Is Oxytriptan compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Oxytriptan?

Oxytriptan

August 6, 2017 (Low Risk)

Oxitriptan or 5-HTP is a metabolite of the natural amino acid L-Tryptophan, a component of proteins. In turn it is the immediate precursor of serotonin.
It is abundantly found in the seeds of the African plant griffonia simplicifolia (Rondanelli 2012).

It is used as an antidepressant, to treat fibromyalgia, neurological disorders, headaches, insomnia and obesity with controversy over the lack of evidence of its effetiveness (MedlinePlus 2016, Shaw 2002, Alt Med Rev 1998).

Levels of 5-HTP and tryptophan decrease in the mother during childbirth, while they increase in cord blood (Carretti 2003).

Like L-Tryptophan, its use has been associated with a serious epidemic of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome with more than 1,500 cases and 37 deaths occurring in the 1990s, possibly caused by contaminated or poorly prepared batches of tryptophan (Medline Plus 2016, Klarskov 2003, Klarskov 1999, Michelson 1994).

The FDA has not authorized its as a drug.

Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its pharmacokinetic data (low molecular weight, low protein binding, low volume of distribution) make it likely that it would pass into breast milk in amounts which could be significant.

It can increase prolactin levels (Lancranjan 1977).

Due to the lack of evidence on its efficacy and the possibility of side effects, it is a drug that is non-essential during breastfeeding.

If used, very moderate consumption is recommended and and it must come from a reliable source, given the poisonings that have previously occurred (Medline Plus 2016).


See below the information of this related product:

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • 5HTP
  • 5 HTP
  • 5-HTP
  • L-5 HTP
  • L-5-Hydroxytryptophan

Writings

  • أوكسيتريبتان (Arabic)
  • Окситриптан (Cyrillic)
  • 羟色氨酸 (Chinese)
  • オキシトリプタン (Japanese)
  • C11H12N2O3 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. MedinePlus. 5-HTP. MedlinePlus suplementos. 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. MedlinePlus, 5-HTP MedlinePlus Supplements. 2016 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Rondanelli M, Opizzi A, Faliva M, Bucci M, Perna S. Relationship between the absorption of 5-hydroxytryptophan from an integrated diet, by means of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, and the effect on satiety in overweight females after oral spray administration. Eat Weight Disord. 2012Abstract
  4. Carretti N, Bertazzo A, Comai S, Costa CV, Allegri G, Petraglia F. Serum tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan at birth and during post-partum days. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2003Abstract
  5. Klarskov K, Johnson KL, Benson LM, Cragun JD, Gleich GJ, Wrona M, Jiang XR, Dryhurst G, Naylor S. Structural characterization of a case-implicated contaminant, "Peak X," in commercial preparations of 5-hydroxytryptophan. J Rheumatol. 2003Abstract
  6. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Are tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan effective treatments for depression? A meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2002Abstract
  7. Klarskov K, Johnson KL, Benson LM, Gleich GJ, Naylor S. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome case-associated contaminants in commercially available 5-hydroxytryptophan. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999Abstract
  8. [No authors listed] 5-hydroxytryptophan. Altern Med Rev. 1998Abstract
  9. Westenberg HG, Gerritsen TW, Meijer BA, van Praag HM. Kinetics of l-5-hydroxytryptophan in healthy subjects. Psychiatry Res. 1982Abstract
  10. Magnussen I, Nielsen-Kudsk F. Bioavailability and related pharmacokinetics in man of orally administered L-5-hydroxytryptophan in steady state. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh). 1980Abstract
  11. Magnussen I, Nielsen-Kudsk F. Pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered L-5-hydroxytryptophan in man. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh). 1979Abstract
  12. Lancranjan I, Wirz-Justice A, Pühringer W, Del Pozo E. Effect of 1-5 hydroxytryptophan infusion on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1977Abstract