A 35-year-old member asked:
should i wait between stopping my anti-depressant and taking the herb l-5-hydroxy tryptophan?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Barbara Srur answered
42 years experience Psychiatry
2 weeks: L-5-hydroxy tryptophan is a precursor (building block) of many neurotransmitters
which may be out of balance when a person has depression. To be safe, you should tapper of the antidepressant to avoid side effects. Many times, over the counter "herbs" are not as effective because they are not controlled by the fda and the amount of active ingredients is inconsistent.
Answered on May 30, 2015
1
1 thank
Dr. Alan Ali answered
32 years experience Psychiatry
Tryptophan: This is advisable especially if the antidepressant raises your serotonin levels, but do talk to your prescribing doc.
Answered on Jan 6, 2013
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Related questions:
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Rebecca Gliksman answered
38 years experience Internal Medicine
Tryptophan: The gastrointestinal ( stomach) side effects of tryptophan are known. Would drink more water .But importantly tryptophan has been linked to a severe ... Read More
1
1 thank
A 25-year-old male asked:
A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
L-tryptophan: Should not cause any problem. Is there a reason you are taking Tryptophan? Please let me know.
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. John Chiu answered
57 years experience Allergy and Immunology
Likely not: If you have had no problem with the medication, the shake is not likely to cause any problem. Even though tryptophan is said to improve sleep , the ev ... Read More
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Karen Dantin answered
37 years experience Family Medicine
Ok: Should not hurt you. Possibly helpful. See how you feel on it.
1
1 thank
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
People also searched for:
Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute!
24/7 visits
$15 per month