Can a 50mg dose of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) taken for less than one week induce symptoms resembling a cold, including myalgia, cognitive impairment, flatulence, abdominal distension, cephalalgia, and weight gain?

From the Guidelines

It is highly likely that 50mg of 5-HTP is causing your cold-like symptoms, and I strongly recommend stopping the supplement immediately to avoid any further adverse effects. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as body soreness, brain fog, gas, bloating, headaches, and weight gain, are consistent with an adverse reaction to 5-HTP, particularly given the rapid increase in serotonin production in your body 1.

Possible Mechanisms

The rapid change in brain chemistry triggered by 5-HTP can lead to various side effects, including those you are experiencing.

• The body soreness, brain fog, headaches, and cold-like symptoms may be related to how 5-HTP affects your immune system and inflammatory responses.
• The gastrointestinal issues (gas and bloating) are common side effects because serotonin heavily influences gut function, with about 90% of your body's serotonin actually located in your digestive tract.
• The weight gain could be due to fluid retention or changes in appetite regulation.

Recommendations

Given the potential risks associated with 5-HTP, especially when taken in high doses or without proper medical supervision, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before continuing or restarting the supplement. If you decide to try 5-HTP again, consider starting with a lower dose (perhaps 25mg) and taking it with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Some people find that taking 5-HTP at bedtime rather than during the day helps minimize side effects while still providing benefits. However, prioritizing your safety and well-being is paramount, and any decision to continue 5-HTP should be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional 1.

From the Research

Potential Side Effects of 5HTP

• The symptoms experienced, such as body soreness, brain fog, gas, bloating, headaches, and weight gain, may be related to the effects of 5HTP on serotonin levels in the body 2, 3.
• 5HTP can increase central nervous system synthesis of serotonin, which may lead to changes in various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation 2.
• However, high levels of serotonin can also cause adverse effects, such as abnormal mental functions, behavioral disturbances, and intolerance 3.
• The breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, edema formation, and regional cerebral blood flow disturbances may also contribute to the experienced symptoms 3.

Mechanisms of 5HTP

• 5HTP is well absorbed from an oral dose and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, effectively increasing CNS synthesis of serotonin 2.
• The increase in serotonin levels can affect various physiological processes, including sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation 2.
• 5HTP may also influence regional blood-brain barrier breakdown, cerebral blood flow, brain edema formation, and neuropathology 3.

Comparison to Other Studies

• Other studies have shown that 5HTP can be effective in treating depression, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, chronic headaches, and insomnia 2, 4, 5.
• However, the current symptoms experienced may be related to the specific dosage and duration of 5HTP administration, as well as individual differences in response to the supplement 3, 6.