The FDA banned tryptophan supplements in 1989. Click here for safety issues.

Pharmaceutical-grade tryptophan remained available as a prescription medication and is sometimes prescribed by psychiatrists to people who are not responding well to other medications. Since 5-HTP increases serotonin, and SSRIs block the destruction of serotonin, some psychiatrists use 5-HTP to augment the effects of SSRIs. However, there is the danger of serotonin levels becoming dangerously high.

*Recently, pharmaceutical grade L-tryptophan has become available over the counter and online in the U.S. Whether or not it is "legal" is unclear. See FDA's Information Paper on L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan.

*Never combine tryptophan with any antidepressant (prescription or supplement) unless under the supervision of a physician.

"Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market" Click here for information on how the FDA regulates dietary supplements.

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