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

I am not a medical professional BUT I would have to say that it is unlikely that 4 months worth of 5-htp is gonna kill ya...especially at the dosage you are using...to think because it is "natural" it is safe is, of course, absurd because anything in excess can harm you...

I know folks that have taken more (3 times more)than you take for years and that is under a doctor's care..if you are doing this to re-establish a serotonin level from say abusing a street drug that has damaged your own ability to maintain a serotonin level you might want to consider consulting some sort of health care professional perhaps a naturopath if you do not care for MDs...a good chiropractor is another possibility...

Answer 2

I work in the herbal supplement business. I always recommend after a 4-6 month period to take a 2-4 week rest from the supplements. That way you can give your body a rest from processing the supplement. There are no studies on the long term effects on supplements, and the longest is 6 months. That is why you need to give your body a rest.

Answer 3

Long Term 5 Htp Use