Panic Disorder and 5-Hydroxytryptophan

The supplement 5-HTP is best known as a proposed treatment for depression, but has also been used to treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorder.

Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid in certain foods. In the human body it acts as a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted in Melatonin. A substitute form of tryptophan, 5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan acts as a precursor to serotonin (which is then converted into melatonin) in the body, which are known calm and relax the body for sleep. Since people with panic disorder and other anxiety disorders have a hard time settling their minds and bodies, supplementing 5-HTP can help calm their symptoms.

Read more details about 5-Hydroxytryptophan.

An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared 5-HTP and the drug clomipramine in 45 individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.³¹ The results indicated that 5-HTP was effective, but clomipramine was more effective.

5-HTP should not be used in combination with antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or herbs that have MAOI activity. ⁴

As Tryptophan is sometimes recommended for relieving insomnia, it may cause some drowsiness.

Some users have reported nausea in the first few days of usage, but it typically goes away.

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