What are the side effects of 5-HTP?

Users most often report vivid dreams, heart valve, serotonin syndrome, drowsiness, nausea. Side effects came up 59 times across 767 reports.

User reports can't establish safety. PubMed lists 15 meta-analyses and 73 randomized trials. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take other medication.

5-HTP side effects

Across 767 first-hand reports, people mentioned a side effect 59 times (about 8 per 100 reports). The most common: vivid dreams, heart valve, serotonin syndrome. User reports show what people notice — they can't tell you whether 5-HTP is safe for you.

Reported side effects

vivid dreams14

heart valve14

serotonin syndrome10

drowsiness10

nausea4

dopamine depletion3

jitteriness2

muscle aches2

What got worse for some people

Mood9% worse · 84% better · of 214 Anxiety20% worse · 72% better · of 71 Sleep9% worse · 85% better · of 102 Libido67% worse · 33% better · of 12 Energy18% worse · 76% better · of 17

In their own words

“I just one day randomly decided to take 5-HTP an hour after finishing my workout, and I felt WIRED 15 minutes after taking it, and that lasted for 5–6 hours.”

HelpedRead the discussion ↗

“Looking at Doc Parsley's sleep remedy: Ooh, 5HTP 😬 I've tried that stuff before and it gave me the most bizarre dreams and urges.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

“At night, 5htp has a wonderful effect on me. I sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

“It gave me nightmares, I shit myself and started panicking in fear. But... after that I was finally able to feel emotions again. I felt AMAZING.”

HelpedRead the discussion ↗

“5-HTP (100mg): Has a big effect on my sleep - I hit the pillow and fall asleep pretty quick... It gives me the best/craziest dreams... Overall it has a positive outcome on my mood.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

“I've been taking 5HTP for the last 2ish weeks with no problem...then took my 5htp, and left to go walk to the store. i started feeling weird and anxious...i was high...like i had just smoked a joint high.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

Is 5-HTP safe? What the research covers

AResearch: Strong15 meta-analyses · 73 randomized trials on PubMed

BMJ Clin Evid · 2010

Sleep disorders in children

Conclusion: In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antihistamines; behavioural therapy plus antihistamines, plus benzodiazepines, or plus chloral and derivatives; benzodiazepines alone; exercise; extinction and graduated extinction; 5-hydroxytryptophan; light therapy; melatonin; safety/protective interventions for parasomnias; scheduled waking (for parasomnias); sleep hygiene; and sleep restriction.