Can i take 5-htp during pregnancy? i am 13 weeks and was on celexa (citalopram) prior to conceiving.

May take 5HTP: 5-htp is a naturally occurring amino acid. It is a precursor of the serotonin and melatonin. 5-htp is also a metabolite of serotonin. It is available over the counter and is used to help depression, sleep disturbance, etc. There are no studies available regarding it's use in pregnancy, and how it may effect the fetus. Usually, risk is the highest in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Consult obgyn.

5-HTP: If ok by your doctor who prescribed celexa, (citalopram) as well as your obstetrician, who are monitoring your symptoms & your pregnancy. Personally, since no data available, i would not recommend it.

No, ma'am, the: National institute of health recommends not using it in pregnancy because it's possibly unsafe. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is a potentially serious side effect. In large studies of kids with Down syndrome who developed seizures, 15% had a history of long-term use of 5-htp. Ask your psychiatrist & OB about using low-dose Prozac or zoloft (sertraline) to prevent recurrence of depression/anxiety in pregnancy.

Avoid it if possible: May be linked to low birthweight. Try daily non traumatic exercise for mood elevation.

Most likely no: I looked up in various sources about 5-htp and they all indicate its "possibly unsafe" during pregnancy and best to be avoided. Please confirm with your obstetrician.

5-HTP: Since not enough is known about this supplement (other than potentially serious side effects) webmd et al recommend against its use, especially during pregnancy.

Probably should not: I am sure some women do take 5 htp during pregnancy, but it doesn't have safety data for use during this time. Because of this, i wouldn't recommend taking it during your pregnancy -- especially in your first trimester.