Side effects of 5-HTP

[Guest guest]

On Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:45:26 -0500, Baker <vbaker@...>

wrote:

> The only real side effect of 5-htp can be sleepiness for the first couple

> of weeks. That is why it is recommended to start by taking it at night

> to

> take advantage of the sleepiness. After a couple of weeks generally it

> goes away, but improved sleep is almost always achieved on a lasting

> basis. If you decide to increase your dose, that is best done in

> increments, at 2 week intervals, splitting the dose night and morning.

>

> --

For Blue Light: please note the " rash or flushing " below (re: your

wondering in another post about the possible cause of these).

__________________________________________

From " Advanced Health and Life Extension " website:

5 HTP Precautions & Side Effects

5 HTP is available without prescription and is generally considered

safe and may be beneficial for many individuals. Contraindications to 5

HTP use or conditions under which 5 HTP use should only be under the

supervision of a physician are conditions in which increased serotonin

levels may be harmful. This list is generic and does not represent a

contraindication for all individuals. Obtaining professional advice is

advised, especially if prescription medications are also being used.

Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart

attack)

Extremely Elderly Persons

those with Parkinsons Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma,

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus)

Lung Diseases

Chronic Alcoholism

Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis)

Parasitic Infection

AIDS

Anorexia Nervosa

Low protein Diets

Allergies (severe)

Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles)

Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles)

Rash or Flushing

Edema

Nausea

Diarrhea

Sickle cell anemia

Hemophilia

Pregnancy

Concurrent drug use: 5 HTP should not be used if taking:

Anti-depressant drugs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's e.g., Prozac)

Tricyclic medications

Weight Loss medications (i.e., dextenfluramine)

Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa)

Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs

Antihistamines and cold medications

Alcoholic beverages

Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs

Cancer Chemotherapy

Antibiotic Medications

The principal reason for not combining 5-htp with these classes of

medications is that many of them may also increase serotonin levels or

affect other neurotransmitters, but by different biochemical mechanisms.

The combination, in some cases, has the potential of acting

synergistically to dramatically increase serotonin levels. This combined

action could have adverse effects.

While tryptophan is less potent than 5htp, it may also be safer to

use. Its effectiveness is enhanced by the inclusion of synergestic factors

including lysine, niacin and synergistic herbal extracts.

Alcohol and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Allow at least six

hours between use of alcohol and 5 HTP.