Question 1

how much time does it take l-tyrosine to begin to have an effect taking it everyday? does it takes a while like an antidepressant?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It needs to be absorbed. It needs to be converted by Tyrosine Hydorxylase to L-Dopa. If you have iron deficiency the enzyme Tyrosine Hydroxylase may not work (iron is a co-factor for this enzyme)  This is how Iron deficiency leads to Restless Leg Syndrome (Its called Ekbom Syndrome if due to iron deficiency) Another couple of enzymes have to come into play to produce nor-epinephrine and / or 5HT.

Question 2

i want to know if it is true that the amino acid l-tyrosine may work as an antidepressant, and how to take (dose, time).

Accepted Answer

True is false: The answer is " it depends on your response to it" . True in medicine depends on strict parameters of number of positive responses versus negative or null responses. There are few or any controlled studies of L- tyrosine compared to placebo ( a sugar pill) and to antidepressants. I hope this is clear enough. Thanks!

Question 3

does l-tyrosine help with hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

No: You may be referring to , however, levothyroxine which is the treatment for hypothyroidism.  L-tyrosine is an Amino Acid which the body uses to make proteins.

Question 4

can i take l tyrosine while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is no problem with taking this.

Question 5

do l-tyrosine supplements contain tyramine?

Accepted Answer

They shouldn't if...: There is good quality control but the tyrosine can be metabolized in the body to tyramine by a process called decarboxylation.

Question 6

how much l tyrosine should i take for hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

No need for extra: The treatment for hypothyroidism is replacement of thyroid hormone; there is no reason to take other supplements such as tyrosine the hypothyroidism is treated appropriately.

Question 7

can kelp and tyrosine effectively treat hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

No: In fact, kelp may make things even worse unless you have a documented iodine deficiency.  Overdoing kelp may cause hypothyroidism also.  Hypothyroidism can only be treated by replacing the hormone which is no longer made by the thryoid gland.  Levothyroxine daily is the standard of care for patients with hypothyroidism.

Question 8

how much l tyrosine should i take for thyroid safely a day?

Accepted Answer

No need for extra: The treatment for hypothyroidism is replacement of thyroid hormone; there is no reason to take other supplements such as tyrosine the hypothyroidism is treated appropriately.

Question 9

can i take l-tyrosine as i am on 150mg of sertraline daily?

Accepted Answer

Yes...but: careful not to take too much. Watch for signs of serotoneric syndrome (confusion, elevated heart rate and temperature, and muscle stiffness.)

Question 10

what is l-tyrosine? is it a good supplement to improve alertness?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: A few studies have shown that if you are under significant stress it may help alertness.  Otherwise no.  It is not an essential amino acid.  Your body can make it from another amino acid, so unlikely you are deficient in it.  Hope this was helpful.  Thanks for using Healthtap.  Dr R

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Doctor answers about:

Tyrosine with antidepressants

A member asked:

How much time does it take l-tyrosine to begin to have an effect taking it everyday? does it takes a while like an antidepressant?

A member asked:

I want to know if it is true that the amino acid l-tyrosine may work as an antidepressant, and how to take (dose, time).

A member asked:

Does l-tyrosine help with hypothyroidism?

A member asked:

Can i take l tyrosine while breastfeeding?

A member asked:

Do l-tyrosine supplements contain tyramine?

A member asked:

How much l tyrosine should i take for hypothyroidism?

A member asked:

Can kelp and tyrosine effectively treat hypothyroidism?

A member asked:

How much l tyrosine should i take for thyroid safely a day?

A member asked:

Can i take l-tyrosine as i am on 150mg of sertraline daily?

A member asked:

What is l-tyrosine? is it a good supplement to improve alertness?

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