فائیو ایچ ٹی پی · 5-hydroxytryptophan, Griffonia
Weak evidence
Sold as a natural serotonin booster. That is exactly why it is risky alongside an antidepressant.
This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.
A compound the body converts directly into serotonin, extracted from the seeds of a West African plant.
The trials are old, small and mostly poor quality, and reviews consistently conclude there is not enough good evidence to recommend it. It is marketed far ahead of what has been shown. The mechanism is real, which is what makes casual use unwise rather than reassuring.
Studies have used 150 to 300 mg daily. Given the safety issue below, not a number to act on alone.
Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.
With an SSRI, SNRI, tramadol, triptans or other serotonergic drugs it can cause serotonin syndrome - agitation, sweating, fever, tremor, racing heart, confusion - which can be fatal and needs emergency care. Do not combine it with an antidepressant on your own judgement. Nausea is common. Not for pregnancy.
Mostly bought online and imported. If you take anything for mood, migraine or pain, speak to a pharmacist before opening the bottle.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.