What are the risks or benefits of taking pills like Natrol 5-HTP?

Q. Does using pills like Natrol 5-HTP have more benefits or risks to taking them?

Answered by
Dr. Darakhshan
and medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
This is a premium question & answer published on Jun 18, 2020 and last reviewed on: Apr 16, 2021

Hi doctor,

I want to know whether taking pills like Natrol 5-HTP and stress enhancer has any benefits. I have a bottle of 200 mg and I want to know whether it causes any respiratory disease like EMS.

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is safe when it is taken by mouth. It can be used safely up to 400 mg daily for a year. But in some cases, there is a development of a condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). It is a serious condition causing extreme muscle tenderness and blood abnormalities. Some people think that EMS is caused due to an accidental ingredient or due to a contaminant in 5-HTP. But there is no enough scientific evidence to prove that EMS is caused by 5-HTP or any other factor. You can use them cautiously. Other potential side effects of 5-HTP are heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. 5-HTP is unsafe when it is taken in large doses through the mouth. You can take a daily dose of 6 to 10 grams. It can cause severe stomach problems and muscle spasms while taken in high doses.


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