 5-HTP use. For those
who experience nightmares or other 5HTP side effects such as nausea or decreased
libido, you may consider taking a lower dose.
Unfortunately, the long-term side effects of 5-HTP are not fully known, which is
another reason you should consult your medical doctor or mental health
professional before taking HTP-5.
This also explains why regular long-term use is not recommended.
Also, if you are pregnant, or think you may become pregnant, you should not use
HTP-5. The safety of 5-HTP during lactation and breastfeeding is also not known.
5-HTP Dosage
Currently, HTP-5 should not be given to children.
Adults can take 50 mg of 5-HTP taken one, two, or three times per day, according
to an article on 5-HTP published by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Some studies have used dosages of 300 mg a day of 5-HTP for depression, but this
is a high does and should be discussed with your mental health professional
first.
Most
5-HTP products on the market are sold in 50 and 100 mg capsules.
These capsules can be opened and a portion mixed with water. 5-HTP is best
absorbed on an empty stomach.
Also Notable
If you do take 5-HTP during the day, it's best to keep your 5-HTP dosage to
less than 50 mg since sleepiness may occur. And, while a small amount of alcohol
usually does not interfere with 5-HTP, larger amounts may.
Sources:
Firshein, Richard. “Natural Healing.”
Psychology Today Nov/Dec 1998.
“5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).” University of Maryland Medical Center. (2004). 21
Feb. 2007 <http://www.umm.edu>.
Also see: [ natural
remedies for depression ] [
antidepressants ] [
depression help ]
About the Author:
Kellie Fowler is an award-winning writer and has written for Associated
Press, PR Newswire, Fortune 500 companies, newspapers, national business and
healthcare magazines. She is a regular contributor to
www.depression-help-resource.com, a website providing easy-to-understand
depression information, articles and resources. |
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