You are probably familiar with serotonin, a key brain chemical, responsible for producing a feeling of calm and well-being. Over three decades of research connects various states of depression and anxiety with altered amounts of serotonin.

You may not be as familiar with 5-hydroxytryptophan otherwise known as 5HTP. 5HTP is directly linked to the production of serotonin in the brain:

“5-HTP reduces anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin, often works within hours, and one study says 5-HTP may be helpful in panic attacks. 5-HTP is a good anxiety treatment for those whose depression is associated with anxiety, restlessness, or racing thoughts.” (From Science Blog)

Several exciting research trials have studied the efficacy of 5HTP for treating depression. In one study, researchers compared 5HTP against the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine and found 5HTP to be equally effective.-1 Both 5HTP and fluvoxamine produced a gradual reduction in depressive symptoms over time. 5HTP has also been shown to help those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

“Seasonal Affective Disorder? 5-HTP May Help As the holidays approach, a natural supplement 5-HTP, which increases serotonin levels, may help battle depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder” (From Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Research has demonstrated that the effective dose of 5HTP is between 50 and 500mg daily.-2 Most physicians recommend starting with a low dose and increasing if necessary. Serious side effects are rare, and if they do occur, they are mild including occasional gastrointestinal upset, hypomania and euphoria. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor to determine if 5HTP may be right for you. You may purchase 5HTP from your local health store or click here to purchase from Physician’s Preference.

1. Poldinger W, et al. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24:53-81.

2. van Praag H. Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biol Psychiatry 1981;16:291-310.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 7th, 2006 at 11:31 am and is filed under Health & Wellness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.