Long term use of the 5-htp?

Question

I have been using the 5-htp, 50mg twice a day, for 4 months.

I take it for the previous substance abuse, to re-gain the serotonin level.

I think I will take this for a while. But first, I need to know about it's long term use.

Can I just take the 5-htp everyday? Or should I take a "medicine holyday" (taking a break for a certain period time) in between?

Is it okay to take the 5-htp for a long time, like some years or even lifetime?

What else should I know about taking the 5-htp?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Who prescribed you this? Are you taking it in SSRI form (e.g. Paxil) or from a health store? (If it is from the health store, see a doctor NOW.)

To answer your questions:
1) You can take this medication for quite a while. However, using it for substance abuse, you will probably come off it eventually. You should be seeing a therapist to help you with this transition.

2) Don't take a break. When you come off any medication, you should do so under the supervision and direction of a doctor.

Here's the problem with taking 5-HTP-- it has to pass through your blood-brain barrier (BBB) in order to reach your brain. But, when you have an excess, proteins on the BBB have a higher affinity for it then some other important chemicals, so by raising the level of one, you are decreasing the level of another.

I suggest seeing a doctor or at least a naturopath about it.