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5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor to serotonin that increases central nervous system serotonin levels by crossing the blood-brain barrier and being converted to serotonin via aromatic amino acid decarboxylase.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor to serotonin that increases central nervous system serotonin levels by crossing the blood-brain barrier and being converted to serotonin via aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Used for Depression (off-label use), Insomnia (off-label use), Fibromyalgia (off-label use).
At a glance
| Generic name | 5-Hydroxytryptophan |
|---|---|
| Also known as | 5-HTP, Basic Vitamins, 5HTP |
| Sponsor | Elizabeth Berry-Kravis |
| Drug class | Serotonin precursor / amino acid supplement |
| Target | Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (enzyme substrate); indirect serotonin system modulation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology / Sleep Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
5-HTP is an amino acid intermediate in the serotonin synthesis pathway. After oral administration, it crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than serotonin itself and is converted to serotonin by the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. This increases synaptic serotonin availability, which modulates mood, sleep, and other serotonin-dependent functions.
Approved indications
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Fibromyalgia
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Serotonin syndrome (rare, especially with concurrent serotonergic agents)
Key clinical trials
- 5HTP Regulation Of Asthma In Children (PHASE2)
- Tinnitus and Treatment With umPEA-LUT (NA)
- A Replicate Crossover Trial on Nutritional Supplementation in Association Football (Soccer) (NA)
- Effects of 5HTP on the Injured Human Spinal Cord (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- 5-HTP and Creatine for Depression R33 Phase (PHASE2)
- The Effect of Griffonia Simplicifolia on Pain Intensity, Central and Peripheral Sensitization, Painmodulation in Healthy Volunteers (NA)
- Effects of Daily Supplementation of 5-HTP on Body Composition (NA)
- Proof-of-concept Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Tryptophan in Patients with BPH. (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan CI brief — competitive landscape report
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Elizabeth Berry-Kravis portfolio CI