5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP and oxitriptan, is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor as well as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan. It is available over the counter in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada as a dietary supplement and often used as an antidepressant, sleep aid, and appetite suppressant. In some European countries, it is marketed as a prescription drug for the treatment of major depression.

5-Hydroxytryptophan
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	5-HTP, Oxitriptan, Cincofarm, Levothym, Levotonine, Oxyfan, Telesol, Tript-OH, and Triptum
Substitutive name	5-Hydroxytryptophan
Systematic name	2-amino-3-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Nootropic
Chemical class	Tryptamine / Amino acid
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. ⇣ Oral Dosage Threshold 25 mg Light 50 - 100 mg Common 100 - 300 mg Strong 300 - 500 mg Heavy 500 mg + Duration DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Interactions
SSRIs
SNRIs
Serotonin releasers
MAOIs
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tramadol

5-HTP is also used by users of MDMA and other serotonin-releasing agents to reduce the negative after effects that occur during the drug's come down period, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive fatigue. Since 5-HTP is a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and MDMA depletes serotonin levels in the brain, it is believed that taking 5-HTP after coming down will speed the production of serotonin.

5-HTP should not be taken until 12 hours after the MDMA was last dosed because combining the two drugs could result in a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

Chemistry

This chemistry section is incomplete. You can help by adding to it.

Pharmacology

The psychoactive action of 5-HTP is derived from its increase in production of serotonin in central nervous system tissue. 5-HTP is decarboxylated to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) by the enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase with the help of vitamin B6. This reaction occurs both in nervous tissue and in the liver. 5-HTP crosses the blood–brain barrier, while 5-HT does not.

Subjective effects

This subjective effects section is a stub. As such, it is still in progress and may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding or correcting it.

Physical effects

For some individuals, 5-HTP can cause the following side effects (although rare).

• Heartburn
• Stomach bloating
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

Toxicity and harm potential

Due to the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin by the liver, with prolonged use there may be a significant risk of heart valve disease from serotonin's effect on the heart, which is thought to be due to agonism of the 5HT-2b receptor present on it.

It has been suggested that 5-HTP may cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition which results in extreme muscle tenderness, myalgia, and blood abnormalities. However, there is evidence to show that EMS was likely caused by a contaminant in certain 5-HTP supplements instead of the drug itself.

Dangerous interactions

Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

Combinations in the list below may increase the amount of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, to dangerous or even fatal levels, resulting in life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - When combined with antidepressants of the SSRI class, high doses of 5-HTP can cause acute serotonin syndrome in rats.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Serotonin releasers such as MDMA, 4-FA, MDAI and αMT - To prevent serotonin syndrome, 5-HTP should only be taken once the user has come down from the MDMA (or other serotonin releaser), roughly 12 hours after the last dose.
• MAOIs such as syrian rue, banisteriopsis caapi, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7, αMT, and some antidepressants - When combined with antidepressants of the MAOI class, high doses of 5-HTP can cause acute serotonin syndrome in rats.
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Tramadol

Legal issues

This legality section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.

5-HTP is commonly sold over the counter as a health supplement in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

See also

• Serotonin syndrome
• MDMA
• MDAI
• MDA

External links

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (Wikipedia)
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (UM Medical Center)
• 5-HTP (Examine.com)
• 5-HTP (Drugs.com)