5-Hydroxytryptophan Dosing

There are no 5-hydroxytryptophan dosing guidelines that have been established that are considered safe and effective. However, the manufacturers of each 5-hydroxytryptophan product provide a recommended dose. In some studies, 5-hydroxytryptophan doses of 100 mg to 300 mg per day were used. It is important to make sure your 5-hydroxytryptophan product is made by a reputable manufacturer in order to minimize the risks of the product being contaminated.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) For Depression

An Introduction to 5-Hydroxytryptophan Dosing

The best dose of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) that is both safe and effective has not been determined, although manufacturers may recommend specific 5-hydroxytryptophan dosages for their particular products.

Typical 5-Hydroxytryptophan Dosing

Refer to your particular 5-hydroxytryptophan product for a recommended dose. In studies, doses of 100 mg to 300 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan per day have been used, but it is not known if this is the best dose for 5-hydroxytryptophan. More research is necessary to determine the optimal dose.

General 5-Hydroxytryptophan Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking 5-hydroxytryptophan include:

Currently, many healthcare providers do not consider any dose of 5-hydroxytryptophan to be safe (see Is 5-Hydroxytryptophan Safe? for more information).
It is important to find a trustworthy and reputable manufacturer of 5-hydroxytryptophan. Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals or prescription drugs, and some have been found to have much more or much less of the featured ingredient than their label states. Your pharmacist is a good resource for information about which manufacturers are the most reputable.
If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or 5-hydroxytryptophan dosing in general, please talk with your healthcare provider.