5-HTP Ingredients & Drug Interactions
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 Douglas Laboratories with 1 active ingredient. 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 Douglas Laboratories
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with 5-HTP by Douglas Laboratories — 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 Douglas Laboratories
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 one active ingredient: L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), an amino acid your body naturally uses to make serotonin, the chemical that helps regulate mood and sleep. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable stearate, and the capsule shell itself — which are just fillers and binders.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence shows 5-HTP is possibly effective for depression based on the data we hold. For other conditions — Alzheimer disease, panic disorder, and cerebellar ataxia — there isn't enough reliable evidence to know if it works.
It appears possibly ineffective for Down syndrome.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Short-term, 5-HTP is generally well tolerated, but it does have common side effects: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and insomnia. These tend to be dose-dependent and may ease with continued use.
Rare serious effects include aggression, hallucinations, and mania, especially at high doses or when combined with certain medications. The safety data we hold advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there isn't enough information to know it's safe in either situation.
Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using this product if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this 5-HTP, double-check if you're on serotonergic drugs like antidepressants or migraine medications — combining them is a Moderate concern. Also flag any CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, strong pain relievers) and carbidopa.
Use the medication checker on this page to look up your specific prescriptions.
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 affects serotonin and carries real side effects, so it needs professional guidance. If you take antidepressants, migraine drugs, sleep aids, or carbidopa, check your exact medications with us first.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are off the table based on what we know. Chat with your pharmacist before starting.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.
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 | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 745287200452 |
| Net contents | 100 Vegetarian Capsules |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 23, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 232661 |
| Product type | Amino Acid/protein |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free |
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 Douglas Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| L-5-Hydroxytryptophan | 50 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capsule, Vegetable Stearate
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
Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule, 1-4 times daily or as directed by your health professional.
Precautions
Warning: Not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women. If you have any health condition or are taking any medication, particularly antidepressants or other psychiatric medications, consult your health professional before use.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Use only if safety seal is intact.
Formula
5-HTP capsules contain a natural source of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Formulation
Gluten Free, Non-GMO
Brain serotonin precursor
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
General Statements
Scan to learn about our manufacturing excellence Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
5-HTP by Douglas Laboratories 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 Douglas Laboratories
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.
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 & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capsule, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
5-HTP by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Douglas Laboratories' 5-HTP contains L-5-hydroxytryptophan, which interacts with several medication types.
The most serious documented concern is with serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, migraine medications, and similar serotonin-affecting drugs) — combining them with 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and related side effects. This is a Moderate severity interaction.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to check if you take CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, pain relievers, or other medications that cause drowsiness) — 5-HTP can add to their sedating effects. There's also a Moderate interaction with carbidopa (a Parkinson's medication), which can heighten serotonergic side effects and potentially cause restlessness, anxiety, or mood changes.
Altogether, these interactions span 398 individual medications. Use the medication checker below to look up your exact prescriptions before starting this product.
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 1 ingredient in 5-HTP interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine 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, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, 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, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene 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, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene 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, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane 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, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine 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, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine 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, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
How Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone 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, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants, Serotonergic Drugs 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, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone 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, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine 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, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine 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, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene 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, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide 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 + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil 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 + Alfentanil interactionAlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
How Almotriptan 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 + Almotriptan interactionAlosetronLotronex
How Alosetron 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 + Alosetron interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam 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 + Alprazolam interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide 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 + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide 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 + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine 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 + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionAmitriptylineElavil
How Amitriptyline interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Amitriptyline interactionAmitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS
How Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide 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 + Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interactionAmitriptyline, PerphenazineEtrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil
How Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-5-hydroxytryptophanCns Depressants, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full L-5-hydroxytryptophan + Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interactionAmobarbitalAmytal
How Amobarbital 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 + Amobarbital interactionAmobarbital, Ephedrine SulfateEphedrine & Amytal
How Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate 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 + Amobarbital, Ephedrine Sulfate interactionAmobarbital, SecobarbitalTuinal
How Amobarbital, Secobarbital 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 + Amobarbital, Secobarbital interactionAmoxapineAsendin
How Amoxapine 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 + Amoxapine interactionAmphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine SulfateAdderall, Adderall XR
How Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate 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 + Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate interactionAprobarbital, Butabarbital, PhenobarbitalTriple Barbital
How Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, Phenobarbital 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 + Aprobarbital, Butabarbital, Phenobarbital 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.
Douglas Laboratories
See all Douglas Laboratories products- Name
- Douglas Laboratories
- Street Address
- 600 Boyce Road
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15205
- Phone Number
- 1.800.245.4440
- Web Address
- www.douglaslabs.com
5-HTP by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions
Does 5-HTP by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
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Can I take this if I'm on an antidepressant?
What are the common side effects?
Is this safe to take during pregnancy?
Does this work for depression?
Can I take this with sleep aids?
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.
- Takahashi S, Kondo H, Kato N. Effect of l-5-hydroxytryptophan on brain monoamine metabolism and evaluation of its clinical effect in depressed patients. J Psychiatr Res 1975;12:177-87. PubMed
- Iovieno, N., Dalton, E. D., Fava, M., and Mischoulon, D. Second-tier natural antidepressants: review and critique. J Affect.Disord. 2011;130(3):343-357. PubMed
- den Boer JA, Westenberg HG. Behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan administration in panic disorder. Psychiatry Res 1990;31:267-78. PubMed
- Jangid P, Malik P, Singh P, Sharma M, Gulia AK. Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode. Asian J Psychiatr 2013;6:29-34. PubMed
- Ceci F, Cangiano C, Cairella M, et al. The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects. J Neural Transm 1989;76:109-17. PubMed
- Angst J, Woggon B, Schoepf J. The treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus imipramine. Results of two open and one double-blind study. Arch Psychiatr Nervenkr 1977;224:175-86. DOI
- Titus F, Dávalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol 1986;25:327-9. PubMed
- De Benedittis G, Massei R. Serotonin precursors in chronic primary headache. A double-blind cross-over study with L-5-hydroxytryptophan vs. placebo. J Neurosurg Sci 1985;29:239-48.
- Van Woert, M. H., Rosenbaum, D., Howieson, J., and Bowers, M. B., Jr. Long-term therapy of myoclonus and other neurologic disorders with L-5- hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa. N Engl J Med 1-13-1977;296(2):70-75. PubMed
- Wyatt, R. J., Vaughan, T., Galanter, M., Kaplan, J., and Green, R. Behavioral changes of chronic schizophrenic patients given L-5- hydroxytryptophan. Science 9-22-1972;177(54):1124-1126. PubMed
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