5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement to support mental wellness and treat conditions associated with low serotonin levels.
5-HTP is a serotonin precursor supplement used to support mood, sleep, and manage conditions like depression and anxiety.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- unclassified
- RxNorm
- 22690
- Generic
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Somnicin
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- N
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 4.3
- Onset (min)
- 45
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, powder
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- serotonergic drug interactions, mood changes
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use while breastfeeding - 5-HTP passes into breast milk
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness or irritability
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
not recommended for use in pediatric populations due to lack of safety data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower dose
use with caution in elderly patients - start with lowest effective dose and monitor for adverse effects
monitor blood pressure and for signs of serotonin excess
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed
use with caution - monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose
use with caution in severe renal impairment - consider dose reduction
monitor renal function and for accumulation of metabolites
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno adjustment needed
use with caution - liver metabolizes 5-HTP to serotonin
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid if possible
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to altered metabolism
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for 5-HTP supplements and formulations
Drug class
Drug class information for 5-Hydroxytryptophan
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses of 5-HTP
Mechanism of action
Primary mechanism of action
5-HTP is primarily used to support mental health and wellness. Common applications include managing mild to moderate depression, reducing symptoms of anxiety, improving sleep quality, and alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic tension-type headaches. Some individuals also use it for appetite control and weight management.
5-HTP is the direct biochemical precursor to serotonin, converted by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. Unlike tryptophan, 5-HTP readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted into serotonin. Increased serotonin levels can positively influence mood regulation, sleep cycles, appetite, and pain perception.
5-HTP is generally well-tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea. It should not be combined with serotonergic medications including SSRIs, MAOIs, or tricyclic antidepressants without medical supervision due to risk of serotonin syndrome. Individuals with liver disorders, pregnant or nursing women, and those scheduled for surgery should consult a healthcare provider before use. As a dietary supplement, it is not regulated as strictly as prescription medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy