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 Metabolic Maintenance with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 572 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are 5-HTP, Vitamin B6, Glycine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against 5-HTP by Metabolic Maintenance
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with 5-HTP by Metabolic Maintenance — 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 Metabolic Maintenance
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 three active ingredients. The main one is 5-HTP, an amino acid that your body converts to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and sleep.
Glycine is another amino acid with some evidence in schizophrenia. Vitamin B6 (supplied as pyridoxal 5-phosphate, its active form) is a B vitamin your body needs for nerve function and metabolism.
The capsule itself is vegetarian.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
5-HTP is rated possibly effective for depression based on available evidence. The data we hold doesn't establish its effectiveness for other conditions like panic disorder or Alzheimer's disease.
Glycine is rated possibly effective for schizophrenia but has insufficient evidence for ADHD, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), cystic fibrosis, and a rare condition called 3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency. Vitamin B6 is effective for vitamin B6 deficiency, sideroblastic anemia, and pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, and likely effective for high homocysteine levels; it's possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting under medical supervision.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
5-HTP is generally well tolerated in the short term, but the safety data advises against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient information. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, headache, and insomnia — often dose-related and sometimes easing with continued use.
Rare but serious effects include hallucinations, mania, and aggression. Glycine is generally well tolerated at typical doses, though long-term safety data are limited and it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless approved by your doctor.
Reported side effects are rare and mild (sedation, nausea, soft stools) and clear quickly if stopped. Vitamin B6 is safe at normal dietary and supplement amounts, but high doses over extended periods can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy), especially at doses exceeding 1,000 mg daily.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you use serotonergic drugs like antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), pain relievers, or migraine medications — Moderate risk of serotonin syndrome. Also verify use with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, opioids), blood pressure medications, the heart medication amiodarone, older seizure drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin), or levodopa for Parkinson's.
If you take clozapine for schizophrenia, notify your pharmacist — glycine may worsen your symptoms.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This product may help with depression, but its 5-HTP component interacts with a wide range of medications — most critically antidepressants and serotonergic drugs, where the risk is real. If you take any blood pressure medication, a heart drug, a seizure drug, a Parkinson's medication, or especially any antidepressant or psychiatric medication, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Avoid 5-HTP and glycine unless your doctor approves.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 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 | Metabolic Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 838287001072 |
| Net contents | 120 Capsule(s); 50 mg |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Aug 23, 2013 |
| DSLD ID | 24704 |
| 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 Metabolic Maintenance, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B6 | 3 mg | 150% |
| Glycine | 220 mg | -- |
| 5-HTP | 50 mg | -- |
| Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate | 5 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: vegetarian capsule
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.
General Statements
V.01
100002C EXP 11/13
Manufactured in a GMP Certified Facility
Formulation
Each preservative-free vegetarian capsule contains only the active ingredients listed on the label.
Excipient-free.
Storage
STORAGE: Keep tightly closed in a dry place; do not expose to excessive heat.
Precautions
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
CAUTION: Do not take with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
Pregnant or lactating women, consult your healthcare professional before taking this product.
FDA Statement of Identity
AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENT
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
DIRECTIONS: One (1) capsule daily as a dietary supplement, or as directed by a Doctor. Best taken between meals or at bedtime.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
5-HTP by Metabolic Maintenance 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 Metabolic Maintenance
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.
Vitamin B6
Interacts with210 drugs
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...
Vitamin B6 monograph & interactionsGlycine
Interacts with1 drug
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid your body makes on its own and that also appears in protein-rich foods. It is most studied for improving sleep q...
Glycine monograph & interactions5-HTP
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...
5-HTP monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
5-HTP by Metabolic Maintenance Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Metabolic Maintenance's 5-HTP contains three active ingredients, and two of them have documented interactions with medications.
The most serious concern is 5-HTP itself, which interacts with serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, certain pain relievers, migraine medications) at Moderate severity — combining them risks serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous buildup of serotonin in your system that can cause agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
5-HTP also has Moderate interactions with CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, alcohol, opioids), which can add up to excessive drowsiness, and with carbidopa, a Parkinson's medication, which may increase restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal 5-phosphate) carries Moderate interactions with blood pressure medications, the heart drug amiodarone, and older seizure medications (phenobarbital and phenytoin) — high doses of B6 can reduce how well those seizure drugs work or increase amiodarone's sensitivity to sunlight.
There's also a Minor interaction with levodopa (a Parkinson's drug) when taken alone, though not when combined with carbidopa.
Glycine has one Moderate interaction: it may worsen symptoms in people taking clozapine for schizophrenia. We could not check Vitamin B6 as a blend component — its individual form (Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate) is listed separately above.
Altogether, these interactions span 570 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 572 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 3 ingredients in 5-HTP interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. 5-HTP Vitamin B6 Glycine
Acetaminophen, 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:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
How Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
How Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
How Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interactionAcetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
How Acetaminophen, Meperidine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with 5-HTP — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Acetazolamide interactionPyridoxal 5-phosphateAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Pyridoxal 5-phosphate + Acetazolamide interactionAlfentanilAlfenta
How Alfentanil interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Alfentanil interactionAliskirenTekturna
How Aliskiren interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Pyridoxal 5-phosphateAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Pyridoxal 5-phosphate + Aliskiren interactionAlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
How Almotriptan interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Almotriptan interactionAlosetronLotronex
How Alosetron interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Alosetron interactionAlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
How Alprazolam interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris
How Ambrisentan interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Pyridoxal 5-phosphateAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Pyridoxal 5-phosphate + Ambrisentan interactionAmilorideAmilamont, Midamor
How Amiloride interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Pyridoxal 5-phosphateAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Pyridoxal 5-phosphate + Amiloride interactionAmiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic
How Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Pyridoxal 5-phosphateAntihypertensive Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Read the full Pyridoxal 5-phosphate + Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionAminoglutethimideCytadren
How Aminoglutethimide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Aminoglutethimide interactionAminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
How Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interactionAmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone
How Amiodarone interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Pyridoxal 5-phosphateAmiodarone (cordarone) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Read the full Pyridoxal 5-phosphate + Amiodarone interactionAmitriptylineElavil
How Amitriptyline interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Amitriptyline interactionAmitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS
How Amitriptyline, Chlordiazepoxide interacts with 5-HTP — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
5-htpCns Depressants, Serotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation might have additive effects.
Read the full 5-htp + 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:
5-htpSerotonergic Drugs, Cns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Combining serotonergic drugs with 5-HTP might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full 5-htp + Amitriptyline, Perphenazine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in 5-HTP with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
5-HTP
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.
Vitamin B6
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Phenobarbital (Luminal)
High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.
Levodopa
Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.
Glycine
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Theoretically, glycine might decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.
One small clinical study in patients with schizophrenia shows that adding glycine to clozapine therapy worsens symptoms of schizophrenia when compared with clozapine alone. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for 5-HTP, from the product label.
Metabolic Maintenance
See all Metabolic Maintenance products- Name
- Metabolic Maintenance Products
- Street Address
- PO Box 940
- City
- Sisters
- State
- Oregon
- ZipCode
- 97759
- Web Address
- www.metabolicmaintenance.com
5-HTP by Metabolic Maintenance: Common Questions
Does 5-HTP by Metabolic Maintenance interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does 5-HTP actually work for depression?
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Why does the label mention vitamin B6 twice?
Is it safe to take this long-term?
What's glycine in here for?
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.
Vitamin B6
Interacts with 210 drugsVitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...
Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monographGlycine
Interacts with 1 drugGlycine is a non-essential amino acid your body makes on its own and that also appears in protein-rich foods. It is most studied for improving sleep quality, where early research is promisin...
Read the full Glycine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph5-htp
Interacts with 398 drugs5-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 research is promising, but the overall evide...
Read the full 5-htp monograph →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 69 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.
Vitamin B6 32 references
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
- Geerling BJ, Dagnelie PC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Diet as a risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1008-13. PubMed
- South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
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