by Jackie Hart, MD
Alternative HealthQ:What are the similarities and differences between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)? Is it safe to use them together? If not, how would you recommend switching from the medication to the supplement?
A: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter present in significant quantities in areas of the brain responsible for feelings and emotion. Low levels of this substance can lead to depression and other conditions. The idea of SSRI medications, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft), is to keep levels of serotonin circulating longer by preventing the uptake and breakdown of this specific neurotransmitter. 5-HTP is an amino acid which becomes serotonin through a simple metabolic step. Either of these processes can increase levels of serotonin, thereby helping to improve ones mood.
There are levels of serotonin, though, which are too high, and which may result in a dangerous situation known as serotonin syndrome. This condition can lead to excessive sweating, altered, unclear thinking; irrational or erratic behavior; and extreme anxiety as well as panic attacks. Therefore, SSRIs and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Making the change from one to the other should only be done under the guidance of your physician or trained health care professional. There may be instances, for example, that your particular clinical situation warrants that there be no lapse in time between stopping a medication and starting a supplement or vice versa. If that were the case, your health care professional would wean either the medication or the supplement down to a very low dose and overlap the two for a short amount of time. Again, though, that transition should be done only with their help and guidance.
Alternative HealthQ:What are the similarities and differences between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)? Is it safe to use them together? If not, how would you recommend switching from the medication to the supplement?
A: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter present in significant quantities in areas of the brain responsible for feelings and emotion. Low levels of this substance can lead to depression and other conditions. The idea of SSRI medications, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Sertraline (Zoloft), is to keep levels of serotonin circulating longer by preventing the uptake and breakdown of this specific neurotransmitter. 5-HTP is an amino acid which becomes serotonin through a simple metabolic step. Either of these processes can increase levels of serotonin, thereby helping to improve ones mood.
There are levels of serotonin, though, which are too high, and which may result in a dangerous situation known as serotonin syndrome. This condition can lead to excessive sweating, altered, unclear thinking; irrational or erratic behavior; and extreme anxiety as well as panic attacks. Therefore, SSRIs and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Making the change from one to the other should only be done under the guidance of your physician or trained health care professional. There may be instances, for example, that your particular clinical situation warrants that there be no lapse in time between stopping a medication and starting a supplement or vice versa. If that were the case, your health care professional would wean either the medication or the supplement down to a very low dose and overlap the two for a short amount of time. Again, though, that transition should be done only with their help and guidance.