If you are taking 5-HTP to treat other conditions such as anxiety or depression, or to help reduce cravings as part of a weight loss program, it may take several weeks for you to notice its full effects.

How fast does 5-HTP work for anxiety?

If you are taking 5-HTP to treat other conditions such as anxiety or depression, or to help reduce cravings as part of a weight loss program, it may take several weeks for you to notice its full effects.

Can you take 5-HTP for anxiety?

Some natural medicine proponents believe that taking 5-HTP supplements can help reduce anxiety and panic. However, most of the research about 5-HTP and anxiety is 15–20 years old. One research study from 2002 found that taking 5-HTP reduced anxiety and panic in people with panic disorder.

How should I take 5-HTP for anxiety?

It is usually best to take it in 2 or 3 doses throughout the day, but if it is sedating it may all be taken at night. However, a small number of people actually have trouble sleeping from 5-HTP, and should then take it early in the day.

Can 5-HTP cause panic attacks?

Possible Dangers and Side Effects. Too much 5-HTP in your body can cause a spike in serotonin levels, resulting in side effects such as: anxiety.

Is 5-HTP better than antidepressants?

The 5-HTP was found to be as effective as the antidepressant, with fewer side effects. The small study that did meet the quality criteria found that 5-HTP worked better than placebo at alleviating depression.

Can I take 5-HTP instead of antidepressants?

Depression. Several small clinical trials have found that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressants. 2 For example, in a six-week clinical trial, 63 people were given either 5-HTP (100 mg three times a day) or an antidepressant (fluvoxamine, 50 mg three times a day).

Can you take GABA and 5-HTP together?

GABA is a chemical messenger that promotes relaxation. Combining it with 5-HTP likely has a synergistic effect ( 37 ). In fact, several animal and insect studies suggest that 5-HTP improves sleep quality and that the effect is greater when combined with GABA ( 38 , 39 ).