What is the most important information I should know about 5-hydroxytryptophan?
5-hydroxytryptophan has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of 5-hydroxytryptophan may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where
herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of
contamination.
What is 5-hydroxytryptophan?
The use of 5-hydroxytryptophan in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts
accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation
with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained
in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all
health care providers involved may be advantageous.
5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a dietary supplement manufactured from the
seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-hydroxytryptophan has been used in the treatment of anxiety, mild to moderate depression,
fibromyalgia, insomnia, binge-eating associated with obesity, attention deficit disorder, and chronic
headaches. 5-hydroxytryptophan has also been used for the treatment of post-anoxic myoclonus, also
known as Lance-Adam's syndrome, a rare complication of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
5-hydroxytryptophan has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of 5-hydroxytryptophan may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where
herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of
contamination.
5-hydroxytryptophan may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 5-hydroxytryptophan?
Before taking 5-hydroxytryptophan, tell your doctor if you have:
You may not be able to take 5-hydroxytryptophan, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Before taking 5-hydroxytryptophan, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional
if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines
or other herbal/health supplements. 5-hydroxytryptophan may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take 5-hydroxytryptophan without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether 5-hydroxytryptophan will be
harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not take 5-hydroxytryptophan without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether 5-hydroxytryptophan will be harmful to a
nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of 5-hydroxytryptophan by children. Do
not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
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