5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5HTP, is a naturally occurring amino acid used by the brain to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Mood, sleeping patterns, and the perception of pain and happiness are all regulated in large part by serotonin. 5HTP is itself the chemical precursor to serotonin, which means that without it, serotonin production does not occur. Taking a 5HTP supplement amounts to giving the brain more of the material it needs to make serotonin, and increasing serotonin levels is considered key in treating depression.
Prescription antidepressants and weight loss rarely go hand-in-hand. In fact, weight gain is a very common side effect of prescription antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Reports indicate nearly half of those taking these types of medications gain a moderate amount of weight. For those trying to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight and treat depression, this is an unfortunate state of affairs; prescription antidepressants and weight loss seem to be contra-indicated.
5HTP, on the other hand, is not only an effective antidepressant, but can actually aid in weight loss, according to studies conducted at the University of Rome. In the studies, researchers supplied a group of obese women with three doses of 5HTP daily, to be taken approximately half an hour before meals. The vast majority of the study participants lost significant amounts of weight.
Many reported being less focused on food than they were before taking 5HTP, making it easier to avoid binge-eating and resist the temptation to indulge in high-calorie, high-fat foods. Some noted craving carbohydrates less and being easily able to control portion sizes when taking the supplement. This research suggests that antidepressants and weight loss are not necessarily an impossible combination ? as long as the antidepressant is 5HTP.
5HTP is not only one of the only antidepressants which encourages weight loss, but it?s also associated with far fewer side effects than its prescription counterparts. In addition to frequently causing weight gain and making gained weight harder to lose, SSRIs and tricyclics are also associated with nausea and vomiting, inability to orgasm, dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, heart palpitations, tremors, and agitation. 5HTP, however, is remarkably free of side effects. Minor gastrointestinal complaints have been reported by those beginning treatment with the supplement, but this normally subsides after a few days.
Most people take between 100 and 300 mg of 5HTP daily when treating depression. Some obtain better results while taking a lower dose, so it?s advisable to start with 100 mg and add more over time if needed. For maximum absorption, 5HTP should be taken with or shortly before a meal, with a full glass of water. You should avoid taking more than 200 mg of 5HTP at once. 5HTP may not be medically indicated for everyone, and should not be taken by those using anti-Parkinson?s or prescription antidepressant medications. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a health care professional before beginning a 5HTP regimen is advised.