Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I’m A Student And Going Out To Drink With Friends
Question: I’m a student and going out to drink with friends is a fairly common occurrence. I recently started taking a lower dosage of 5 htp (100 mg twice a day) and I was wondering if I should be concerned about mixing the two. I heard that with higher dosages of 5 htp the serotonin levels could get to high when mixed with alcohol, is this true? Should I just pace myself and drink slowly/a smaller amount next time I’m out to see how I react? I guess I just want to know how much of a risk it is in my situation or if there is any significant interaction at all. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I like to inform you that your information is accurate and it is never advisable to mic alcohol with medications which act on central nervous system. The same is applicable for 5 HTP as directly increases the serotonin level and can cause interaction with alcohol.
Having said this the interaction is often mild in compare to medications (5 htp is nutritional supplement) and you are advised to limit your alcohol intake to 60 ml (averagely built female) or 90 ml (averagely built male). I must inform you that this is limit and complete avoidance is ideal situation.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I like to inform you that your information is accurate and it is never advisable to mic alcohol with medications which act on central nervous system. The same is applicable for 5 HTP as directly increases the serotonin level and can cause interaction with alcohol.
Having said this the interaction is often mild in compare to medications (5 htp is nutritional supplement) and you are advised to limit your alcohol intake to 60 ml (averagely built female) or 90 ml (averagely built male). I must inform you that this is limit and complete avoidance is ideal situation.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your response!
I have one more question- does 5 htp build up in my system as I continue to take it regularly, or would it be safe and out of my system if I don’t take it the day before and the day of going out to drink?
I have one more question- does 5 htp build up in my system as I continue to take it regularly, or would it be safe and out of my system if I don’t take it the day before and the day of going out to drink?
Can I take 5-htp as needed, or is it only affective if I take it regularly and consistently?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
The HTP builds in the system and utilised for the purpose of neurotransmitter synthesis. As suggested above, avoiding alcohol is best strategy. In case this is not possible completely you can go for 5 HTP holiday on day of alcohol intake. It can be stated that this is not completely safe although relatively safe.
5 HTP need to be taken on regular basis for months to have proper effect on mood and anxiety symptoms. There is need for atleast 90% compliance to have desired effects.
I hope this answers you further.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
The HTP builds in the system and utilised for the purpose of neurotransmitter synthesis. As suggested above, avoiding alcohol is best strategy. In case this is not possible completely you can go for 5 HTP holiday on day of alcohol intake. It can be stated that this is not completely safe although relatively safe.
5 HTP need to be taken on regular basis for months to have proper effect on mood and anxiety symptoms. There is need for atleast 90% compliance to have desired effects.
I hope this answers you further.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
