Posted by Tomatheus on July 25, 2006, at 12:47:46
In reply to question re mixing l-tryptophan with EMSAM, posted by laima on July 25, 2006, at 11:59:48
Laima,
It is my understanding that l-tryptophan is contraindicated with MAOIs and SSRIs because of its potential to induce "serotonin syndrome" when combined with either of these meds. L-tryptophan increases synaptic serotonin levels by allowing more serotonin to be produced. And when taken at a dose that's high enough to inhibit a significant amount of brain MAO-A (in most people, I think that this would be a dose of 9 mg/24 hr or higher), Emsam also increases synaptic levels of serotonin. However, instead of enhancing the production of serotonin, Emsam reduces serotonin's destruction by inhibiting MAO-A. So, taking l-tryptophan with Emsam would boost your serotonin levels via two different mechanisms, which could potentially cause your serotonin levels to become dangerously high.
I hope this helps some. Let me know if you have any additional questions or if you need me to clarify anything.
Tomatheus
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> Does anyone know anything about this? I saw a bottle of l-tryptophan at the health foood store yesterday, was tempted to buy it to try for sleep and anxiety- but the bottle noted something about "do not use with ssris or maois". That surprised me, and I didn't buy it as a result.
>
> Thanks.
poster:Tomatheus
thread:670345
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060704/msgs/670364.html