- What is tryptophan capsule, tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of tryptophan capsule, tablet?
- What is the dosage for tryptophan capsule, tablet?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with tryptophan capsule, tablet?
- Is tryptophan capsule, tablet safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about tryptophan capsule, tablet?
What is tryptophan capsule, tablet, and how does it work (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.
What brand names are available for tryptophan capsule, tablet?
Tryptophan, Tryptan
Is tryptophan capsule, tablet available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for tryptophan capsule, tablet?
No
What are the side effects of tryptophan capsule, tablet?
Side effects of L-tryptophan are:
- weight loss,
- dizziness,
- dry mouth,
- headache,
- nausea, and
- improper sexual behavior.
What is the dosage for tryptophan capsule, tablet?
- Adults: Take 8 to 12 grams of L-tryptophan by mouth per day. L-tryptophan should be taken in divided doses of three or four times a day.
- Pediatric: Safe and effective use in pediatric patients is not determined.
Which drugs or supplements interact with tryptophan capsule, tablet?
L-tryptophan should be used with caution with other anti-depressants like citalopram (Celexa), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), vilazodone, linezolid, and phenelzine because of increased risk of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome caused by excessive serotonin in the brain.
Is tryptophan capsule, tablet safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on L-tryptophan to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether L-tryptophan enters breast milk; however, it is best to avoid L-tryptophan during breastfeeding to avoid risk to the newborn.
What else should I know about tryptophan capsule, tablet?
What preparations of tryptophan capsule, tablet are available?
L-tryptophan is available in 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets and capsules.
How should I keep tryptophan capsule, tablet stored?
L-tryptophan is stored in tightly closed containers. Due to multiple companies producing this medication, storage requirement may vary based on manufacturer.
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Summary
L-tryptophan (Tryptophan, Tryptan) is an herbal supplement taken for depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and a variety of other conditions. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this supplement.
Related Disease Conditions
- Sleep Several vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommends about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep: 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement).
- Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems, and irritability. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. Treatment for anxiety may incorporate medications and psychotherapy.
- Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea, obstructive apnea (OSA), and a mixture of central and obstructive apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain's failure to activate breathing muscles during sleep. OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway during sleep. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination, and polysomnography. There are many complications related to obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments are surgical and non-surgical.
- Depression Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with menstruation. Common PMS symptoms include; depression, irritability, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. For some women, PMS symptoms can be controlled with natural and home remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and a family and friend support system.
- Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are medications, psychological conditions, environmental changes, and stressful events. Treatments may include non-drug treatments, over-the-counter medicines, and/or prescription medications.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD has also been referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. The cause of PMDD is unknown. Some of the common symptoms of PMDD (not an inclusive list) include mood swings, bloating, fatigue, headache, irritability, headache, breast tenderness, acne, and hot flashes. Treatment for PMDD is with medication to treat the symptoms of PMDD.
- Menstrual Cramps and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Treatment Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine
REFERENCE:
FDA.gov.
