You are not supposed to take 5-HTP but L-Tryptophan is OK while taking an SSRI. 5-HTP bypasses the blood brain barrier and metabolizes into serotonin. L-Tryptophan does not pass the blood brain barrier. My Duke trained MD, biochem degree for Harvard doc said they are OK. L-Tryptophan does not have the bio-availability that 5-HTP has. I used L-Tryptophan as I was weaning off Paxil (both at the same time) and took it for a year while taking Celexa, both while under a doctors care. I increased the L-Tryp while I reduced the Paxil.

I just went off the Celexa and may switch to 5-HPT instead of the L-Tryptophan over time. But, with 5-HTP, you need to establish a disciplined dosing regimen or risk roller coaster serotonin.