In a plethora of nootropics that are available in the market today, 5-HTP happens to be yet another option available. The motif is pretty much the same: targeting the brain and its functions such as improving memory, getting positive moods, having better sleep etc.
As does the name goes, the parent compound of 5-HTP is tryptophan that incidentally is made by the body itself naturally. Tryptophan also happens to be the pre cursor of the neurotransmitter Serotonin that is known to be one of the major determining factors for mood, sleep and even cognition. Why one needs to look for a supplement of 5-HTP types? The reason is simple: the dietary intake is inconsistent and also the production of 5-HTP may not be up to the mark.
5-HTP Tablets: Check Some Ways before You Take It
The solution is: 5-HTP 50 mg of pill to be consumed regularly as per the prescription of a doctor. The dosage of 50 mg of 5-HTP is considered to be good enough for a normal body that has the capacity to utilize this amount optimally for an enhanced functioning of the brain. And, no, this is not the dosage that is an overdue of what is considered to be required most commonly.
There are, however, some points to remember and some precautions to be taken before one commences on a course of these tablets in lieu to activating brain receptors for serotonin. Some of them are:
- Though 5-HTP pills are declared safe for oral usage in all adults, but pregnant women and the ones who are still breast feeding should avoid their consumption. They have been declared unsafe by the Natural Medicines database during these periods.
- Patients with Down’s Syndrome should first consult the doctor, as certain researches have shown some of them undergoing seizures after the consumption of 5-HTP.
- The ones who have recently undergone surgery. As in some cases, drugs administered during the time of surgery, and even pre or post surgery can increase the Serotonin levels in the body automatically, this should be taken care of. If one is to have these pills in such a situation, the Serotonin levels will rise abnormally high and lead to Serotonin Syndrome. There can be some serious side effects of this like excessive sweating, irregular heart rhythms etc which can even prove fatal.
- If one is using some drugs like Prozac, Praxil, Zoloft, Elavil, Parnate etc, one should not consume 5-HTP. This is because these are the contraindicated drugs to it and cause undue reactions increasing complications.
In brief, any symptom that lasts for more than couple of days is something you should take note of and seek a remedy for. When it comes to stress and anxiety, you are the best person to know if you are affected by it or not. And if you find that these symptoms are causing a major distance between the real you and the anxious you, then it is best to seek treatment. You can first try various options such as herbal treatment, exercise and self therapy and if these options do not work, anti-depressant pills and other medications may be required.