5-HTP

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is what your body uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps improve the quality of sleep and mood and lowers pain. Take 100 to 400 milligrams at night.

Caution: If you are taking a number of treatments that increase serotonin (e.g., antidepressants such as Prozac, St. John’s Wort, Ultram and Desyrel), taking doses higher than 200 mg of 5-HTP can result in serotonergic syndrome, a life-threatening reaction caused by a too-high level of serotonin. Because of this, discuss the use of 5-HTP with your doctor. If you are taking any of the serotonin-raising treatments, it is reasonable to limit the 5-HTP to 200 mg at night. If your heart rate is constantly above 90, even if you are not taking 5-HTP, you may be on too many treatments that raise serotonin and you should discuss lowering these with your doctor.