Details

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is made from plant or animal sources. It is known as an "essential" amino acid because the body does not produce it. Tryptophan is important to the functions of many organs in the body. When you consume tryptophan, your body absorbs it and changes it to eventually become a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin transmits signals between your nerve cells and also narrows (constricts) blood vessels. The amount of serotonin in the brain can affect mood. Tryptophan has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder syndrome (such as mood swings and irritability), and to help people quit smoking. Tryptophan has also been used to treat facial pain, to relieve bruxism (tooth grinding), and to improve athletic performance. However, research has shown that it may not be effective in treating these conditions. Tryptophan should not be used in pregnancy.

Typical Uses

Tryptophan is used to treat mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression). It is usually used with other medicines. It works to make the mood more stable and reduce extremes in behaviour by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin, melatonin) in the brain. Tryptophan is a natural substance (amino acid) found in high-protein foods and milk.

Side Effects

Common tryptophan side effects may include unusual tiredness severe muscle pain (most often in the shoulders, back, or legs) weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning pain (especially at night) tremors or twitching muscle movements swelling in any part of your body skin changes (dryness, yellowing, hardening, rash, hair loss) breathing difficulty or uneven heartbeat.

Drug Interactions

• Tryptophan+amoxapine- Using amoxapine together with tryptophan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.
• Tryptophan+buspirone- Using buspirone together with tryptophan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.
• Tryptophan+clomipramine- Using clomipramine together with tryptophan can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death.
• Tryptophan+furazolidone- Using furazolidone together with tryptophan is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of a r

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Mechanism of action

L-tryptophan is an herbal supplement used for depression. Chemically it is a natural occurring amino acid obtained from plants and animals. L-tryptophan is an "essential" amino acid because humans cannot make it and must obtain L-tryptophan from food. It is converted in the body to serotonin. People with depression have an imbalance of serotonin and other brain chemicals. Increased serotonin levels in the brain improve symptoms of depression.

Pregnancy Category : D