5-hydroxytryptophan
Generic name: 5-hydroxytryptophan [ 5-hye-DROX-ee-TRIP-toe-fan ]
Brand name: 5-HTP
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg; 50 mg)
Drug classes:Herbal products, Miscellaneous antidepressants
What is 5-hydroxytryptophan?
5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-hydroxytryptophan has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating depression or fibromyalgia.
Other uses not proven with research have included insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, binge-eating related to obesity, attention deficit disorder, and muscle spasms in the mouth.
It is not certain whether 5-hydroxytryptophan is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. 5-hydroxytryptophan should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
5-hydroxytryptophan is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be 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 be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
Down syndrome; or
a nerve-muscle disorder; or
problems with your muscles.
Taking 5-hydroxytryptophan while you are pregnant is possibly unsafe. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.
Taking 5-hydroxytryptophan while you are breast-feeding is possibly unsafe. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take 5-hydroxytryptophan?
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