The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol & 5-HTP

Learn about the potentially dangerous effects of mixing alcohol and 5-HTP.

Alcohol can have interactions with certain drugs and herbal supplements, including 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). This supplement increases the amount of serotonin in the body and is sometimes used to help with mood, sleep or weight loss. The effects of mixing this supplement with alcohol are not well studied or understood by scientists, making it difficult to tell what effects may occur.

Someone who is taking alcohol and 5-HTP together should consult with a doctor about whether it is safe.

Mixing Alcohol and 5-HTP

Currently, there are no known interactions between alcohol and 5-HTP that have been reported or studied. As 5-HTP is considered a supplement, it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or studied like other medications, and there is little information about the possible effects it may have. Most of the information about 5-HTP and alcohol interactions are inferred based on how the two substances work.

Alcohol and 5-HTP both affect a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Alcohol creates a temporary spike in the level of serotonin, then causes it to decrease. The supplement 5-HTP causes an increase in the amount of serotonin in the body over a sustained time.

Alcohol and 5-HTP Side Effects

Since alcohol and 5-HTP both impact serotonin levels, there are possible alcohol and 5-HTP side effects. A condition called serotonin syndrome can be dangerous and even deadly. This condition occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. Serotonin syndrome may occur when 5-HTP is combined with other medications that affect serotonin levels.

While there have not been any reported cases of 5-HTP interaction with alcohol during the initial spike of serotonin, some medical professionals believe that it may be possible for alcohol combined with 5-HTP to raise a person’s risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:

• Elevated body temperature
• Agitation and tremors
• Sweating
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Breakdown of muscles

Some research indicates that 5-HTP may be helpful in the treatment of alcoholism, as it raises serotonin levels over the long term while alcohol lowers them over the long term, after the initial spike. However, this research is mostly anecdotal and has not been formally accepted by the scientific community.

Given the lack of scientific information available from medical research, avoid mixing alcohol and 5-HTP. There may be undiscovered interactions or possible complications that have not yet been uncovered, and without evidence to prove that it is safe, no one should mix these two substances.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction (also known as alcohol use disorder,  The Recovery Village is here to help you start recovery. Reach out to one of our caring team members today to learn how The Recovery Village can help you.

Editor – Camille Renzoni

Cami Renzoni is a creative writer and editor for The Recovery Village. As an advocate for behavioral health, Cami is certified in mental health first aid and encourages people who face substance use disorders to ask for the help they deserve. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN

Benjamin Caleb Williams is a board-certified Emergency Nurse with several years of clinical experience, including supervisory roles within the ICU and ER settings. Read more