From the Guidelines
Yes, 5-HTP can cause headaches in some people, as it increases serotonin levels in the brain, which can affect blood vessels and pain pathways. This dietary supplement, commonly taken at doses of 50-300 mg daily, may trigger headaches as a side effect, particularly when starting treatment or at higher doses.
Key Points to Consider
- Headaches typically occur due to the rapid changes in serotonin levels caused by 5-HTP, which can affect blood vessels and pain pathways.
- If you experience headaches while taking 5-HTP, consider starting with a lower dose (such as 50 mg daily) and gradually increasing it, taking it with food, or dividing your daily dose into smaller amounts throughout the day.
- It's also important to note that 5-HTP should not be combined with antidepressants, particularly SSRIs or MAOIs, as this can lead to dangerous serotonin syndrome, as mentioned in studies such as 1.
- The most recent and highest quality study, 1, provides guidance on the management of headache disorders, including migraines, but does not specifically address 5-HTP.
- However, based on the available evidence, including studies such as 1 and 1, it is clear that 5-HTP can cause headaches in some individuals.
- If headaches are severe or persistent, you should discontinue use and consult with a healthcare provider before resuming, as recommended by various studies, including 1, 1, and 1.
- Additionally, studies such as 1 provide information on the pharmacologic management of acute attacks of migraine and prevention of migraine headache, which may be relevant to individuals experiencing headaches due to 5-HTP use.
From the Research
5HTP and Headaches
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a serotonin precursor that can increase central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin 2.
- Therapeutic administration of 5-HTP has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including depression, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, chronic headaches, and insomnia 2.
- The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the pathophysiology of migraine has been implicated, with some lines of evidence suggesting 5-HT depletion from blood platelets resulting in cranial extracerebral vasodilatation 3.
- 5-HTP may be used to treat headaches, including migraines, by influencing 5-HT release and/or interacting with 5-HT receptors 3.
Potential Side Effects
- While 5-HTP may be effective in treating headaches, it can also cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and somnolence 4.
- Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, can occur when 5-HTP is taken with other serotonergic drugs, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 5, 6.
- The risk of serotonin syndrome can be increased when 5-HTP is taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and dose adjustment 5, 6.