5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan
Also known as Oxitriptan
Images
Quick reference
Duration
Experience
Primary effects
- A precursor to serotonin, often used as a supplement for insomnia and depression, or during recovery from psychoactive drug use.
- Causes a neutral, mellow headspace with potentially enhanced mood and a semi-somniant contentment.
Peak character
- Mild heavy-headedness and dreaminess without intoxication.
- Increased mellowness and a state of contentment.
Negatives / side effects
- May cause sleepiness and a slightly disoriented feeling upon waking from naps.
- Do not take with serotonergic drugs; wait at least 12 hours after drugs like MDMA.
Aftereffects / comedown
- Effects can persist into the next day, particularly a general heady feeling.
- Deep sleep with vivid dreams may occur.
Reference dosage
Reference ranges from third-party harm-reduction databases. Individual response varies enormously — start lower than you think.
| threshold | 25mg+ |
| light | 50mg+ |
| common | 100mg+ |
| strong | 300mg+ |
| heavy | 500mg+ |
Reagent testing
| Ehrlich | Purple (tryptamine-adjacent structure) |
Adulterant detection: Serotonin precursor — Ehrlich test will react. Adulterant risk is low for pharmaceutical-grade; supplement market adulteration is rare.
Ehrlich test confirms tryptamine-adjacent structure. Generally low adulteration risk in supplement form.
Source
Reference fields and narrative for 5-HTP extracted from The Drug Users Bible by Dominic Milton Trott (MxZero Publishing, 2022).
drugusersbible.comHarm reduction notice
This platform provides educational and harm-reduction information adapted from public reference material. It does not endorse, encourage, or facilitate drug use. It is not medical advice. If you or someone near you may be in a medical emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.