Who Shouldn't Take 5-HTP?

5-hydroxytryptophan, a supplement also sold as 5-HTP, is commonly marketed as a holistic treatment option for clinical depression, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's disease and obesity. In general, 5-HTP is safe when it is used as directed for reasonably short periods of time. However, some people should not take 5-HTP under any circumstances.

The following circumstances are contraindications for 5-HTP. If you fall into any of these categories, avoid taking 5-HTP supplements.

Pregnant Women

5-HTP is contraindicated for pregnant women. You should not take 5-HTP during any stage of pregnancy, because it can cross the placenta and interfere the the production of serotonin and other compounds in the baby's developing brain.

Breastfeeding Mothers

You should not take 5-HTP if you are breastfeeding. It may interfere with your milk supply, leading to improper nutrition for your child. 5-HTP may also enter breastmilk and affect levels of certain neurotransmitters in the baby's brain. In theory, this could cause serious, or even fatal, problems.

People with Down Syndrome

Supplements containing 5-HTP can be dangerous to people with Down syndrome, so Down syndrome is regarded as a contraindication for the use of 5-HTP. Rougly 15% of people with Down syndrome develop seizures after taking 5-HTP for over an extended period of time.

People Taking SSRI Drugs

If you take a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, you should not use 5-HTP. It may trigger serotonin syndrome, or the life-threatening overproduction of serotonin. This can cause severe sweating, heart palpitations and anxiety. SSRI drugs include popular antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). If you aren't sure if your medication is an SSRI, consult your doctor.

People taking MAOI Drugs

Like SSRIs, MAOI medications can cause serotonin syndrome when they are combined with 5-HTP. MAOIs, which are used as pharmaceutical treatments for depressin, include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate). Do not take 5-HTP if you use MAOIs or have taken them any time in the last several weeks. To prevent life-threatening reactions, ask your health care provider before using 5-HTP or any other supplement.