Question

An alternative health practitioner has recommended that I take a 5-HTP supplement for my muscle pain and headaches, but I’m very wary of upsetting my heart and nervous system – especially my heart rhythms which are all over the place at the moment. Is there any evidence that this supplement, which I had never even heard of, is both safe and effective for use in ME?

Answer

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical that is naturally produced in the body following the breakdown of an amino acid called tryptophan. Over-the-counter supplements are produced from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia Simplicifolia.

The supplement increases the production of the brain chemical messenger called serotonin – which can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation. As 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it has been suggested that it could be a helpful form of treatment for numerous physical and mental health conditions – including headaches, migraines, pre-menstrual tension, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.

Medical News Today:

What are the side effects of 5-HTP? | August 2021

• Serotonin Syndrome
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Heart and blood vessel issues
• Osteoporosis
• Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome
• Overdoes and toxicity
• Allergic reaction
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Medication interactions

There is currently insufficient evidence from good quality clinical trials to demonstrate both safety and effectiveness in any medical condition and it is not a treatment recommended by the NHS. Until more is known, 5-HTP as a supplement should be used with caution. Potential side-effects include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness, and sexual problems. It can also interact with a number of drugs – including ones use to treat depression and Parkinson’s Disease, and with tramadol (a drug used by some people with ME/CFS to treat moderate or severe pain). In conclusion, 5-HTP is a supplement that I think should be used with caution by people with ME/CFS and it is not something I would want to recommend at the present time.

See also:

• • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
  • Tryptophan.

More information

The ME Association has a range of detailed information available to download from the Free Literature section of the website, including information on:

• Diet and Nutrition.
• Vitamins and Supplements.
• Mental Health (includes information about antidepressants and SSRIs).