In several clinical trials 5-Hydroxtryptophan has been tested on its own or against other antidepressant drugs,
including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor drugs (SSRI) such as fluvoxamine (Luvox). Fluvoxamine exerts
anti-depressant activity comparable to Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.
In general, 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been shown to be as ef ective as other traditional antidepressants and tends
to be associated with fewer and less severe side ef ects. The usual dosage for this application is 100 mg, three
times daily.1-5 However, patients with depression should be under the care of a qualified health professional and
combining 5-Hydroxytryptophan supplementation with other anti-depressant drugs or supplements is
contraindicated and may result in life-threatening side effects (i.e. serotonin syndrome).6