The dietary supplement 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-L-trytophan) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan. Several studies indicate that it can help reduce the severity and frequency of headaches in children and adults, and it seems to work for both tension headaches and migraines. Although further research is needed, 5-HTP appears to be most helpful for headache treatment in people who have a history of depression or who began to experience severe headaches before age 20.
However, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding simply because we have no scientific information about the potential effects on the fetus or on the baby. It is always better to play it safe while pregnant or nursing, and the routine warnings on many products speak to that mandate. As far as 5-HTP is concerned, we have no data on whether or not it transfers to human milk, and if so, how that might affect an infant's delicate neurological development. I've also seen reports that 5-HTP can suppress lactation.
Since you don't specify that you suffer from migraines, I'm assuming that you have chronic tension headaches. The alternatives to 5-HTP below can address the underlying causes of your pain and provide relief:
- If you haven't already done so, eliminate caffeine from your diet. It is a strong drug that increases muscle tension.
- Try neck and shoulder massages; an ice pack on the back of your neck can relieve tension that starts in the neck and shoulder muscles and radiates up to your head.
- Practice my breathing exercise to ease the stress that causes tension headaches.
- Try manipulation: chiropractors and osteopaths have various techniques to help alleviate tension headaches and provide effective pain relief. These can be done without high velocity popping or cracking of the neck, which I consider unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
- Try acupuncture; to find a qualified practitioner in your area log onto the American Association of Oriental Medicine (http://www.aaom.org) or the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (http://www.medicalacupuncture.org).
Andrew Weil, M.D.