What Does 5HTP Mean

5HTP (also known as 5-hydroxytrptophan) is an amino acid that occurs naturally and closely linked to serotonin – serotonin is a vital chemical that is found in the brain and in other parts of the body. 5HTP is now a popular ingredient what to do before using omega-3 used in the manufacture of natural antidepressant supplements and is used in the treatment of the following conditions:

•    Anxiety
•    Headaches
•    Depression
•    Eating disorders
•    Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other compulsive disorders.

5HTP is also commonly used in natural weight loss supplements.

5HTP Information – How 5HTP Works

The human body converts 5-hydroxytrptophan into serotonin – as mentioned earlier; serotonin is a vital brain chemical and the body’s natural antidepressant. Taking 5HTP can boost the brain’s serotonin levels which can help treat various condition, particularly mood disorders like depression. Aside from affecting the mood, serotonin also performs numerous other actions in the human body.

A lot of prescribed antidepressants are known to work by boosting the body’s serotonin levels, so it actually seems quite reasonable to see that sam-e dosage may also have actions that are very similar to antidepressants. Prescribed antidepressants are quite effective for effectively treating the earlier mentioned conditions, which is possibly why a lot of individuals try 5HTP for treating these conditions.

5HTP Information – 5HTP Side Effects

As with any other type of supplements or medication, it is very possible to experience 5HTP side effects, which is why it is very important to first consult your physician before taking 5-hydroxytryptophan. Even if you are planning to take natural antidepressant supplements, first seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

A lot of the reported 5HTP side effects are linked to the digestive system, these side effects include:

•    Stomach pain (Abdominal pain)
•    Diarrhea
•    Indigestion or heartburn
•    Belching/burping
•    Loss of appetite
•    Nausea or vomiting

There is also a number of not-so-common, but possibly serious 5HTP side effects that should be reported to one’s physician when noticed. These side effects include but are not limited:

•    Seizures
•    Serious muscle pain – this is usually an early sign of EMS (eosinophilia myalgia syndrome) – which is usually associated with the use of 5HTP.
•    Signs of allergic reactions, like:
–    A rash or rashes
–    Itching
–    Swelling of the throat or mouth
–    Wheezing
–    Hives
–    Difficulty

According to 5HTP information gotten from years of study, the medications that may cause 5HTP interactions are:

•    Antidepressants
•    Benzodiazepines,
•    MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) these include:
•    Meperidine (Demerol)
•    Phenothiazine Drugs,
•    Triptans,
•    Tramadol/Acetaminophen (Ultracet) or Tramadol (ER, Rybix, Ryzolt, ODT, Ultram)
•    St. John’s Wort

There are even pills that are packaged as 5HTP ecstasy or 5HTP MDMA, these pills simply cause the overproduction of serotonin in the brain, which then leads to side effects. There are many places where dangerous pills are sold as “safe hallucinogens” but 5HTP ecstasy or 5HTP MDMA pills will only cause more harm than good to users. Stay away from any drug that is branded 5HTP ecstasy or 5HTP MDMA drugs for “safe highs” – there is nothing like a safe high with medications.