5-HTP

    Written by:
    Katherine Nguyen, Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Gregory Lopez, Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: June 25, 2024

    5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating many body processes like mood, sleep, and appetite. 5-HTP can increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which may reduce symptoms of depression and reduce appetite.

    33 references on this page
    305 participants in 7 trials and 1 meta-analysis

    Overview

    Dosage information

    5-HTP is usually taken orally in capsule form. It can be taken once daily or in divided doses (i.e., the total daily dose is split into two or three doses).

    For depression, most studies have used dosages in the range of 200 mg to 300 mg daily for up to 1 year.[1]

    For weight loss or appetite regulation, 5-HTP has been used in the range of 750 mg to 900 mg daily for up to 6 weeks.[2][3]

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Examine Database References

    1. Weight - Ceci F, Cangiano C, Cairella M, Cascino A, Del Ben M, Muscaritoli M, Sibilia L, Rossi Fanelli FThe effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjectsJ Neural Transm.(1989)
    2. Weight - Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cascino A, Del Ben M, Laviano A, Muscaritoli M, Antonucci F, Rossi-Fanelli FEating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophanAm J Clin Nutr.(1992 Nov)
    3. Sleep Terrors - Bruni O, Ferri R, Miano S, Verrillo EL -5-Hydroxytryptophan treatment of sleep terrors in childrenEur J Pediatr.(2004 Jul)
    4. Appetite - Cangiano C, Laviano A, Del Ben M, Preziosa I, Angelico F, Cascino A, Rossi-Fanelli FEffects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patientsInt J Obes Relat Metab Disord.(1998 Jul)
    5. Cortisol - Schruers K, van Diest R, Nicolson N, Griez EL-5-hydroxytryptophan induced increase in salivary cortisol in panic disorder patients and healthy volunteersPsychopharmacology (Berl).(2002 Jun)
    6. Depression Symptoms - Jangid P, Malik P, Singh P, Sharma M, Gulia AKComparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode.Asian J Psychiatr.(2013-Feb)
    7. Depression Symptoms - Pöldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz WA functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine.Psychopathology.(1991)
    8. Depression Symptoms - Meloni M, Puligheddu M, Carta M, Cannas A, Figorilli M, Defazio GEfficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary finding.Eur J Neurol.(2020 May)