Question: Is 5-HTP Safe to Use for Depression?
Answer: Chemically speaking, 5-HTP is a transitional compound produced when the body converts the amino acid Tryptophan into other compounds such as Serotonin and Melatonin. Concerns about 5-HTP have arisen because its precursor, L-Tryptophan, was banned by the FDA in November of 1990. The FDA's decision to remove all tryptophan-containing supplements from store shelves was in response to an outbreak of Eosinophilia - Myalgia Syndrome (EMS) that was linked to the use of tryptophan. EMS is a dangerous and potentially deadly blood disease that is usually associated with parasitic infections or severe allergy. From July of 1989 to December of 1990, more than 1500 cases of EMS and 27 deaths were associated with the outbreak in the United States.
In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in August of 1992, researchers revealed the tryptophan was not the cause of the EMS outbreak. The CDC, working with scientists from the Mayo Clinic, the Oregon State Health Division, and the Minnesota Department of Health, traced the cause of the EMS crisis to a contaminant found only in batches of tryptophan manufactured by a single Japanese company, Showa Denko. Showa Denko, the source of up to 60% of all the tryptophan sold in the United States, had produced an untested manufacturing process that reduced the amount of activated charcoal used to filter fermented raw tryptophan.
Some reports suggest that purity may a potential problem for 5-HTP as well. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have urged caution in the use of 5-HTP. In the September 1998 issue of the journal Nature Medicine, scientists at the Mayo Clinic reported finding low levels of impurities in retail samples of some dietary supplements containing 5-HTP. One of these impurities was identified as "peak X", an impurity reported several years ago in a product containing 5-HTP that was used by two siblings who developed eosinophilia and their mother who developed the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Mayo Clinic scientists notified FDA about their findings shortly before publication of this report. FDA analyzed several samples of bulk 5-HTP and finished product. FDA investigation has confirmed the presence of "peak X," as reported in the Nature Medicine article. Moreover, additional analyses by FDA, although limited in scope, found that some 5-HTP-containing dietary supplement products or ingredient sources of 5-HTP contained one or more additional impurities. No cases of EMS resulting from 5-HTP use have been reported, however.
While 5-HTP, in a pure form is not a risk for EMS, there are some cautions to be observed in it's use. 5-HTP should not be used if you have the following medical conditions:
Cardiovascular Diseases; Extremely Elderly Persons; those with Parkinsons; Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases; Lung Diseases; Chronic Alcoholism; Liver diseases; parasitic infection; AIDS; Anorexia Nervosa; Low protein Diets; Severe allergies; Myalgia; Peripheral Neuropathy; Rash or Flushing; Edema; Nausea; Diarrhea; Sickle cell anemia; hemophilia; Pregnancy
Do not use 5-HTP is you are currently taking any of the following medications:
Anti-depressant drugs; Monoamine oxidase inhibitors; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Tricyclic medications; Weight Loss medications; Anti-parkinson medications; Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs; Antihistamines and cold medications; Alcoholic beverages; Intravenous drugs; Cancer chemotherapy or antibiotic medications.
Warning:
Dosages of 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan (5-HTP) greater than 100 milligrams per day should be taken only under the guidance of a physician. 5-HTP use at doses greater than 100 mg per day should be taken with the prescription drug carbadopa to prevent excessive levels of serotonin production in the peripheral blood circulation. 5-HTP can increase the effect of tranquilizing drugs and can impair the ability to drive an automobile.
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