A BAGGIE FILLED WITH WHITE POWDER was brought to CanTEST for testing. The expectations for its contents were unknown by the service user. Testing at CanTEST confirmed the substance is 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is available in some other jurisdictions without a prescription (like NZ, UK, EU and USA), however it isn’t on the TGA’s Permissible Ingredients list in Australia.

Effects

5-HTP is converted in the body into serotonin. The effects of 5-HTP are generally quite subtle, and it’s sometimes used recreationally after MDMA with the aim of improving mood and to reduce comedown effects. However, there are serious contraindication risks that can cause serotonin toxicity and even death, such as mental health medications and other drugs like MAOI (which might be in changa, mixed with DMT), SSRI/SNRI, TCA, atypical antidepressants with serotonin action, Triptans, Tramadol, tapentadol, lithium, serotonergic opioids, DXM, St John’s Wort and other drugs like MDMA.

Reducing the harm

Test your stuff! you can’t tell what’s in your drugs just by looking at them. CanTEST is free and confidential. Visit us on Thursdays from 3-6pm or Fridays from 6-9pm – we’re inside the City Community Health Centre at 1 Moore St (on the corner) in Canberra City.

Don’t mix it – the contraindication risks for serotonin toxicity and death are many with 5-HTP.

Using 5-HTP during or shortly after MDMA use can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Never use alone and be alert for signs of an overdose, and know the signs of serotonin toxicity – including confusion, agitation, overheating, seizures, fits, fast/irregular heart rhythm, muscle tension, uncontrolled movements (e.g. shaking foot/leg/wobbling eyes), nausea/vomiting and loss of consciousness.

Serotonin toxicity can be fatal and responding immediately is critical.

Think someone has overdosed? Call 000 for an ambulance immediately. If you’re at an event, get the attention of a crew member (first aid, security, peer support/harm reduction service etc).