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

5-HTP with Calcium Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by HerbTonics

5-HTP with Calcium label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking 5-HTP with Calcium 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 with Calcium is a dietary supplement by HerbTonics 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, 663 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Vitamin B6, Calcium. 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 with Calcium by HerbTonics

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of 5-HTP with Calcium by HerbTonics

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 3 active ingredients. Vitamin B6 is a B vitamin that supports nerve function and helps your body process amino acids; it's established as effective for certain types of anemia and vitamin B6 deficiency, and possibly helpful for pregnancy-related nausea.

Calcium is a mineral essential for bone health and is effective for bone loss (osteoporosis) and certain other conditions. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid your body naturally makes and uses to produce serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood—evidence suggests it may help with depression, though the data isn't conclusive.

The product also contains vegetable cellulose, an inactive ingredient used as a capsule material.

Does it work?

Strong 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Kidney failure — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Vitamin B6 deficiency — rated "Effective" (Vitamin B6) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Sideroblastic anemia — rated "Effective" (Vitamin B6) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hyperkalemia — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dyspepsia — rated "Effective" (Calcium) (Natural Medicines).

Vitamin B6 in this formula is effective for sideroblastic anemia and vitamin B6 deficiency, likely effective for elevated homocysteine levels, and possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Calcium is effective for bone loss and likely effective for osteoporosis.

5-HTP is possibly effective for depression, but the evidence is mixed. We don't have enough reliable data to say whether 5-HTP helps with Alzheimer's disease, panic disorder, or cerebellar ataxia, and it appears to be ineffective for Down syndrome.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Calcium 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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B6 is well tolerated at doses under 100 mg daily but can damage nerves (sensory neuropathy) at very high doses, especially above 1000 mg daily or with prolonged use—stick to normal amounts unless a clinician advises otherwise. The safety notes flag that high-dose B6 over time can harm nerves, and while it's often used for morning sickness, only do so under a doctor's guidance.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended amounts; the main common side effects are gastrointestinal (constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset). High doses raise theoretical concerns about kidney stones and calcium buildup in tissues (calciphylaxis, rare).

5-HTP is generally well tolerated short-term and commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, and abdominal pain—these may be dose-dependent and can improve with continued use. Rare serious effects include mood changes (mania, aggression) and hallucinations.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding data for 5-HTP is insufficient; the safety notes advise against use in both states. Vitamin B6 is likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended amounts.

Calcium is likely safe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Calcium 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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, 5-htp, Vitamin B6.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 663 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.

Double-check before taking this if you use HIV integrase inhibitors (especially dolutegravir or elvitegravir—Major risk), intravenous ceftriaxone (Major risk of a dangerous reaction), thyroid medication (levothyroxine), heart drugs (sotalol, diltiazem, amiodarone), seizure medications (phenobarbital or phenytoin), blood pressure medications, antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs, or Parkinson's medications like carbidopa. No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This combination may be worth considering if you're interested in bone health, want nutritional support for B6 deficiency, or are exploring options for mood support—but the interaction profile is substantial. If you take medications for HIV, thyroid disease, heart rhythm or blood pressure problems, seizure control, or mood disorders, talk with your pharmacist before starting.

The 5-HTP component requires caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and very high doses of B6 carry nerve risks.

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 Jan 22, 2022.

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 with Calcium, straight from the product label.

Brand HerbTonics
Barcode (UPC) X001QWWRJT
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 259080
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 with Calcium by HerbTonics, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
X001QWWRJT
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B610 mg--
Calcium328 mg--
5-Hydroxytryptophan200 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose

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.
Formulation

100% Natural

Non-GMO

Fights depression Helps with anxiety Improves sleep Boosts mood Reduces stress

5-Hydroxytryptophan-Calcium ensures a healthy, stress-free life by increasing your serotonin levels naturally. It improves your overall emotions and helps to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Gluten free Dairy free

For better sleep, mood, mind

No fillers No additives No artificial colors or flavors, chemical preservatives, dairy, soy, gluten

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Instructions: As a dietary supplement, adults should take two (2) capsules per day, or as directed by a physician.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18 and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18 and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

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.

Formula

+ Co-factor vitamin B6

5-HTP with calcium + co-factor vitamin 200 mg per serving

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary supplements

Brand IP Statement(s)

Yes, I will heal!

Seals/Symbols

Good Manufacturing Practices GMP Certified Made in the USA

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

See for yourself

5-HTP with Calcium by HerbTonics label

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

5-HTP with Calcium 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 with Calcium by HerbTonics

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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 with
210 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

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 & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
328 mg per serving Form: Calcium Carbonate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

5-Hydroxytryptophan

Interacts with
398 drugs
200 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: Vegetable Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

5-HTP with Calcium by HerbTonics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 5-HTP with Calcium?

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
663Drugs
7 Major 652 Moderate 4 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

5-Hydroxytryptophan 398
Vitamin B6 210
Calcium 168

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in 5-HTP with Calcium interact with 663 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in 5-HTP with Calcium interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. 5-Hydroxytryptophan Vitamin B6 Calcium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 5-HTP with Calcium 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-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

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Vitamin B6 full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

HerbTonics

See all HerbTonics products
Name
Herbtonics
City
Twinsburg
State
Ohio
ZipCode
44087
Phone Number
1-800-706-2790
Web Address
www.herbtonics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

5-HTP with Calcium by HerbTonics: Common Questions

Does 5-HTP with Calcium by HerbTonics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 5-HTP with Calcium has a known interaction with 663 medications, including 7 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 with Calcium contains 3 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 safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Vitamin B6 and calcium are likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses. However, 5-HTP hasn't been adequately studied in pregnancy or while breastfeeding—the safety data advises against it in both cases. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant or planning to breastfeed.
What are the most common side effects?
Vitamin B6 at normal doses may cause abdominal pain, headache, heartburn, or nausea. Calcium often causes constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach upset. 5-HTP commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, and abdominal pain—these tend to be dose-dependent and may lessen over time.
Can this help with depression?
5-HTP is possibly effective for depression based on available evidence, but the data isn't strong or conclusive. If you're considering it for mood, talk with your doctor first, especially if you're already on antidepressants—there's a risk of additive serotonin effects.
Does it work for bone health?
Calcium in this product is effective for bone loss and likely effective for osteoporosis, so it can support bone health when combined with adequate vitamin D and exercise. Vitamin B6 doesn't have established bone health benefits in the data we hold.
Is this okay to take long-term?
Vitamin B6 and calcium are generally well tolerated long-term at recommended doses, though very high doses of B6 over time can damage nerves. 5-HTP has been studied mainly short-term; long-term safety isn't well established in our data. Check with your pharmacist about your dose and duration.
What if I'm taking blood pressure medication?
Vitamin B6 in this product may theoretically lower blood pressure additively, so combining it with blood pressure drugs could increase that effect. Let your pharmacist know what you're taking so they can flag any concerns specific to your medication.

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 with Calcium label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 5-HTP with Calcium’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 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 best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium 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 with Calcium'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 126 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
  1. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
  5. 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
  6. Baxter P, Aicardi J. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use. Lancet 1999;354:2082-3. PubMed
  7. Bendich A, Cohen M. Vitamin B6 safety issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1990;585:321-30.
  8. Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome. N Engl J Med 1983;309:445-8. PubMed
  9. Gordon N. Pyridoxine dependency: an update. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997;39:63-5. PubMed
  10. Lewis PJ. Pain in the hand and wrist. Pyridoxine supplements may help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 1995;310:1534. PubMed
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5-htp 32 references
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