🌟 Sleep · Moderate evidence

5-HTP

Serotonin · sleep · mood · appetite · anxiety. People take it for:

  • Serotonin synthesis support
  • Sleep quality and onset
  • Mood and depression support
  • Appetite suppression
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Migraine prevention

Why it works

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a direct precursor to serotonin, more potent than tryptophan. Effective for sleep, mood, and appetite control. Use carefully and cycle.

Your Today

Bedtime

5-HTP (preview, not in your stack yet)preview

How to take 5-HTP

Best time to take

30–45 minutes before bed or with meals for mood/appetite

Suggested dose

50–200mg; start at 50mg and increase slowly

Side effects and risks

  • Never combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs — serious serotonin syndrome risk
  • May cause nausea — start low
  • Cycle — do not use continuously long-term
  • May cause vivid dreams

5-HTP interactions

  • CautionL-Tryptophan

    5-HTP and L-tryptophan are steps on the same pathway to serotonin, so taking both stacks the same effect and doubles the load. Pick one.

  • CautionSt. John's Wort

    5-HTP raises serotonin, and St John's Wort does the same by a different route. Combining them is one of the few genuinely risky supplement pairings. Speak to a doctor before taking both.

Medical disclaimer: Nothing on Stack Ritual constitutes medical advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before beginning, changing, or stopping any vitamin, supplement, or wellness regimen.