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Dietary supplement

5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natrol

Tablet Or Pill Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg is a dietary supplement by Natrol 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 5-HTP. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol

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

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: 5-HTP, a compound your body naturally makes from the amino acid tryptophan and uses to produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter tied to mood and relaxation. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients—cellulose, calcium phosphate, silica, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and other binders and capsule materials—that give it form and stability.

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 relaxation.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Migraine headache, Obesity — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: 5-htp is rated "Possibly Effective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: 5-htp is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Migraine headache, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, and more.

5-HTP is rated possibly effective for depression, meaning there's some evidence it may help, but it's not conclusive. For other conditions in the product's monograph—Alzheimer disease, panic disorder, and cerebellar ataxia—the evidence isn't established enough to say either way.

Down syndrome is rated possibly ineffective. The bottom line: if you're considering 5-HTP for mood support, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the evidence fits your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Orally, 5-HTP is generally well tolerated in the short term. The most common side effects are stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and loss of appetite—and these tend to be dose-dependent (worse at higher doses).

A small number of people have experienced rare serious effects like aggression, hallucinations, or mania. Some gastrointestinal side effects may ease with continued use.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe for you or your baby. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor before taking this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient 5-htp

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — 5-htp.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 398 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 you take this, check with your pharmacist if you're on serotonergic drugs (antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, or certain pain and migraine medications)—Moderate risk of serotonin syndrome. Also double-check if you take CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, opioids, or antihistamines)—Moderate risk of added drowsiness.

And if you take carbidopa for Parkinson's disease, let your pharmacist know—Moderate risk of increased serotonergic side effects.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

5-HTP may be worth considering if you're looking for mood support and you don't take serotonergic antidepressants, migraine drugs, or other serotonin-raising medications, and you're not sensitive to drowsiness or stomach upset. If you take any prescription medication, especially for mood, pain, or sleep, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your pharmacist first.

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 Oct 25, 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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Natrol
Barcode (UPC) 047469056919
Net contents 0 Not Present
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 25, 2013
DSLD ID 26953
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
047469056919
IngredientAmount% DV
5-HTP100 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Silica, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Methylcellulose, Glycerin

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.
General Statements

Mood Support

12-Hour Time Release Formula Promotes Calm & Relaxed Mood Helps Control Appetite

5-HTP has been the subject of extensive clinical research demonstrating its beneficial effects on mood.

JUL 2013

Precautions

Do not use with other supplements containing L-tryptophan or 5-HTP.

Do not use if you are pregnant, lactating or under the age of 18 years.

Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you have or suspect a medical condition or are taking prescription drugs, including drugs for depression, migraines, Parkinson's disease, or psychiatric disorders.

Do not use if you are pregnant, lactating or under the age of 18 years.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Formulation

100% Drug Free

100% Vegetarian.

No Yeast, Wheat, Corn, Milk, Egg, Soy, Glutens, Artificial Colors or Flavors, Added Sugar or Preservatives.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Natrol(R) 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation is a drug-free, plant-derived source of an amino acid that naturally increases the body's level of serotonin, the chemical messenger that affects emotions, behavior, appetite, thought and sleep. Today's stress-filled lifestyles and dietary practices may negatively alter serotonin metabolism, which can cause irritability. Regular use of Natrol(R) 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation helps provide a more positive outlook, promotes relaxation, calm and greater appetite control.

Natrol(R) 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation has a controlled delivery system that release 5-HTP slowly and then steadily over a period of 12 hours.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1 tablet, up to two times daily, with a meal.

General

ITEM: 447497 F: 3001864 S: 2006476-11151

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

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 any disease.

See for yourself

5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

5-HTP

Interacts with
398 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Griffonia simplicifolia

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 & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Silica, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Methylcellulose, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg?

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
398Drugs
398 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

5-HTP 398

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg 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.

5-HTP3 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg, from the product label.

Natrol

See all Natrol products
Name
Natrol, Inc.
City
Chatsworth
State
CA
ZipCode
91311
Phone Number
800.262.8765
Web Address
www.natrol.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol: Common Questions

Does 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg by Natrol interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg has a known interaction with 398 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
What does 5-HTP actually do?
5-HTP is a naturally occurring compound your body uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and relaxation. This supplement provides extra 5-HTP to potentially boost serotonin levels. It's rated possibly effective for depression, but the evidence isn't conclusive.
Will this make me drowsy?
Drowsiness and fatigue are among the most common side effects reported in trials. If you're already taking sedating medications or sleep aids, that risk goes up. Starting with a lower dose may help you see how your body responds.
Can I take this if I'm on an antidepressant?
That depends on which antidepressant you take. Many antidepressants (like SSRIs) are serotonergic, and combining them with 5-HTP carries a Moderate risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome. You need to check with your pharmacist about your specific medication before starting.
What stomach issues might I get?
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are the most common gastrointestinal side effects, and they tend to be worse at higher doses or when doses are increased quickly. The good news: some people find these effects improve with continued use.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, the safety data advises against it. There isn't enough information to know whether it's safe for you or your baby. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor before taking 5-HTP.
How many active ingredients are in this product?
Just one: 5-HTP. The rest are inactive ingredients like cellulose and binders that give the tablet its form.

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

Not sure if 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 Mood & Relaxation 100 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

5-HTP Mood & Relaxation 100 mg'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 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
  1. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: A Clinically-Effective Serotonin Precursor. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:271-80.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Impurities confirmed in dietary supplement 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. FDA Talk Paper, August 31, 1998; T98-48.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. den Boer JA, Westenberg HG. Behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan administration in panic disorder. Psychiatry Res 1990;31:267-78. PubMed
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. Chase, T. N., Ng, L. K., and Watanabe, A. M. Parkinson's disease. Modification by 5-hydroxytryptophan. Neurology 1972;22(5):479-484.
  22. van Hiele LJ. l-5-Hydroxytryptophan in depression: the first substitution therapy in psychiatry? The treatment of 99 out-patients with 'therapy-resistant' depressions. Neuropsychobiology 1980;6:230-40. PubMed
  23. Pranzatelli, M. R., Tate, E., Huang, Y., Haas, R. H., Bodensteiner, J., Ashwal, S., and Franz, D. Neuropharmacology of progressive myoclonus epilepsy: response to 5- hydroxy-L-tryptophan. Epilepsia 1995;36(8):783-791. PubMed
  24. Trouillas P, Serratrice G, Laplane D, et al. Levorotatory form of 5-hydroxytryptophan in Friedreich's ataxia. Results of a double-blind drug-placebo cooperative study. Arch Neurol 1995;52:456-60. PubMed
  25. Bastard, J., Truelle, J. L., and Emile, J. [Effectiveness of 5 hydroxy-tryptophan in Parkinson's disease]. Nouv Presse Med 9-11-1976;5(29):1836-1837.
  26. Auffret, M., Comte, H., and Bene, J. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome induced by L-5 hydroxytryptophane: about three cases. Fund Clin Pharmacol 2013;Suppl 1(120):poster P2-204.
  27. Wyatt, R. J., Vaughan, T., Kaplan, J., Galanter, M., and Green, R. 5-Hydroxytryptophan and chronic schizophrenia. In: Barchas J and Usdin E. Serotonin and Behavior. New York: Acedemic Press;1973.
  28. Das YT, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. Toxicol Lett 2004;150:111-22. PubMed
  29. Pardo JV. Mania following addition of hydroxytryptophan to monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2012;34(1):102.e13-4. PubMed
  30. Michelson D, Page SW, Casey R, et al. An eosinophilia-myaligia syndrome related disorder associated with exposure to l-5-hydroxytryptophan. J Rheumatol 1994;21(12):2261-5.
  31. Yousefzadeh F, Sahebolzamani E, Sadri A, et al. 5-Hydroxytryptophan as adjuvant therapy in treatment of moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind randomized trial with placebo control. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2020;35(5):254-262. PubMed
  32. Maffei ME. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;22(1):181. PubMed

See these in context on the 5-htp monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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