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3Medicinal

5-HTP

Also sold as 5-hydroxytryptophan, griffonia

Serotonin precursor — do not combine with antidepressants.

3TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

How long to take it

Short courses only, and not alongside psychiatric medication.

Who it's actually for

Discuss with a doctor first if you have any mood diagnosis.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
No formal limit; 50–300 mg daily in trials
Serotonin syndrome risk when stacked with serotonergic drugs. This can be fatal.
No source attached yet. Treat this as a starting point, not a citation, until reviewed.

Interactions to know about

  • AntidepressantsSSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics
  • Sedatives / sleep medicationBenzodiazepines, zopiclone, zolpidem, opioids
  • TramadolSerotonergic painkiller
  • TriptansSumatriptan and similar migraine drugs

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • Never combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, triptans, or St John's wort.
  • Stop before surgery.