Here are five facts regarding the over-the-counter supplement 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
5-HTP Is Made from Seeds
5-Hydroxytryptophan is regarded as a dietary supplement and alternative medicine. It is made from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia.
5-HTP May Be Harmful for Pregnant Women
No data exist to say with any authority that 5-Hydroxytryptophan will or will not be harmful to an unborn baby. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that pregnant women not take any product containing 5-Hydroxytryptophan without first discussing it with their health care provider. They should do this if they are pregnant or if they plan to become pregnant.
Furthermore, 5-Hydroxytryptophan might be transmitted to a nursing baby through breast milk, so nursing mothers should also discuss this with their health care professional.
5-HTP Is Used for Several Conditions
As an alternative medicine, 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been used for many different conditions, though its efficacy has not been proven in many of them:
5-HTP Interacts with Sunlight
People who are taking products containing 5-Hydroxytryptophan are advised to avoid both sunlight and tanning beds (people should probably avoid tanning beds whether taking this supplement or not). The reason is because 5-Hydroxytryptophan can cause a person to develop a sunburn more quickly and easily than if he or she were not taking it. Protective clothing as well as sunscreen that is rated at SPF-15 or higher are recommended for those who will be outdoors.
5-HTP Interacts with Other Drugs
It is recommended that people NOT take supplements containing 5-Hydroxytryptophan if they are also taking the following medications:
- Cough medicine containing dextromethorphan
- Antidepressants including Prozac, Elavil, Zoloft, Paxil, Anafranil, Celexa and others in this class
- MAO inhibitors like Nardil, Marplan, or Eldepryl
- Narcotic pain medication
- St. John's Wort
- Parkinson's medication such as levodopa
Since this list is incomplete, people should always remember to discuss taking this supplement first with their health care provider. They should also discuss it with their pharmacist.
