NOW 5-HTP

Helps to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia and reduce the severity and duration of migraine headaches when taken as a prophylactic.There has been recent interest in the use of 5-HTP as a means to boost serotonin production. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and has replaced tryptophan, which was previously used in that role. Serious adverse health events havebeen linked to L-Tryptophan in the past and it is currently a prescription drug in Canada. 5-HTP is well absorbed after oral administration and has been shown to increase the neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine; whereas tryptophan does not. This NOW 5-HTP product offers the benefits of higher potency and a vegetarian formulation extracted from the seed of the African Griffonia simplicifolia plant.

Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter synthesized centrally from derivatives of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is created in the body via tryptophan hydroxylase, which is subsequently decarboxylated to serotonin (5-HT). 5-HTP is readily absorbed when taken orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase the central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP can increase synthesis of serotonin, 5-HTP is used for several disease states where serotonin is believed to play a significant role including headaches, mood disorders and numerous otherconditions. 5-HTP is one of the few approved natural therapies for fibromyalgia with the possibility of reducing pain severity, morning stiffness, and sleeplessness.  

Directions: Adult Dosage: Fibromyalgia: Take 1 capsule 3-4 times daily with food. Use for minimum of 2 weeks to see beneficial effects. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond one year.Migraines: Take 1-2 capsules 2-3 times daily with food. Use for a minimum of 2-3 weeks to see beneficial effects. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 6 months. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, start dosing at 100 mg,2-3 times per day and slowly increase to effective dose over a 2 week period.

Ingredients (each capsule contains):

Non-Medicinal Ingredients: White Rice Flour, Veg Capsule (hypromellose, water).