5-HTP Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Biotics Research Corporation
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking 5-HTP against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
5-HTP is a dietary supplement by Biotics Research Corporation with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low mood or depression, anxiety and stress, sleep problems.Based on those ingredients, 398 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-5-Hydroxytryptophan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against 5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with 5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of 5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains 3 ingredients. The active ingredient is L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a compound your body naturally produces and uses to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and appetite.
It also contains Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase, which are enzymes. The remaining ingredients are gelatin and water, used to form the capsule.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
For depression, 5-HTP is rated possibly effective — some evidence suggests it may help, but the proof isn't yet solid. For other conditions listed in our data — Alzheimer's disease, panic disorder, and cerebellar ataxia — the evidence is either insufficient to draw conclusions or points toward ineffectiveness (in the case of Down syndrome).
Talk with your doctor about whether 5-HTP makes sense for what you're treating.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
When taken by mouth short-term, 5-HTP is generally well tolerated, though it does cause side effects in some people. The most common are stomach upset — nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea — along with dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite.
These tend to be dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts. Rare but serious side effects include aggression, hallucinations, and mania.
The safety data advises against using 5-HTP during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you start, double-check if you take serotonergic drugs (including most antidepressants, certain migraine or pain medications, and others that affect serotonin), sedating medications (sleep aids, antihistamines, anxiety drugs), or carbidopa. These are the medication types with documented interactions.
Your pharmacist can search your specific medications using the tool on this page.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
5-HTP may help some people with depression, but it works on serotonin and can cause drowsiness, nausea, and other side effects. If you take antidepressants, other serotonergic drugs, sleep aids, or carbidopa, you need to check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
It's not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2013.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about 5-HTP, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Biotics Research Corporation |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 150 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | May 24, 2013 |
| DSLD ID | 21397 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for 5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| L-5-Hydroxytryptophan | 50 mg | -- |
| Superoxide Dismutase | 45 mcg | -- |
| Catalase | 45 mcg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Water
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
RECOMMENDATION: One (1) capsule two (2) times each day as a dietary supplement or as otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.
Precautions
Caution: Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
General Statements
Sealed with an imprinted safety seal for your protection.
Specially grown, biologically active vegetable culture containing naturally associated phytochemicals including polyphenolic compounds with SOD and catalase, dehydrated at low temperature to preserve associated enzyme factors.
General
Rev. 9/09
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Brand IP Statement(s)
(C)Copyright 2009
Storage
Store in a cool, dry area.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in 5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan
Interacts with398 drugs
5-HTP is a compound your body uses to make serotonin, and people take it as a supplement hoping to improve mood, sleep, and headaches. Some early rese...
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan monograph & interactionsSuperoxide Dismutase
Catalase
Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation contains L-5-Hydroxytryptophan, which interacts with several medication types.
The most serious concern is with serotonergic drugs — medications that work on serotonin pathways, like many antidepressants, migraine drugs, and others. Combining them with 5-HTP could theoretically increase the risk of serotonin syndrome (a rare but serious condition marked by confusion, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, and high fever), though documented cases are limited.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to check if you take sedating medications (CNS depressants) — things like sleep aids, antihistamines, or anxiety medications. 5-HTP can cause drowsiness on its own, and adding it to drugs that already cause sedation could make that effect stronger.
Additionally, if you take carbidopa (Lodosyn), a Parkinson's medication, the combination raises the risk of serotonin-related side effects including restlessness, rapid speech, anxiety, and insomnia.
We could not check two other ingredients in this product — Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase — because we hold no interaction data for them. Altogether, these interactions span 398 individual medications.
Use the medication checker below to look up your exact prescriptions before starting this supplement.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against 5-HTP?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in 5-HTP interact with 398 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 3 ingredients in 5-HTP interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Codeine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interactionAcetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
How Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, DextromethorphanTylenol Cough Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in 5-HTP with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan
Carbidopa (Lodosyn)
Combining 5-HTP and carbidopa can increase the risk of serotonergic side effects.
Carbidopa is sometimes used with 5-HTP to minimize peripheral 5-HTP metabolism and boost the amount that reaches the brain. However, this combination might also increase the risk of some side effects including hypomania, restlessness, rapid speech, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressiveness. Combining carbidopa and 5-HTP might also increase the risk of scleroderma-like skin changes due to elevated serotonin levels.
Cns Depressants
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
In clinical trials, 5-HTP has been associated with drowsiness and somnolence.
Serotonergic Drugs
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
5-HTP can increase serotonin levels and cause serotonergic effects. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. However, serotonin syndrome with 5-HTP has not yet been reported in humans. Monitor patients for signs of serotonin syndrome and other serotonergic side effects if using 5-HTP with serotonergic drugs.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for 5-HTP, from the product label.
Biotics Research Corporation
See all Biotics Research Corporation products- Name
- BIOTICS RESEARCH CORP.
- City
- Rosenberg
- State
- Texas
- Phone Number
- (281) 344-0909
5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation: Common Questions
Does 5-HTP by Biotics Research Corporation interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What is 5-HTP and what does it do?
Can I take 5-HTP if I'm on an antidepressant?
What are the most common side effects?
Is 5-HTP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Does 5-HTP actually work for depression?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if 5-HTP is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind 5-HTP’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
5-HTP's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 32 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
5-htp 32 references
- Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: A Clinically-Effective Serotonin Precursor. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:271-80.
- Michelson D, Page SW, Casey R, et al. An eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome related disorder associated with exposure to L-5-hydroxytryptophan. J Rheumatol 1994;21:2261-5.
- Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cancino A, et al. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:863-7. PubMed
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Impurities confirmed in dietary supplement 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. FDA Talk Paper, August 31, 1998; T98-48.
- Sternberg EM, Van Woert MH, Young SN, et al. Development of a scleroderma-like illness during therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa. N Engl J Med 1980;303:782-7. PubMed
- Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24:53-81.
- Ribeiro CA. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Headache 2000;40:451-6.
- U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements. Information Paper on L-Tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, February 2001.
- Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
- Johnson KL, Klarskov K, Benson LM, et al. Presence of peak X and related compounds: the reported contaminant in case related 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol 1999;26:2714-7.
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