Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

5-HTP Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Orzax

5-HTP Complex label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking 5-HTP Complex 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

5-HTP Complex is a dietary supplement by Orzax with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for preventing neural tube birth defects, treating or preventing folate deficiency, supporting pregnancy health.Based on those ingredients, 1,327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Rhodiola, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, L-Tryptophan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against 5-HTP Complex by Orzax

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with 5-HTP Complex by Orzax — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of 5-HTP Complex by Orzax

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Orzax 5-HTP Complex contains five active ingredients. The product includes folic acid, which supports cell function and is especially important for preventing birth defects and managing certain nutrient deficiencies; riboflavin (vitamin B2), a B vitamin involved in energy production; L-tryptophan, an amino acid your body converts to serotonin; 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is closer to serotonin in that conversion chain; and rhodiola, a plant extract.

The capsule itself is made from vegetable material, and the other ingredients listed are inactive — microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate function as binding and anti-caking agents.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mood support and stress adaptation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Panic disorder, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: 5-htp is rated "Possibly Effective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Folic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Depression.
  • Also on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Depression.

Evidence for this product's individual ingredients is mixed. Folic acid is effective for folate deficiency and likely effective for preventing methotrexate toxicity and neural tube birth defects; it's possibly effective for depression and cognitive impairment.

5-HTP is possibly effective for depression. Riboflavin, L-tryptophan, and rhodiola have no established effectiveness ratings in our data for any condition.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish how well the combination of these ingredients works for any particular purpose.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Folic Acid Riboflavin L-tryptophan Rhodiola 5-htp

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these ingredients are generally well tolerated at standard doses, but there are important cautions. Folic acid is generally safe and recommended during pregnancy at standard prenatal doses to prevent birth defects; it's safe while breastfeeding at normal amounts.

Riboflavin is very safe and needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, though you should check with your provider before high-dose supplements. L-tryptophan requires caution — it caused a contamination scare in the past and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Common side effects from L-tryptophan include drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. 5-HTP is also best avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding; common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, and dizziness, often dose-dependent.

Rhodiola is generally well tolerated short-term but its long-term safety isn't well studied; avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. High-dose folic acid (15 mg daily) can cause confusion, irritability, sleep disturbances, nausea, and altered taste; very large doses carry rare risks including seizures and liver injury.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Folic Acid Riboflavin L-tryptophan Rhodiola 5-htp

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — L-tryptophan, 5-htp, Rhodiola, Riboflavin, Folic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 1,328 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this, check with your pharmacist if you're on seizure medications (phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), CNS depressants (sleeping pills, anxiety medications, pain drugs, alcohol), serotonergic antidepressants or migraine drugs, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, cancer treatments (especially methotrexate, capecitabine, or 5-fluorouracil), carbidopa, losartan, tetracycline antibiotics, or immunosuppressants. The CNS depressant interaction (Major severity) is especially important if you take sedatives or opioids.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take any prescription medication, especially for seizures, blood pressure, blood sugar, depression, anxiety, sleep, or pain, you need to check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before starting — several ingredients here have meaningful interactions. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product fits your current medication regimen.

Pregnant people and those breastfeeding should avoid this product unless their provider specifically recommends it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 23, 2024.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about 5-HTP Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Orzax
Barcode (UPC) 860007863240
Net contents 120 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 310477
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Halal, Dairy Free
From the label
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 Complex by Orzax, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
860007863240
IngredientAmount% DV
Folic Acid400 mcg100%
Riboflavin2.8 mg215%
L-Tryptophan100 mg--
Rhodiola100 mg--
5-Hydroxytryptophan100 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
Formula

5-HTP an L-tryptophan are crucial for the production of serotonin which is the key neurotransmitter responsible for modulating mood. Rhodiola is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. Riboflavin and folic acid also help regulate and improve mood. Orzax 5-HTP Complex helps promote positive mood, and supports healthy energy levels.

Halal

100 mg 5-HTP with L-Tryptophan, Rhodiola, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B2

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily, or as recommended by a physician.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Precautions

Caution: Keep this product out of the reach of children.

Do not use if damaged or open containers. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Seek medical advice if an undesired effect is observed.

If pregnant, nursing or taking medication, consult your physician before use.

Sealed for security

Storage

Store at room temperature in a dry place.

Formulation

Dairy free

Promotes a positive mood Supports healthy energy levels.

Made in Turkey

Seals/Symbols

Halal GMP Good manufacturing practice

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

5-HTP Complex by Orzax label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

5-HTP Complex label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in 5-HTP Complex by Orzax

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Folic Acid

Interacts with
40 drugs
400 mcg per serving

Folic acid is the man-made form of vitamin B9 and is one of the most well-studied supplements, especially for preventing serious birth defects when ta...

Folic Acid monograph & interactions

Riboflavin

Interacts with
20 drugs
2.8 mg per serving Form: Vitamin B2

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient your body needs to turn food into energy and to keep skin, eyes, and nerves healthy. It is generally...

Riboflavin monograph & interactions

L-Tryptophan

Interacts with
394 drugs
100 mg per serving

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, and people take it to support sleep and mood. The evidence for...

L-Tryptophan monograph & interactions

Rhodiola

Interacts with
1,271 drugs
100 mg per serving

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue...

Rhodiola monograph & interactions

5-Hydroxytryptophan

Interacts with
398 drugs
100 mg per serving

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-Hydroxytryptophan monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

5-HTP Complex by Orzax Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 5-HTP Complex?

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 checker
1,327Drugs
248 Major 762 Moderate 317 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Rhodiola 1,271
5-Hydroxytryptophan 398
L-Tryptophan 394
Folic Acid 40
Riboflavin 20

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in 5-HTP Complex interact with 1,327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in 5-HTP Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Rhodiola 5-Hydroxytryptophan L-Tryptophan Folic Acid Riboflavin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 5-HTP Complex 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.

Rhodiola10 drug types · 1,271 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract can decrease blood glucose due to alpha-glucosidase activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP2C9. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. Also, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, rhodiola use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro and animal research show that rhodiola has immunostimulatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Rhodiola might increase the levels and adverse effects of losartan.
A clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits P-glycoprotein. Theoretically, using rhodiola with P-glycoprotein substrates might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidepressant Drugs

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with antidepressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of tachyarrhythmias, myalgia, arthralgia, gum pain, restless leg syndrome, swallowing disorders, and changes in consciousness when rhodiola was taken in combination with paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and/or duloxetine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with CNS depressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of excessive sedation, myoclonus, hypotension, and hallucinations when rhodiola was taken with haloperidol, diazepam, or alprazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP1A2. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP3A4. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rhodiola full monograph & interactions

5-Hydroxytryptophan3 drug types · 398 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
5-Hydroxytryptophan full monograph & interactions

L-Tryptophan2 drug types · 394 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-tryptophan with CNS depressants might cause additive sedative effects.
Clinical research shows that L-tryptophan can cause fatigue and drowsiness.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with L-tryptophan might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Tryptophan full monograph & interactions

Folic Acid7 drug types · 40 drugs

5-Fluorouracil

Theoretically, high doses of folic acid might increase the toxicity of 5-fluorouracil.
Increases in gastrointestinal side effects of 5-fluorouracil, such as stomatitis and diarrhea, have been described in two clinical studies when leucovorin, a form of folic acid, was administered with 5-fluorouracil.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Capecitabine (Xeloda)

Use of high-dose folic acid might contribute to capecitabine toxicity.
Clinical research suggests that higher serum folate levels are associated with an increased risk for moderate or severe toxicity during capecitabine-based treatment for colorectal cancer. Additionally, in one case report, taking folic acid 15 mg daily might have contributed to increased toxicity, including severe diarrhea, vomiting, edema, hand-foot syndrome, and eventually death, in a patient prescribed capecitabine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Folic acid might reduce the efficacy of methotrexate as a cancer treatment when given concurrently.
Methotrexate exerts its cytotoxic effects by preventing conversion of folic acid to the active form needed by cells. There is some evidence that folic acid supplements reduce the efficacy of methotrexate in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and theoretically they could reduce its efficacy in the treatment of other cancers. Advise cancer patients to consult their oncologist before using folic acid supplements. In patients treated with long-term, low-dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis, folic acid supplements can reduce the incidence of side effects, without reducing efficacy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on phenobarbital and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of phenobarbital and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Folic acid might reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients.
Folic acid may be a cofactor in phenytoin metabolism. Folic acid, in doses of 1 mg daily or more, can reduce serum levels of phenytoin in some patients. Increases in seizure frequency have been reported. If folic acid supplements are added to established phenytoin therapy, monitor serum phenytoin levels closely. If phenytoin and folic acid are started at the same time and continued together, adverse changes in phenytoin pharmacokinetics are avoided. Note that phenytoin also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Primidone (Mysoline)

Folic acid might have antagonistic effects on primidone and increase the risk for seizures.
Folic acid can have direct convulsant activity in some people, reversing the effects of primidone and worsening seizure control. Monitor closely for increased seizure activity. Note that primidone also reduces serum folate levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pyrimethamine (Daraprim)

Folic acid might antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine.
Folic acid can antagonize the antiparasitic effects of pyrimethamine against toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Folic acid doesn't antagonize the effects of pyrimethamine in the treatment of malaria, because malarial parasites cannot use exogenous folic acid. Use folinic acid as an alternative to folic acid when indicated.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Folic Acid full monograph & interactions

Riboflavin1 drug type · 20 drugs

Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, taking riboflavin with tetracycline antibiotics may decrease the potency of these antibiotics.
In vitro research suggests that riboflavin may inhibit the potency of tetracycline antibiotics. It is not clear if this effect is clinically significant, as this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Riboflavin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for 5-HTP Complex, from the product label.

Orzax

See all Orzax products
Name
Orzax Inc.
Street Address
901 Mittel Drive
City
Wood Dale
State
IL
ZipCode
60191
Web Address
www.orzax.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

5-HTP Complex by Orzax: Common Questions

Does 5-HTP Complex by Orzax interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 5-HTP Complex has a known interaction with 1,327 medications, including 248 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
5-HTP Complex contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this product safe to take while I'm pregnant?
The ingredients have conflicting safety data. Folic acid is actually recommended during pregnancy at standard prenatal doses to prevent birth defects. However, L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, and rhodiola don't have enough safety information — the data advises against them in pregnancy. Because the product contains ingredients you should avoid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Folic acid and riboflavin are safe at normal recommended doses while breastfeeding. L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, and rhodiola lack sufficient safety data — it's best to avoid them while nursing. Since this product contains ingredients with insufficient data, check with your healthcare provider first.
What is 5-HTP and what's it supposed to do?
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid your body makes naturally and uses to produce serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood and sleep. In our data, 5-HTP is possibly effective for depression, but evidence for other uses isn't established.
What are the most common side effects?
The most frequent side effects from the serotonin-related ingredients (L-tryptophan and 5-HTP) are nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, and dizziness. These are often dose-dependent. Rhodiola may cause dizziness or dry mouth. Folic acid and riboflavin are generally very well tolerated at normal doses.
Why does the interaction count say over 1,300 medications?
That's the total number of individual drugs across all five ingredients' interactions combined. Folic acid alone affects many seizure and cancer medications; L-tryptophan and 5-HTP affect dozens of serotonergic and sedating drugs; and rhodiola affects blood pressure, diabetes, and enzyme-metabolized medications. The actual number you need to worry about depends on what you personally take.
Is this product safe for people with depression?
Folic acid and 5-HTP are both possibly effective for depression according to our data, so the ingredients themselves may be helpful. However, if you're already taking an antidepressant, there's a theoretical risk of serotonin-related side effects. You absolutely need to check with your pharmacist or doctor before adding this to antidepressant therapy.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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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.

5-HTP Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 5-HTP Complex’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Folic Acid

Interacts with 40 drugs

Folic acid is the man-made form of vitamin B9 and is one of the most well-studied supplements, especially for preventing serious birth defects when taken before and during early pregnancy. I...

Read the full Folic Acid monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Riboflavin

Interacts with 20 drugs

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient your body needs to turn food into energy and to keep skin, eyes, and nerves healthy. It is generally very safe at typical doses, and the stro...

Read the full Riboflavin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

L-tryptophan

Interacts with 394 drugs

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, and people take it to support sleep and mood. The evidence for supplement use is limited and mixed, and...

Read the full L-tryptophan monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rhodiola

Interacts with 1,271 drugs

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue and improve mood, but the evidence is li...

Read the full Rhodiola monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

5-htp

Interacts with 398 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 research is promising, but the overall evide...

Read the full 5-htp monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

5-HTP Complex'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.

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 124 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.

Folic Acid 56 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Duhra P. Treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with methotrexate therapy for psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993;28:466-9. PubMed
  3. Morgan SL, Baggott JE, Vaughn WH, et al. Supplementation with folic acid during methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 1994;121:833-41. PubMed
  4. Froscher W, Maier V, Laage M, et al. Folate deficiency, anticonvulsant drugs, and psychiatric morbidity. Clin Neuropharmacol 1995;18:165-82. PubMed
  5. Lewis DP, Van Dyke DC, Willhite LA, et al. Phenytoin-folic acid interaction. Ann Pharmacother 1995;29:726-35. PubMed
  6. Berg MJ, Stumbo PJ, Chenard CA, et al. Folic acid improves phenytoin pharmacokinetics. J Am Diet Assoc 1995;95:352-6. PubMed
  7. Berg MJ, Fincham RW, Ebert BE, et al. Phenytoin pharmacokinetics: Before and after folic acid administration. Epilepsia 1992;33:712-20. PubMed
  8. Shafer RB, Nuttall FQ. Calcium and folic acid absorption in patients taking anticonvulsant drugs. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1975;41:1125-9. PubMed
  9. Leeb BF, Witzmann G, Ogris E, et al. Folic acid and cyanocobalamin levels in serum and erythrocytes during low-dose methotrexate therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis patients. Clin Exp Rheumatol 1995;13:459-63.
  10. Morgan SL, Baggott JE, Lee JY, Alarcón GS. Folic acid supplementation prevents deficient blood folate levels and hyperhomocysteinemia during longterm, low dose methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: implications for cardiovascular disease preventi
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L-tryptophan 18 references
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Rhodiola 13 references
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5-htp 32 references
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