5-HTP Half-Life & Clearance

Understand how long 5-HTP stays in your bloodstream, its metabolic pathways, and how to time your doses optimally.

Standard Pharmacokinetics

Chart represents a single standard dose processed by a normal metabolizer over 24 hours.

Key Metrics

3 hrs

Average Half-Life

+1.5 hrs

Time to Peak (Tmax)

Best taken between meals for maximum absorption; carbohydrates may compete with absorption

Food interaction

Build Your Full Schedule

See how 5-HTP overlaps with caffeine, modafinil, and your target bedtime.

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Metabolism & Excretion

Pathway

Converted to serotonin by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (peripherally and centrally)

Elimination

Urine (as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-HIAA)

Important Nuances

Peripheral 5-HTP → serotonin conversion can cause nausea, GI issues. Co-administration with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa) increases CNS delivery but is complex. Start with 50mg and assess tolerance.

Check Your Full Stack for Interactions

Add all your supplements and prescription medications at once.

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