Here is some information that I had regarding dosages.




Vitamin B-6 is a cofactor for the enzyme that degrades toxic
tryptophan metabolites. Since B-6 is also needed by the
enzyme that converts 5-HTP into serotonin, this vitamin should
regularly be taken on the same day as 5-HTP, but at least 6
hours before 5-HTP consumption. This preliminary use of B-6
before 5-HTP both helps to prevent the accumulation of toxic
tryptophan metabolites and delays somewhat the rise in
plasma levels of serotonin (from 5-HTP). No additional B-6 is
needed beyond that obtained in a typical B-vitamin pill or a
minimum of 10 mg per day

It should not be taken by
persons who have previously experienced either flushing of the
skin or diarrhea with it use. If nausea is induced by 5-HTP, the
dosage should be reduced or, if symptoms persist, its use
discontinued entirely.


One of the titles of this article ìListening to 5-HTP" is a parody
of the title of the book ìListening to Prozacî. The author of
"Listening to Prozac" generally extols the virtues of selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs, like Prozac, especially
underscoring their marked improvement over previously
developed types of anti- depressants. Yet ironically, one six
week study of 69 subjects that compared another SSRI to
5-HTP found that both compounds have equal antidepressant
capabilities. Moreover, 5-HTP had one-half as many
moderate-to-severe side effects as the SSRI. One article which
reviewed the results of 17 clinical trials which used 5-HTP -
mostly for depression - concluded that "oral administration of
5-HTP. - is associated with few adverse effects". Two other
facts surrounding 5- HTP are ironic vis-#-vis Prozac. For one,
the efficacy of Prozac and other SSRIís are still dependent
upon the brains availability or serotonin precursors like
tryptophan or its derivative, 5-HTP. When patients receiving
SSRIís were fed a special diet devoid of tryptophan, a relapse
into depression was experienced, despite the continued
presence of the SSRI. Tryptophan supplementation restored
the antidepressant effects of the SSRI. Finally, 5-HTP is an
amino acid and is available without a prescription.

Warning: Dosages of 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan ( 5-HTP ) greater
than 100 milligrams per day should be taken only under the
guidance of a physician. 5-HTP use at doses greater than 100
mg per day should be taken with the prescription drug
carbadopa to prevent excessive levels of serotonin production in
the peripheral blood circulation. 5-HTP can increase the effect
of tranquilizing drugs and can impair the ability to drive an
automobile.

The usual dosage range of 5-HTP is 150-300mg. per day in divided doses. A conservative starting
dose is 50mg., then boosting by 50mg. every five days. A majority of responders notice a favorable
mood effect within three days of beginning supplementation. In one study, of those who did respond,
80% did so within one week of therapy. Side effects are rare but may include mania, anxiety, and
dermatitis.
For some people, 5-HTP has a very narrow therapeutic window; the proper dosage may lie within a
range as small as 10-25mg. per day. If its antidepressant effects fade after a few weeks, it may be
necessary to supplement 5-HTP at a different time of the day with a low dose of the complementary
amino acide L-Tyrosine, to further raise the norepinephrine levels, or to eat more meat or other
Tyrosine-rich foods.

5-HTP is able to pass the blood-brain barrier more easily than tryptophan, but to maximize its
effectiveness it should not be taken along with protein food. One product manufacturer suggests
taking it 45 minutes before or three hours after a protein meal.

_______

The general guideline for treating depression with 5-HTP is to start with
a dosage of 50 mg three times per day. If satisfactory results are not
obtained after two weeks, the dosage can be increased to 100 mg three
times per day. The maximum dosage recommended for depression is
150 mg four times daily (total daily dose 600 mg) for two weeks. 5-HTP
is usually taken at the beginning of a meal, or about twenty minutes
before. This will reduce the incidence of mild nausea that may be
experienced in the beginning of treatment.

The synergistic effect of herbal medicines combined with 5-HTP may be
helpful and formulated products are available in stores. Ginkgo biloba, a
circulatory tonic is recommended for elderly people. ST.-John’s-wort
(hypericum), a well-known herbal remedy for depression may be taken
in combination with 5-HTP. If the benefits of 5-HTP seemed to diminish
after one month, it may be beneficial to take 500 mg of L-tyrosine or 100
mg of D,L-phenylalanine three times daily. Do not take 5-HTP in
conjunction with a prescription antidepressant, especially a MAO
inhibitor, without first talking to the prescribing physician (Murray, 1998).