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5-HTP

Half-life

~1-2 hours

What is 5-HTP?

Direct serotonin precursor often taken at night to support sleep and mood. Avoid combining with SSRIs.

How 5-HTP works

Crosses BBB and is converted to serotonin by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Serotonin is then converted to melatonin at night. Increases REM sleep duration.

Benefits & uses

  • Mood support
  • Sleep onset
  • Appetite/craving control

Common uses: Serotonin support, sleep quality, mood, carbohydrate cravings.

CognitiveRecovery

5-HTP dosage

Typical dose
50–200 mg (often evening; start low)

5-HTP half-life

~1-2 hours (5-HTP plasma)

5-HTP side effects

  • GI nausea in some individuals (take with food)
  • May cause vivid dreams initially
  • Avoid with SSRIs without medical supervision (serotonin syndrome risk)
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Vivid dreams

Warnings & monitoring

  • Do NOT combine with SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs — serotonin syndrome risk

Track 5-HTP in Protokol.

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For research and educational purposes only. This page is not medical advice and is not a recommendation to use any compound. Many compounds listed are not approved for human use, and some are prescription-only or controlled in your jurisdiction. Dosing figures are reference or observational reports. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing anything. Protokol is for tracking purposes only.