5-HTP Benefits: The Complete Guide
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5-HTP for Weight Loss: Clinical Trials, Dosing Protocol & GLP-1 Comparison
By Dr. Alexandru-Theodor Amarfei, M.D. | Medically Reviewed | Updated February 2025 | 18 min read 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), also known as oxitriptan, may reduce appetite and carbohydrate cravings by increasing serotonin—the same neurotransmitter system that GLP-1 drugs like...
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The Best Time of Day to Take 5-HTP
✅ Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Alexandru-Theodor Amarfei, M.D. | Coordinator, Geriatric Medicine – CHIC Unisanté, France You have your bottle of 5-HTP. But when should you take it? Morning? Night? Before meals? Unlike a multivitamin, 5-HTP is a direct precursor to brain...
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5-HTP Side Effects: The "Serotonin Syndrome" Risk
✅ Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Alexandru-Theodor Amarfei, M.D. | Coordinator, Geriatric Medicine – CHIC Unisanté, France 5-HTP is a powerful tool for mood, sleep, and appetite. But because it directly alters your brain chemistry, it must be respected. It is not "just...
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5-HTP and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Mix?
✅ Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Alexandru-Theodor Amarfei, M.D. | Coordinator, Geriatric Medicine – CHIC Unisanté, France If you take 5-HTP for mood or sleep, you might wonder: is it safe to have a glass of wine with dinner? Or a beer on...
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5-HTP vs. Melatonin: Which is Better for Sleep?
✅ Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Alexandru-Theodor Amarfei, M.D. | Coordinator, Geriatric Medicine – CHIC Unisanté, France If you have trouble sleeping, Melatonin is usually the first recommendation. But for millions of people, it stops working, or worse, leaves them groggy the next...
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Tryptophan vs. 5-HTP: Which is Superior?
✅ Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Alexandru-Theodor Amarfei, M.D. | Coordinator, Geriatric Medicine – CHIC Unisanté, France If you are looking to boost serotonin for better sleep or mood, you have two main natural options: L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP. Both are building blocks for serotonin, but they...