Can anyone advise me on 5HTP?

Posted 9th May 2023

Hi all. I’ve recently tried taking Melatonin for aiding sleep but I found I was eventually awakening very drowsy so I thought I’d give 5HTP a go! I ordered some from Amazon over the weekend which I was going to post a link and a screenshot but the product appears to have disappeared of the Amazon website!

I was reading the bottle today comparing to others ( the one I ordered said 400mg of Griffonia Seed per Capsule.
But when I compared I was seeing other products with the same HTP saying take two capsules (of 400mg Griffona or 50mg of HTP) .

So I’m now confused whether to take two capsules before bed or just the one as stated on the product advice! Maybe just start with one?

I hope I can find someone on HUKD who uses 5HTP who can advise on a brand or dosing instructions!?

Thanks in advance!

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Adam
9th May
fyi op is on about something similar to this amazon.co.uk/5-HTP-400mg-Supplement-Capsules-Pharmaceutical/dp/B0821K1JBB/ (edited)
stec77 Author
9th May
Yes, 5HTP but nit the exact product you’ve linked to! They are similar but other additions aswell! Some with dosages of tablets and others where the directions of use suggest taking multiple capsules!? Thanks.
mgk
9th May
I'd say start with 1 as per the packet you bought. However, products like these given they are not "proper drugs" don't tend to have a officially recommended dose.

I had never heard of 5htp before so just my opinion. However I feel your pain on the sleep problem.

I tried Melatonin and initially it was amazing, however I soon seemed to get used to it.

What dose dod you try? You could also half the melatonin dose as an alternative
stec77 Author
9th May
Thanks for your reply! With the melatonin that I tried the tablets were 12mg. The first time I tried half a tablet which felt too much then I tried a quarter of a tablet which also seemed too much! After that I tried maybe an eighth of a tablet but I still felt rough on that dose! I’ve only tried it on 10 occasions so maybe I should try a low dosage over a longer period but before trying that regime I decided to try the 5HTP! The 5HTP that I’ve bought also contains Tryptophan which I’m happy and intrigued about but also camomile and lemon balm which I’m also happy about! I’m going to give one tablet a go tonight maybe half an hour to an hour before I try to sleep!
Xippi
10th May
As ever - tread wisely. Just because you can buy this medication doesn't mean that it doesn't contain potent substances. These can potentially harm as well as help. Relying on a drug (yes - that's what this is. Just because it's 'natural' means nothing) to sleep usually always results in habituation. Your body will gradually get used to it and need to take more and more. You'll have withdrawal when you stop and then be on the hunt for the next current trend. Then you get side effects. For example 5-HTP can cause Serotonin syndrome - Google it.
Not saying its easy or preaching but it would be so much better for you to try to find a relaxation routine or similar that can help you and doesn't depend on putting random chemicals of which you know little into your body. Good luck.
stgeorge
9th May
I have been trying these as I have a terrible time getting to sleep & then I tend to wake up an hour later when I do finaly get off.
I do feel they have helped a bit, these ones you only have to take one, amazon.co.uk/dp/…REL

I've also been recommended this which I'm currently trying as well, amazon.co.uk/gp/…c=1
stec77 Author
9th May
Thanks for your reply! I nearly bought the product you linked to as it seemed to be a good price and with good reviews! But the cherry product is a new one on me!
Allsorts2121
9th May
I find 2 paracetamol with a hot chocolate before bed knocks me out if I have a period of not being able to sleep. Obviously not on a regular basis but helps get me back to peaceful nights sleep for a couple of weeks.
stec77 Author
9th May
Thanks for your reply! Wow!!! I’ve never heard of this bedtime routine before! At the moment I’ll stick to the route which I’ve mentioned here but your method does sound like a treat! Maybe I’ll give it a go at some point in the future!?