OnePin Peptide Library · Cognitive & Mood
5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan · Griffonia simplicifolia
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is the direct serotonin precursor, derived from L-tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase. Unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP does not require this rate-limiting enzyme and is converted to serotonin via aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. This makes 5-HTP a more direct serotonin booster than L-tryptophan supplementation.
Evening for sleep; morning for mood. Do NOT combine with SSRIs.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
5-HTP bypasses the rate-limiting tryptophan hydroxylase step:
Direct Serotonin Precursor
AADC (aromatic amino acid decarboxylase) converts 5-HTP → serotonin. Both peripheral and CNS conversion occur.
Melatonin Pathway
Serotonin → N-acetyl-serotonin → melatonin (via pineal gland). Indirect sleep support.
Cofactor Need
AADC requires vitamin B6 (PLP). Some products include B6 to support conversion.
Peripheral vs CNS
Without carbidopa, much 5-HTP is converted peripherally to serotonin (which doesn't cross BBB). Carbidopa-co-administered 5-HTP enters CNS more efficiently. Most supplement use is without carbidopa - effects rely on small CNS fraction.
Serotonin Syndrome Risk
Combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, tramadol, MDMA, or other serotonergic drugs - serotonin excess can produce agitation, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and rarely death. Single most important interaction.
What to expect
Days 1-7: subtle effects.
Weeks 2-6: peak mood effect.
Cycle off after 12 weeks.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Keep separate
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Nausea (most common)
- Drowsiness
- Mild GI
Less common & notes
- Serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs (DO NOT COMBINE).
- Vivid dreams.
- Long-term: theoretical dopamine depletion via shared AADC pathway - cycle to avoid.
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Capsule. Cool dry location.
Regulatory status
Dietary supplement (US, DSHEA). Banned in some EU jurisdictions.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open 5-HTP straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open 5-HTP in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete 5-HTP walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
Join the community ↗