The effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant drug was studied with 59 patients with depressive symptoms using the Rating Scale for Depression. In this double-blind clinical study of 5-HTP treatment of depression, a daily dose of 150 – 300 mg of 5-HTP was administered for three weeks.
Favorable responses were observed in 40 patients (67.8%), of whom 13 patients were markedly improved. 80% of the improved patients experienced their effects within a week of the treatment. The main side effects of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan were gastrointestinal disturbances which were minimized by the simultaneous administration of metoclopramide or trihexyphenidyl.
“A daily dose of 150 – 300 mg of 5-HTP was administered for three weeks. Favorable responses were observed in 40 patients (67.8%), of whom 13 patients were markedly improved. 80% of the improved patients experienced their effects within a week of the treatment.”
