Months and months ago my daughter suggested I take 5-HTP. Neither of us has been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome but both of us get what we call the itchy witchys. 5-HTP 100 mg 60 Vegetarian Capsules by Jarrow Formulas works. The purple bottle is what I use and it is the vegetarian formula.

5-HTP Explained:

5-HTP (stands for hydroxytryptophan) has a chemical reaction to serotonin. Serotonin is important in the central nervous system to control mood, sleep, appetite and a whole lot of other things. This all gets way too scientific for me but research shows that in doses of up to 200mg a day, 5-HTP causes no known side effects and on its own helps with mild depression. Combined with other antidepressants it may help moderate to severe depression.

I take one before bedtime every night.

5-HTP is a naturally derived amino acid that has been said to be safer than prescription drugs for the treatment of insomnia and depression, and can also be used for treating obesity, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, and premenstrual syndrome. Yes, it sounds like it is a cure-all but…

Whenever I review supplements I note that there is no way to absolutely say they work. It is possible that my restless legs have gotten better on their own. However, since I have a sample of two (my daughter also) I am recommending 5-HTP.

It has been shown to produce results in as little as two weeks, while other supplements such as St. John’s Wort may take a month or longer. I buy mine at Whole Foods. I like the Jarrow name although I pay more than let's say the NOW brand. Jarrow 5-HTP costs about $25.00 to Now which costs about $15.00.

Jo’s Final Thoughts:

Note that the Federal Drug Administration has not tested or approved 5-HTP. Please, as with any supplement talk with your doctor. Jarrow 5-HTP may not be a good idea in some circumstances. As an example my husband cannot use St. John’s Wort because of his prostate so be careful.

I will continue to use Jarrow 5-HTP. It works for me and calms down my restless legs.


Other Ingredients:  Cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source) and silicon dioxide,

Recommended: Yes