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Q. Does using pills like Natrol 5-HTP have more benefits or risks to taking them?

Answered by
Dr. Darakhshan
and medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
This is a premium question & answer published on Jun 18, 2020
Does using pills like Natrol 5-HTP Mood & Stress enhancer have more benefits or risks to taking them. I have a bottle of 200mg of this product and also want to know if respiratory diseases specifically (EMS) are likely to happen and why?
# Hi dear,
Welcome to icliniq!
When taken by mouth: 5-HTP is POSSIBLY SAFEwhen taking by mouth appropriately. It has been used safely in doses up to 400 mg daily for up to one year. But some people who have taken 5-HTP have developed a condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). EMS is a serious condition involving extreme muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia). Some people think EMS might be caused by an accidental ingredient or contaminant in some 5-HTP products. But there's not enough scientific evidence to know if EMS is caused by 5-HTP, a contaminant, or some other factor. Until more is known, 5-HTP should be used cautiously.
Other potential side effects of 5-HTP include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems.

5-HTP is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large doses. Doses from 6-10 grams daily have been linked to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms.

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