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5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

This tag is associated with 3 posts

5-HTP: Are antidepressants effective, and if so why?

5-HTP might be as effective as SSRI antidepressants like Prozac. But that might not be saying much. Most (if not all) of the benefits of SSRIs “are due to the placebo effect,” a re-analysis of FDA studies found. Antidepressants and 5-HTP may work in ways that don’t involve boosting serotonin. Continue reading

How safe are 5-HTP supplements?

A task force composed of 31 leading academics and clinicians from 15 countries concluded—based on Grade A level evidence—that 5-HTP has “Acceptable safety data”. Case reports of serious side effects following excessive doses or combinations of certain medications with 5-HTP raises the possibility of risk. . . . Continue reading

5-HTP: Efficacy for Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia

5-HTP might be as effective for depression as Prozac, but the evidence of efficacy is unclear for both the supplement and the antidepressant pharmaceuticals. It’s possible 5-HTP might help some people with either insomnia or anxiety. But the evidence is less clear. . . . Continue reading