5 HTP Side Effects

5 HTP is also known as oxitriptan. It is a natural amino acid and chemical precursor as well as metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan.

Since it has not been comprehensively studied, the side effects cannot be really established as well as its drug interactions. However there are still noted 5 HTP side effects. The oral form of 5 HTP results in an increase in urinary 5-HIAA, a serotonin metabolite, indicating that 5-HTP is peripherally metabolized to serotonin, which is metabolized. As a result this can give false positive result in tests looking for carcinoid syndrome. 5 HTP is also known to cause hypertension as it increases plasma rennin activity.

What is 5 HTP Commonly Used For?

sleep disorders anxiety depression premenstrual dysphoric disorder premenstrual syndrome seizures

Parkinson’s disease fibromyalgia migraine headaches attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

When a patient is over dosed of this substance it may cause heart valve damage or disease which is also known as cardiac fibrosis. When this substance is combined with MAOIs or SSRIs, it can cause acute serotonin syndrome. When this substance is combined with carbidopa as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, it can cause nausea and vomiting. It is also known to cause eosinophilia –myalgia syndrome which is a serious condition which results in extreme muscle tenderness, myalgia and blood abnormalities.

Patients who also have certain medical conditions must be aware of the side effects or adverse effects of this substance. People with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, post-stroke and post heart attack, extremely elderly persons, those with Parkinson’s disease, cancer or autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus, lung diseases, chronic alcoholism, liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, parasitic infection, persons with AIDS, anorexia nervosa, low protein diets, people with severe allergies, myalgia or persistent pain and weakness of the muscles, peripheral neuropathy or pain weakness of the muscles, rash or flushing, edema, nausea, diarrhea, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and women who are pregnant should not take this substance.

Patients taking certain medication are also not advised to take this medication such as people taking antidepressant drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, tricyclic medications, weight loss medications such as dextenfluramine, anti-Parkinson medication, barbiturates and tranquilizing drugs, antihistamines and cold medication, people taking alcoholic beverages, persons taking illegal intravenous drugs, persons taking chemotherapy and persons taking antibiotic medications.

It is therefore best to seek the advice of a medical doctor before taking any substance or drug treatment to avoid any adverse effects or unnecessary side effects.