L 5 Hydroxytryptophan Side Effects

L-5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a chemical the body creates from the amino acid L-tryptophan. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot make the substance and it must be obtained from food or supplements. The body converts 5-HTP to the brain chemical serotonin. L-5-hydroxytryptophan cannot be obtained from food, but tryptophan is available in red meat, poultry, seafood, cottage cheese, peanuts and many other foods. 5-HTP supplements also are available.

Uses

• Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter, and low levels can lead to anxiety, appetite irregularities, depression, impulsive behavior, obsessive-compulsive disorder and sleep disorders. Some people take 5-HTP supplements to help in weight loss, because the substance may decrease food cravings and impulsive binge eating, and can make people feel more full after eating. It is also used to relieve mild to moderate depression and anxiety, along with attention deficit disorder, insomnia and premenstrual disorder. Additionally, many people with fibromyalgia have low levels of serotonin, and 5-hydroxytryptophan may be of benefit for them as well.

Product Contaminant

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned L-tryptophan supplements in 1989. Some people had developed a life-threatening disorder called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) after taking these supplements, and a contaminant was found that may have caused the disorder. Since then, this contaminant has also been found in some 5-HTP supplements. Ten reports of EMS have been linked to 5-HTP supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Typical Side Effects

• L-5-hydroxytryptophan capsules and tablets are 50 mg, and recommended dosage is one capsule one, two or three times a day. Side effects usually are mild and can become worse with higher doses. These effects include headaches, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas and diarrhea. Lowering the dose and gradually increasing it again can eliminate side effects. Taking 5-HTP with food also can help.

Serotonin Syndrome

• High doses of 5-hydroxytryptophan can result in serotonin syndrome, a rare condition that may be life-threatening. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, hot flashes, and fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate. People should not take 5-hydroxytryptophan with other medications that increase serotonin levels, including all types of antidepressants; the pain relievers meperidine and tramadol; the cough suppressant dextromethorphan; and triptans, used to treat migraines.

Contraindications

• High doses of L-5-hydroxytryptophan also should be avoided because they can result in liver or brain toxicity. People with liver disease should not take this supplement because they may not be able to properly regulate it. Additionally, taking 5-HTP with carbidopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, can lead to a serious skin disorder.