Amino acids
5-HTP
Also called: 5-hydroxytryptophan, griffonia
A compound from the plant Griffonia that the body turns into serotonin.
- Why people take it
- Mood, sleep, appetite.
- What the evidence says
- Small, older studies only.
- How it is usually taken
- Usually 50 to 300 mg a day.
- Be careful
- Dangerous with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome). Stomach upset.
- Medicines it can interact with
- Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, triptans and MAOIs; do not combine.
Other amino acids
Common questions
What is 5-HTP?
A compound from the plant Griffonia that the body turns into serotonin.
Why do people take 5-HTP?
Mood, sleep, appetite.
Does 5-HTP work?
Small, older studies only.
How much 5-HTP do people take?
Usually 50 to 300 mg a day.
Is 5-HTP safe?
Dangerous with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome). Stomach upset.
Does 5-HTP interact with medicines?
Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, triptans and MAOIs; do not combine.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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