Nutricost5-HTP 200mg, 60 Vegetarian Capsules (5-Hydroxytryptophan) - Non-GMO & Gluten Free

Edit:TLDR: eat a few crackers or a couple candies before taking 5-HTP, and nothing elseI have learned more about the biochemistry of 5-HTP, and exactly what you eat with it makes a huge difference.An empty stomach will cause nausea as most of the 5-HTP is absorbed quickly and converted into serotonin near the gut.A protein rich snack will block absorption of 5-HTP, as the other amino acids compete for absorption via the LAT1 transport.A carb rich snack will not compete for absorption in the gut, will reduce the nausea, and the increased insulin will suppress other amino acids in the blood, leading to preferential transport of 5-HTP across the blood brain barrier, leading to much more pronounced effects on mood and focus.I think the inconsistent effects I mentioned in the original review was from me switching to a higher protein breakfast, as opposed to the relatively sugary trail mix I had before.---original review:The quality is inconsistent. I got a bottle that had zero effect (ordered October 2024), but the lack of effect made it INCREDIBLY clear how much it had been working before then.So, when it works, it gives me a buzzy energry that lasts throughout the day. It has completely changed my productivity at work, and literally carried me to employee of the month.The nausea is important to address. DO NOT take this on an empty stomach. You will feel absolutely terrible, and unable to do anything for a couple hours.That being said, it works best if you have very little in your stomach. If I eat just a handful of trail mix or something, it will come on strong, and last for hours without making me sick.Hopefully the next bottle is full strength again. I assume the heat in a warehouse or delivery truck deactivated it.

My wife and I added this into our nighttime routine and it has really helped us both fall asleep! It also has helped with mood, anxiety, and stress. We love it!

Helps me sleep!

I wish I could take this more regularly but it makes me feel unwell. Maybe it is too potent for me. I've tried using after a meal which improves the side effects slightly. It works, but the side effects aren't worth it to me.

works well

Lo tomó durante el día y realmente me ayuda a disminuir la ansiedad y a mejorar el ánimo 🙌🏻

I only got to try these three times, because immediately after taking one, my body went tingling then numb, muscles stiffened, and I had difficulty breathing with heart palpitations. The episode lasted about an hour. Didn't realize it was the pills at first because I've had two similar reactions in the past. It happened again the 2nd day I took these, and even though I started to suspect the pills, I tried it a third time anyway. It happened again.I consulted my primary care physician and psychiatrist, and they concluded that I may have a serotonin sensitivity, because the first two episodes occurred after a sudden bout of sharp pain, which the body responds to by elevating serotonin levels.Now, they also said it is just as likely that I do not have a significant sensitivity to serotonin, because just like anybody else, I've experienced pain regularly throughout my life without my body triggering a crazy reaction.My psychiatrist in particular explained to me how pills like these are not regulated, and that can lead to inconsistencies in product quality and potency. She was quite passionate about the topic, sharing stories about other patients she's had who also have had bad experiences with these over-the-counter pills.So given that 99.9% of the time my body has produced additional serotonin in response to pain, I've been OK... And 100% of the time I've tried these particular pills, I was NOT OK... My psychiatrist strongly believes I happened to have gotten a very potent batch of these. Lucky me.

I’ve taken 5HTP from Thorne and other companies, and this 200mg is wayyy more intense than Thorne or Pure encapsulation 200mg. Could not sleep at all due to the intensity.