Who knows about 5-HTP?

Does anyone have any experience with 5-HTP? It is an herbal supplement that can be used as a sleep aid, an anti-depressant and a hunger suppressant. I was just wondering if anyone here as any knowledge about it. Have you ever taken it? What symptom did you take it for? Did it work?

5 HTP is the metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophane, an essential amino acid, is metabolized into 5-HTP by the body. 5 HTP is in turn, converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for mood, hunger and sleep. Antidepressant drugs approved by the FDA, including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's) such as Prozac, are said to work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to the brain. 5 HTP, therefore, may for some individuals, serve as a natural alternative to some prescription SSRI type drugs like Prozac.

Supplementing either Tryptophane or 5 HTP increases Serotonin levels by supplying more of the building block material needed to make this neurotransmitter. Low levels of Serotonin have been associated with depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, altered mood, insomnia, PMS, and headaches. Both tryptophane and 5 HTP are sometimes used as nutritional support for these conditions. 5 HTP is about five times more potent than Tryptophane for this application.

According to some medical journals and reviews it ihas been shown that 5 HTP may help improve moods of depressed patients and helps panic attacks. The same sources generally recommended that more research on 5 HTP should be done before claims were made.

5 HTP may aid in weight loss and improve sleep patterns for some individuals. Research suggests that good serotonin levels may reduce apetite thereby assisting in weight loss. Serotonin is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland and melatonin, in turn, regulates sleep cycles. The theory is that if 5 HTP can increase serotonin levels, it may be able to improve sleep and aid in weight loss. In the medical articles reviewed, positive results have been reported but the authors caution that more research is needed before claims can be made.

As with all nutritional supplements or medications (talk to your doctor forst) , individual response is a variable. It is clear that large excesses of serotonin in the peripheral circulation can cause cardiovascular disease and other adverse effects. Too much 5 HTP in the diet could potentially result in too much serotonin in the peripheral circulation.

Some sources suggest that 5 HTP can be safely used as a nutritional supplement at a dosage of up to 100 milligrams (mg) per day. Some authorities maintain that much larger dosages can be consumed without adverse effects. Some also suggest that 5 HTP, especially in larger doses should be used with the prescription drug carbidopa. The purpose of this drug is to prevent the 5 HTP from being converted to serotonin in the peripheral circulation.

5 HTP is available without prescription and is generally considered safe and may be beneficial to many individuals. Contraindications to 5 HTP use or conditions under which 5 HTP use should only be under the supervision of a physician are conditions in which increased serotonin levels may be harmful:

Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart attack)
Extremely Elderly Persons
those with Parkinsons Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus)
Lung Diseases
Chronic Alcoholism
Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis)
parasitic infection
AIDS
Anorexia Nervosa
Low protein Diets
Allergies (severe)
Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles)
Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles)
Rash or Flushing
Edema
Nausea
Diarrhea
Sickle cell anemia
Hemophilia
Pregnancy

5 HTP should not be used if taking:

Anti-depressant drugs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's e.g., Prozac)
Tricyclic medications
Weight Loss medications (i.e., dextenfluramine)
Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa)
Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs
Antihistamines and cold medications
Alcoholic beverages
Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs
Cancer chemotherapy or
Antibiotic Medications
Alcohol and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Allow at least six hours between use of alcohol and 5 HTP.

Warning: 5 HTP can increase the effect of some tranquilizing drugs.

No one knows for sure.

My friend takes it ,doesn't seem to have too much affect. I guess it works different depending on your chemistry

5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor chemical in the synthesis of seratonin. It does have a mild antidepressant activity because it enables your body to produce more seratonin. As far as a sleep aid, it is similar to the tryptophan found in turkey that makes you tired after thanksgiving dinner, so don't expect that it act as a sedative sleep aid, but better for you.

It helps for mood swings and yes it is herbal supplement. I know alot of people who take it and they like it. You can not take it if you are on antidepressants. Try it.