What Is Tryptophan?

Medications That Interact With Natural Tryptophan

When individuals are increasing their intake of natural tryptophan, it's important to understand how this amino acid interacts with other medications. Some medication interactions are major enough to be dangerous. Tryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain, and when combined with antidepressant drugs like SSRIs and MAOIs, there's a chance the brain will be flooded with excess serotonin, causing a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. Central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines can also interact dangerously with tryptophan because the combined drugs cause too much sleepiness. Any other medications that affect serotonin levels or the central nervous system should be monitored with caution. Patients should always talk to their doctor about the medications they're taking before they start taking any additional supplements.

Uncover the link between tryptophan and eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome now.

Tryptophan And Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

In rare cases, ingesting tryptophan supplements can lead to a disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome affects multiple systems in the body, has no known cure, and can sometimes be fatal. There are many potential symptoms that vary widely from person to person. It's common to experience pain in the muscles, cramping, weakness, difficulty with breathing, fatigue, and rashes on the skin. Individuals with this condition have increased white blood cell levels in different places around their bodies. At first, when the disease was discovered, all L-tryptophan supplements were pulled off the market. However, after the Food And Drug Administration's control over dietary supplement regulations was diminished, L-tryptophan began to be sold on the market again. It's important for individuals to keep an eye out for symptoms of this syndrome if they take tryptophan supplements, because the complications can be permanent and disabling.