Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that must be obtained through dietary means. This selection from the eMedTV Web site discusses how tryptophan works and offers more information on its effectiveness, safety concerns, and potential side effects.
As this eMedTV resource explains, some people may use tryptophan supplements to help with several conditions, such as depression, ADHD, PMS, and anxiety. This page covers other tryptophan benefits and discusses its use in children.
There are some tryptophan side effects that can be quite serious and require immediate medical attention. This eMedTV page describes these serious side effects to watch out for and also lists some of the less serious side effects of the supplement.
This eMedTV page addresses the question, "Does tryptophan work?" This page explains that early research shows that tryptophan (L-tryptophan) may be effective for some uses, such as treating depression, relieving PMDD symptoms, and smoking cessation.
This eMedTV page explains that there is no established tryptophan dosage that is considered safe and effective. This page also discusses how it may not be safe to take any dose of tryptophan and offers tips on finding a reputable tryptophan product.
Tryptophan can interact with several medications, such as antidepressants, MAOIs, and triptans. This eMedTV resource lists other medicines that can interact with tryptophan and describes the problems that these tryptophan drug interactions may cause.
This page from the eMedTV library addresses possible tryptophan safety concerns. This article takes an in-depth look at what you should discuss with your doctor before using tryptophan and covers the dangerous complications this supplement can cause.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid tryptophan (L-tryptophan) products due to potential safety concerns. This eMedTV page offers more information on tryptophan and pregnancy, explaining the complications that this supplement may cause in the fetus.
It is currently not known whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking tryptophan (L-tryptophan). This eMedTV page offers information on tryptophan and breastfeeding, and explains why women are typically advised to avoid tryptophan while nursing.
As this eMedTV segment explains, the effects of a tryptophan overdose will depend on how much was taken and whether it was taken with other substances. This article also describes possible symptoms of a tryptophan overdose and treatment options.
