5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the direct precursor of serotonin. 5-HTP readily enters the brain where it is readily converted into serotonin. The conversion process requires vitamin B-6 and the enzyme L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. 5-HTP does not require the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase for conversion into serotonin. Tryptophan hydroxylase is significantly reduced for an extended period of time by MDMA usage.

Research has proven that administering 5-HTP to rats increases the MDMA-induced release of serotonin and dopamine. 5-HTP increases serotonin synthesis and stored levels in the neuron terminal in an energy-efficient manner. This data is consistent with the concept that MDMA increases the extracellular concentration of serotonin by facilitating carrier-mediated serotonin release (CMSR). Since CMSR and nerve terminal storage are increased by stimulating the synthesis of serotonin with 5-HTP, a greater level of psychoactivity with fewer adverse effects can result from the same dosage.

An extensive amount of research has found that 5-hydroxytrptophan relieves a variety of symptoms that match those reported by MDMA users and individuals with low serotonin functions. 5-HTP may be necessary for increasing serotonin activity and preventing the compromise of self-protective mechanisms.

Potential benefits of 5-hydroxytrytophan for MDMA users:


  • 5-HTP maintains the entactogenic, empathogenic and sensory enhancing effects of MDMA in regular users of MDMA.
  • 5-HTP counteracts MDMA's serotonin-reducing actions that may produce a Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome.
  • 5-HTP compensates for decreased long-term reduction in the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase caused by MDMA and replenishes depleted levels of serotonin in axon terminals.
  • 5-HTP prolongs the entactogenic, empathogenic and sensory enhancing effects of MDMA and compensates for the depleted feelings when coming down from MDMA by providing additional serotonin substrate.
  • 5-HTP diminishes the behavioral psychological, cognitive and functional impairments that are associated with low serotonin functions after 'coming down' from MDMA.
  • 5-HTP promotes the normal sleep cycle that is necessary to restore normal brain chemistry after using MDMA.
  • 5-HTP decreases the potential neurotoxic action of MDMA by facilitating binding of serotonin in place of toxic metabolites of MDMA in receptor sites on neurons.
  • 5-HTP increases serotonin synthesis, storage and efficient transport without wasting high amounts of energy that contributes towards neurotoxicity.
  • 5-HTP reduces the development of tolerance to and dependence upon MDMA.
  • 5-HTP decreases recovery time and withdrawal from MDMA.

Many people report sleep disturbances and depression long after they have stopped using MDMA. 5-HTP may help restore normal serotonergic function and reduce depression and improve sleep quality.

Serotonin system dysfunction is most evident in MDMA users but is also implicated in symptoms associated with other drugs of abuse, including amphetamines, alcohol and cocaine.

Dosage range: 50-100 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan a day. Acute dose: 100-300mg

Caution: Taking too much 5-HTP may induce Serotonin Syndrome.


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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.


References


  1. Takahashi S; et al. Effect of L-5-hydroxytryptophan on brain monoamine metabolism and evaluation of its clinical effect in depressed patients. J Psychiat Res. 12:177-187, 1975.

  2. W. Byerley; et al. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: A Review of Its Antidepressant Efficacy and Adverse Effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 7: 127-37, 1987

  3. Risch S; Nemeroff C. Neurochemical Alterations of Serotonergic Neuronal Systems in Depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 53: 3-7, 1992

  4. Poeldinger W; et al. A Functional-Dimensional Approach to Depression: Serotonin Deficiency as a Target Syndrome in a Comparison of 5 -Hydroxytryptophan and Fluvoxamine. Psychopathology. 24: 53-81, 1991

  5. van Praag H. Management of Depression with Serotonin Precursors. Biol Psychiatry. 16: 291-310, 1981

  6. Takahashi S; et al. Effect of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan on Brain Monoamine Metabolism and Evaluation of Its Clinical Effect in Depressed Patients. Psychiat Res 12: 177-87, 1975

  7. Kahn R; Westenberg H. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. J Affect Disord. 8:197-200, 1985

  8. Sprague JE, et al. Attenuation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induced neurotoxicity with the serotonin precursors tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan. Life Sci 1994;55(15):1193-8

  9. Gudelsky GA, et al. Carrier-mediated release of serotonin by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: implications for serotonin-dopamine interactions. J Neurochem 1996 Jan;66(1):243-9


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