Side Effects of 5HTP - Take Precautions

The use of 5-HTP is generally safe because it is naturally produced by our body. However, as with any other supplements some precautions should be taken

It is said to be beneficial to many people, but there is always someone that it may not suit and they will react poorly when using the supplement.

As long as the supplement is taken in safe doses then there will be little if any effects at all.  However, more research is required to understand the effects of using higher dosages.

5-HTP should not be used if you are taking certain prescription drugs, such as other anti-depressants or SSRI’s as you may experience some serious side effects.

Whatever the side effect, because this a more natural supplement, the side effects will be less pronounced, less likely to occur than with prescribed drugs like SSRI’s.

Side effects that have been reported usually occur when regularly using a dose of 100mg or more, and tend to be temporary while using the supplement.  Most side effects will stop soon after you stop taking 5-HTP.

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nightmares, decreased sex drive, constipation and gas and drowsiness.

Dosages of more than 100mg should only be taken with recommendation from your GP.  If you take too much, excessing increases in your Serotonin levels can cause a condition called Serotonin syndrome.  This can be very serious and even be fatal.

Signs of Serotonin syndrome are sustained rapid eye movements, rapid  muscle relaxation and  contraction in the ankle causing abnormal movements in the foot, feeling drunk or dizzy, clumsiness, sweating,  high body temperature,  muscle twitching,  rigidity, euphoria and drowsiness.

There is a group of people that should not take 5-HTP as is can make their condition worse and be extremely harmful:

1. Cardiovascular Disease, high blood pressure
2. The elderly
3. Those with Parkinson’s disease, cancer,  or autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus
4. Lung disease
5. Alcoholics
6. Liver disease
7. Parasitic infection
8. AIDS
9. Anorexia
10. Low protein diets
11. Allergies
12. Myalgia – persistent pain in the muscles
13. Rash or flushing
14. Edema
15. Nausea
16. Diarrhoea
17. Sickle Cell
18. Haemophilia
19. Pregnant

You should also note that you cannot take 5-HTP if you are taking a certain group of drugs:

1. Anti-depressants
2. Alcohol
3. Weight loss medications
4. Antihistamines or cold remedies
5. Tranquilizers
6. Antibiotics
7. Cancer chemotherapy
8. Intravenous drugs

The reason is that many of these also increase your Serotonin levels and so in effect you will be taking a Serotonin over dose which will cause the side effects listed above.

If you do decide that 5-HTP is for you, always be aware of how you are feeling and on the alert for unwanted side effects.   If there is any chance that you are feeling unwell, physically or mentally stop taking the supplement immediately and the discomfort should stop shortly afterwards.