Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Piracetam wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
4 of 5 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both 5-HTP and Piracetam have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
50-100mg for sleep; 150-300mg for mood
For sleep: 30-45 minutes before bed, For mood: 2-3 divided doses with meals
Capsules
1200-4800mg daily in divided doses
Divided into 2-3 doses, Morning and early afternoon, With a choline source
Piracetam powder or capsules
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
First 1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
Ongoing
First few days
Early pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2022) · Systematic review · n=2023
This review provides uncertain evidence only regarding the use of hydrocortisone, propranolol, dexamethasone, omega-3 fatty acids, gabapentin, paroxetine, PulmoCare formula, Oxepa formula, or 5-hydroxytryptophan as universal PTSD prevention strategies.
Combination pharmacotherapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) · Systematic review · n=1474
Two studies only reported any primary outcomes of interest (patient-reported pain relief of 30%, or 50%, or greater).
The Impact of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Singapore Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nutrients (2025) · Rct · n=30
Results: A significant time effect was observed in the MoCA score, which was mainly explained by a significant increase in the 5-HTP group (week 0 vs. week 12: 26.6 ± 1.4 a.u. vs. 27.6 ± 1.4 a.u., p < 0.05).
The treatment of cognitive dysfunction in dementia: a multiple treatments meta-analysis
Psychopharmacology (2018) · Meta analysis · n=44854
The pooled standardized mean difference of the treatment effects on cognitive dysfunction was 0.439 (95% confidence interval 0.374, 0.504).
Piracetam for reducing the incidence of painful sickle cell disease crises
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016) · Meta analysis · n=169
Although there was no significant difference between the piracetam and placebo periods for the number of days of hospitalisation (P = 0.87) in one trial, inconsistencies in the criteria necessary for hospitalisation during sickle crises did not permit accurate conclusions to be drawn.
Treatment Efficacy of Pharmacotherapies for Frontotemporal Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (2023) · Meta analysis · n=243
Compared with placebo, high-dose oxytocin (72 international units) was associated with the greatest improvement in patients' neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = -1.17, 95% CIs = -2.25 to -0.08, z = -2.10, p = 0.035).
Limited evidence from small RCTs (n=30, n=166). Effectiveness constrained by mixed study populations and preliminary findings. Higher doses associated with increased nausea risk.
Based on meta-analysis of 1002 stroke patients, but showed non-significant increase in death at one month. Evidence is limited and mixed. Conservative effectiveness estimates due to safety concerns.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Piracetam has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between 5-HTP and Piracetam have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.