More and more people are taking antidepressants—but this might be a public health crisis in the making. Many struggle to stop using them, while others experience worsening depression symptoms.
Side Effects of Antidepressants
Antidepressants come with a range of side effects, including:
- Double the risk of suicide
- Sexual dysfunction
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Diarrhea, sweating, and drowsiness
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Negative effects on unborn babies during pregnancy
In the UK alone, around four million people take antidepressants. Doctors seem to be prescribing them too readily. In fact, twice as many people in the UK are now on these medications compared to a decade ago. The World Health Organization warns that prescription rates are alarmingly high in many countries, as people struggle to cope with modern life's challenges.
Is There an Alternative to Antidepressants?
Yes—it's called 5-HTP.
What Is 5-HTP and How Does It Work?
You've probably heard of serotonin, the brain’s "feel-good" chemical. It plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Serotonin is made from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. Before becoming serotonin, tryptophan is first converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)—which is then turned into serotonin in the brain.
Supplementing with 5-HTP
5-HTP is naturally sourced from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, a type of African bean. The first study on 5-HTP’s mood-enhancing effects was conducted in the 1970s at Osaka University Medical School in Japan. In the study, 107 patients took 50–300 mg of 5-HTP daily, and more than half experienced symptom improvement within two weeks.
Subsequent research refined the dosage, and results improved—over two-thirds of participants saw an uplift in mood.
Later studies revealed that people supplementing with 5-HTP achieved better overall results in reducing depression symptoms compared to those taking antidepressants—and with significantly fewer side effects. In contrast, only one-third of people respond positively to antidepressants.
A more recent study focused on 15 women with major depression who had not responded to SSRI antidepressants. They were given 100 mg of 5-HTP combined with creatine. After eight weeks, their symptoms improved by 60%, and most were no longer classified as depressed.
Why Isn’t 5-HTP Widely Prescribed for Depression?
The simple answer: money.
5-HTP comes from the Griffonia plant and cannot be patented, meaning pharmaceutical companies can't profit from it the way they do with synthetic antidepressants. These patented drugs generate billions in revenue, despite their high cost and side effects.
Can You Buy 5-HTP Without a Prescription?
That depends on the country. In most places, 5-HTP is available over the counter.