5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-Hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP and oxitriptan, is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor as well as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan. It is available over the counter in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada as a dietary supplement and often used as an antidepressant, sleep aid, and appetite suppressant. In some European countries, it is marketed as a prescription drug for the treatment of major depression.[1]
5-HTP is also used by users of MDMA to reduce the negative after effects that occur during the drug's come down period, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive fatigue.[2] Since 5-HTP is a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and MDMA depletes serotonin levels in the brain, it is believed that taking 5-HTP after coming down will speed the production of serotonin. 5-HTP should not be taken until 12 hours after the MDMA was last dosed because combining the two drugs could result in a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
Toxicity and harm potential
Due to the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin by the liver, there may be a significant risk of heart valve disease from serotonin's effect on the heart.
It has been suggested that 5-HTP may cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition which results in extreme muscle tenderness, myalgia, and blood abnormalities. However, there is evidence to show that EMS was likely caused by a contaminant in certain 5-HTP supplements.
Dangerous interactions
When combined with antidepressants of the MAOI or SSRI class, high doses of 5-HTP can cause acute serotonin syndrome in rats. In humans, 5-HTP has never been clinically associated with serotonin syndrome, although 5-HTP can precipitate mania when added to a MAOI.
See also
External links
References
- ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=5GpcTQD_L2oC&lpg=PA1528&pg=PA773&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false | Swiss Pharmaceutical Society (2000). Index Nominum 2000: International Drug Directory (Book with CD-ROM). Boca Raton: Medpharm Scientific Publishers. ISBN 3-88763-075-0.
- ↑ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306452207006732 | Wang, X.; Baumann, M. H.; Dersch, C. M.; Rothman, R. B. (2007-08-10). "Restoration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced 5-HT depletion by the administration of l-5-hydroxytryptophan". Neuroscience. 148 (1): 212–220. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.05.024. PMID 17629409.