From the Guidelines
5-HTP supplements should be held 24 hours before surgery due to the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake, as recommended by the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) consensus statement 1. When considering the use of 5-HTP supplements, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. 5-HTP may help with mood, sleep, and certain types of pain by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. A typical dosage ranges from 50-200 mg per day, taken 1-3 times daily, often with meals to reduce potential nausea. Key considerations for 5-HTP supplementation include:
- Starting with a lower dose (50 mg) and gradually increasing if needed
- Avoiding combination with antidepressants (especially SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs) due to the risk of serotonin syndrome
- Potential side effects, such as nausea, digestive issues, drowsiness, and headaches
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting 5-HTP, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other medications
- Choosing a reputable brand and considering taking it with vitamin B6, which helps with conversion to serotonin In the context of sleep, L-tryptophan, which is related to 5-HTP, has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce wake after sleep onset, with a mean reduction of 10 minutes greater than placebo 1. However, the primary concern with 5-HTP supplementation remains the potential risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other medications.
From the Research
5-HTP Supplement Overview
- The 5-HTP supplement is a serotonin precursor that has been studied for its potential antidepressant properties 2, 3.
- Research suggests that 5-HTP may be effective in alleviating depression, with a Peto Odds Ratio of 4.10 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.28-13.15 3.
- However, the evidence is of insufficient quality to be conclusive, and further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-HTP before its widespread use can be recommended 3.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- One study compared 5-HTP to antidepressant treatment and found no differences in depressive symptomology, rates of response to treatment, or trial non-completion 4.
- Another study found that 5-HTP was better than placebo at alleviating depression, but the evidence was of insufficient quality to be conclusive 3.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which have also been studied for their potential antidepressant properties, may have a small to modest benefit for depressive symptomology compared to placebo, but the estimate is imprecise and the certainty of the evidence is low to very low 4.
Safety and Adverse Effects
- Relatively few adverse effects are associated with the use of 5-HTP in the treatment of depressed patients 2.
- However, the possible association between 5-HTP and the potentially fatal Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome has not been elucidated 3.
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be safe and well-tolerated, with a low risk of adverse effects 5, 4.