Personal Experience & Research-Backed Guide
L-Tyrosine Changed My Life — and It May Change Yours Too
Not all supplements have changed my life. But L-tyrosine changed mine for the better — noticeably, quickly, and consistently. As a registered dietitian with over 25 years of clinical experience and a certified LEAP therapist (CLT), I take new supplements with clear eyes and a critical mind. When I say L-tyrosine moved the needle on my mood, focus, and energy, I mean it — and the research backs it up.
There are some important nuances you should know before you try it, including how to pair it properly with tryptophan, what nutrient cofactors matter, and — a big update I’ll share below — why addressing inflammation and food sensitivities through the MRT protocol has now reduced how much I rely on L-tyrosine at all. That piece of the puzzle changed everything for me.
Related post: Promising Serotonin Supplements for Natural Mood-Boosting Effects
What Is L-Tyrosine and Why Does It Matter for Your Brain?
L-tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino acid — meaning your body can make it, but not always fast enough under certain conditions. It comes from protein-rich foods like meats, fish, eggs, and soy, and is also synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. Its importance for brain health cannot be overstated.
⚗️ The Dopamine Synthesis Pathway
hydroxylase
+ B3, B6, Fe, Cu, BH4
hydroxylase
+ BH4, Fe, folate
+ B6 (P5P)
BH4 = tetrahydrobiopterin. Inflammation blocks BH4 availability, disrupting this entire pathway.
Beyond dopamine, L-tyrosine plays a broad role across your physiology. Specifically, it is required for:
Required for skin, hair, and eye pigment.
🛒 Find L-Tyrosine (Neurolink) on Amazon
Why You Can’t Always Get Enough L-Tyrosine From Food Alone
Foods highest in tyrosine include beef, pork, chicken, fish, and tofu, with smaller amounts in dairy and legumes. So why isn’t diet enough for most people? Several reasons:
When you eat protein, all its amino acids — including tyrosine — compete for the same transport molecules to cross into the brain and other tissues. Tyrosine bound inside a protein may be directed toward muscle repair, enzyme production, or melanin synthesis — never reaching the brain to make dopamine. Supplemental L-tyrosine, taken on an empty stomach, bypasses this competition.
Your body also needs specific nutrient cofactors to convert tyrosine into dopamine: vitamin B-3 (NAD), vitamin B-6 as P5P, vitamin C, copper, folate, and iron. Most people run low in one or more of these. Additionally, as the new research below shows, inflammation directly depletes the BH4 cofactor that is essential to this whole process — meaning inflamed individuals may struggle to make dopamine no matter how much tyrosine they eat.
Why I Started Taking L-Tyrosine: My Personal Story
A good friend and colleague introduced me to amino acid therapy for mood. She had taken the Brain Health Assessment from Dr. Amen, a world-recognized expert in brain health, and the results were impactful for her. So I tried it too.
My assessment suggested that tryptophan, vitamins, and minerals would help improve my brain health. Adding tryptophan to help serotonin — the calming, mood-boosting neurotransmitter — worked wonderfully. I felt calmer, more grounded, and my thoughts were less intense.
But two years in, I noticed something was off. Taking tryptophan alone was making me feel a little duller and less motivated. That’s when I added L-tyrosine — and the difference was remarkable.
What I Noticed When I Added L-Tyrosine to My Daily Routine
Adding L-tyrosine fixed that dullness — and then some. Here’s what I personally noticed:
Better mood and reduced negativity: Negative thoughts became more fleeting and short-lived. I felt genuinely happier more consistently.
More creative energy: I noticed a real uptick in motivation, creative thinking, and enthusiasm for my work.
Significant PMS relief: This surprised me most. Major mood swings around my cycle — gone. I no longer dreaded that time of month.
Sharper thinking: The combination of tryptophan and L-tyrosine together produced a mental clarity I hadn’t felt in years.
Dose sensitivity is real: For me, more than 1,000 mg causes headaches. I keep it at that dose, balanced 10:1 with tryptophan.
The product that works best for me is Neurolink* from Brain MD — which maintains this 10:1 tyrosine-to-tryptophan ratio and has thousands of positive reviews. I’m among them.
Update, 4+ years later: L-tyrosine along with L-tryptophan continues to help me stay emotionally stable during high-stress periods and around my cycle. But I have a major new update to share below about how addressing the root cause of my low dopamine changed my relationship with this supplement entirely.
*affiliate link
Related post: The Very Best Supplements for PMS: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Combine L-Tyrosine With L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP for Balanced Neurotransmitters
According to Psychology Today, balancing L-tyrosine with L-tryptophan is critical when supplementing for mood. Taking either amino acid alone creates a competitive imbalance — tryptophan competes with the enzymes that make dopamine, and vice versa.
The preferred tryptophan option for most people is 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which occurs naturally in Griffonia beans. Unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP doesn’t require the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase for conversion to serotonin — an important advantage since this enzyme is low in many people.
A commonly used and clinically supported ratio is 10:1 — L-tyrosine to L-tryptophan or 5-HTP. For example, 1,000 mg L-tyrosine paired with 100 mg 5-HTP per day.
Real User Reviews and Experiences With L-Tyrosine
I’m far from alone in noticing these benefits. Movie actor Jim Carrey has publicly credited tryptophan and tyrosine with helping him overcome crippling depression. And there are thousands of verified user reviews across platforms supporting similar outcomes.
“I was skeptical but within a week my anxiety dropped noticeably and my motivation came back. I feel like myself again.”
“PMS mood swings have basically vanished. I take it with 5-HTP and the combination is life-changing. Wish I’d found this sooner.”
“I have ADHD and this helps with focus almost as much as my medication — without the jitteriness. Take it on an empty stomach, that’s key.”
Across thousands of reviews, the most consistently reported benefits include: reduced anxiety, improved mood, better focus and mental clarity, PMS relief, improved sleep quality, reduced alcohol and food cravings, and support for weight management.
The occasional user reports increased anxiety — particularly at higher doses. If this happens to you, reduce your dose or discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
L-Tyrosine and Stress Relief: What the Science Says
Physical and psychological stress directly deplete dopamine and norepinephrine — the very neurotransmitters that L-tyrosine helps replenish. Research confirms that physical stress robs the body of available L-tyrosine, making supplementation particularly valuable during high-demand periods.
A 2024 review found that L-tyrosine improves brain function during stressful situations — not just baseline mood. This is why it’s especially popular with people in demanding jobs, athletes, parents of young children, and anyone navigating a stressful season of life.
Why Prescription Medications Sometimes Miss the Mark on Dopamine
Many pharmaceutical approaches to dopamine target receptors or reuptake — essentially trying to make the brain more sensitive to whatever dopamine is available. But this misses a critical question: is there enough dopamine being made in the first place?
No medication can compensate for a fundamental lack of the raw building blocks — amino acids, cofactors, and an intact conversion pathway. L-tyrosine, combined with adequate B vitamins, iron, copper, and folate, addresses the upstream problem. That’s why nutrients are a massive piece of the mental health puzzle — not a replacement for medication in all cases, but an essential foundation that’s frequently overlooked.
The Gut-Mood Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Dopamine
Your gut isn’t just for digestion — it’s a neurotransmitter factory. The enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine to the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, is produced in the gut. When your microbiome is out of balance (dysbiosis), this enzyme production suffers.
A disrupted gut also impairs production of other mood-critical compounds like serotonin and GABA. Early research even suggests that supplementing tyrosine may improve the gut microbiome itself — a positive feedback loop.
This gut-brain axis is a key reason why gut healing is so foundational to mental health. See: Comprehensive Leaky Gut Diet Guide: How to Heal Your Gut
🔬 New Research (2024–2025): Inflammation, Dopamine, and the Real Root Cause
Since I first published this post, an exciting and sobering body of research has emerged that reframes how we should think about low dopamine. The message? Inflammation may be blocking dopamine synthesis at its core — and food sensitivities may be one of the most underrecognized drivers of that inflammation.
A landmark study demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect dopamine-producing neurons, inducing cellular senescence and significantly reducing the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons. This provided biological proof of a mechanism linking chronic infection, inflammation, and dopamine depletion — with direct relevance to Long COVID brain fog and fatigue. The pathway involved: inflammation → fewer TH neurons → less conversion of tyrosine to dopamine. [Source]
Multiple lines of research now confirm that inflammatory cytokines reduce tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) — the critical enzyme cofactor required to convert L-tyrosine into dopamine. When inflammation diverts BH4 away from dopamine synthesis toward nitric oxide synthase activity, dopamine production crashes — independent of how much tyrosine is available. This explains why high-inflammation individuals may not respond to L-tyrosine supplementation alone. Reducing inflammation is prerequisite. [Source]
Researchers presented data from cerebrospinal fluid analysis of ME/CFS and Long COVID patients, finding significantly reduced norepinephrine metabolites in the central nervous system — consistent with widespread dopamine/norepinephrine pathway disruption. This reinforces that chronic inflammatory conditions systematically deplete catecholamines, making amino acid precursor support — and inflammation reduction — critical therapeutic targets.
Active clinical trials (NCT05909267) are examining whether pharmacological dopamine support can reverse motivation and motor deficits in major depression characterized by low-grade systemic inflammation. This mainstream research validates what functional nutrition has long held: inflammation is a core upstream driver of dopamine dysfunction, not just a downstream consequence of depression.
The takeaway: If you have chronic inflammation — from any source, including food sensitivities — your body may be blocking the dopamine production pathway even when L-tyrosine is available. Treating only the symptom (low dopamine) without addressing the root cause (inflammation) is like mopping the floor while the faucet is still running.
How the MRT Protocol Reduced My Need for L-Tyrosine
This is the part of my story I’m most excited to share. After years of relying on L-tyrosine to support my mood and dopamine levels, I decided to investigate the underlying cause more deeply. As a Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT), I had the tools to do so: the MRT (Mediator Release Test) protocol.
The MRT is a comprehensive blood test that identifies your immune system’s inflammatory response to 170+ foods and food chemicals. The companion LEAP protocol — a personalized, phased anti-inflammatory eating plan — then guides you to eat in a way that calms that immune activity down.
What I discovered through MRT testing was that certain foods I was eating regularly were triggering inflammatory mediator release — the kind of low-grade, chronic inflammation that, as the new research above shows, directly blocks BH4 and disrupts the tyrosine-to-dopamine conversion pathway. Since following my personalized MRT/LEAP protocol, I don’t seem to need L-tyrosine nearly as much.
This tells me something profound: for many people, the root issue behind insufficient dopamine isn’t a lack of the amino acid itself — it’s the inflammation caused by food sensitivities silently disrupting the entire pathway. L-tyrosine was helping me compensate for a broken conversion process. Fixing the conversion process — by removing my inflammatory triggers — addressed the problem at its source.
If you’ve tried L-tyrosine and haven’t gotten the results you hoped for, or if your results plateau over time, I strongly encourage you to explore food sensitivity testing through the MRT protocol. → Learn more about the MRT protocol and leaky gut healing
How to Take Supplemental L-Tyrosine for Best Results
Taking L-tyrosine correctly makes a meaningful difference in its effectiveness. Here are the evidence-based guidelines:
| Factor | Guidance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | On an empty stomach | Prevents competition with other dietary amino acids for brain uptake |
| Dose range | 500–1,000 mg/day | Effective range without common side effects for most adults |
| Balance with 5-HTP | 50–100 mg 5-HTP | Maintains serotonin-dopamine balance (10:1 ratio) |
| Cofactors | P5P (B6), folate, B3, vitamin C | Required for enzymatic conversion to dopamine |
| Iron status | Address deficiency first | Iron is required for tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme activity |
| Multivitamin | High-quality option | Comprehensive cofactor support for the entire pathway |
Safety Profile of L-Tyrosine: What You Need to Know
L-tyrosine is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It has a well-established safety profile with minor, mostly dose-related side effects.
- FDA GRAS status confirmed for supplemental use at standard doses
- Most side effects (headache, nausea, irritability) occur at higher-than-recommended doses
- Very high doses linked to memory issues in older adults — stay within 500–1,000 mg range
- May occasionally cause mild headache at 1,000 mg+ (my personal experience at higher doses)
- Check with your doctor if you take medications for depression, ADHD, thyroid conditions, or Parkinson’s disease
- Avoid if you have hyperthyroidism without medical supervision
- Individuals with melanoma should consult their oncologist first
Frequently Asked Questions About L-Tyrosine
What does L-tyrosine do for mood and dopamine?
L-tyrosine is the direct precursor to dopamine — the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, reward, pleasure, and emotional well-being. Supplementing with L-tyrosine can help restore depleted dopamine levels, particularly during stress, when diet is inadequate, or when underlying inflammation has disrupted the conversion pathway. Results vary by individual, and those with the lowest dopamine levels tend to see the most benefit.
How much L-tyrosine should I take for dopamine support?
Typical effective doses range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, taken on an empty stomach. It’s best balanced with 50–100 mg of 5-HTP (the 10:1 ratio). I personally find 1,000 mg is my upper limit before I get headaches. Always start lower and increase gradually. Consult your healthcare provider before starting.
Can inflammation cause low dopamine levels?
Yes — and this is one of the most important emerging findings in neuroscience. Inflammatory cytokines reduce the availability of BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin), a critical enzyme cofactor required to convert L-tyrosine into dopamine. Chronic low-grade inflammation — including that triggered by food sensitivities — can directly suppress dopamine production regardless of tyrosine availability.
What is the MRT protocol and how does it relate to dopamine?
The MRT (Mediator Release Test) is a comprehensive blood test that identifies inflammatory immune responses to 170+ foods and food chemicals. The paired LEAP protocol is a personalized, phased anti-inflammatory eating plan. Since food sensitivities drive chronic inflammation — and inflammation depletes dopamine — addressing food sensitivities through the MRT/LEAP protocol may reduce the need for dopamine-supporting supplements like L-tyrosine by removing the root cause of the problem.
Should I combine L-tyrosine with L-tryptophan or 5-HTP?
Yes. Taking tryptophan alone long-term can compete with dopamine-producing enzymes, causing a relative dopamine deficiency. Balancing the two in a 10:1 ratio (tyrosine to tryptophan or 5-HTP) is the recommended approach for mood support. A product like Neurolink provides this ratio pre-formulated.
Is L-tyrosine safe? What are the side effects?
L-tyrosine is FDA GRAS-classified and generally well tolerated. Most side effects are dose-related: occasional headache, nausea, or irritability at doses above 1,000 mg. Those on medications for depression, ADHD, thyroid conditions, or Parkinson’s disease should consult their doctor before use.
What foods are highest in L-tyrosine?
The richest dietary sources include beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, and dairy products. However, dietary tyrosine competes with other amino acids for brain uptake and may be directed to other body processes, making supplemental L-tyrosine on an empty stomach the most reliable way to increase dopamine precursor availability.
Can L-tyrosine help with ADHD, PMS, or alcohol cravings?
Many users and some preliminary research suggest yes to all three. Dopamine plays a central role in attention regulation (relevant to ADHD), premenstrual dysphoria (PMS mood symptoms), and addictive craving behavior (alcohol, food). L-tyrosine’s ability to support dopamine levels makes it biologically plausible for all three uses — though more large-scale trials are needed. See also: Best Supplements for PMS
Final Thoughts: L-Tyrosine, Dopamine, and Getting to the Root Cause
L-tyrosine changed my life — and it may change yours too. For years it was the cornerstone of my mood-support protocol, providing noticeable benefits for happiness, energy, PMS symptoms, and mental clarity. The thousands of glowing reviews from others validate that this isn’t just my experience.
But the most important lesson I’ve learned is this: L-tyrosine works best when inflammation isn’t blocking the conversion pathway. The new 2024–2025 research on how inflammatory cytokines deplete BH4 and disrupt dopamine synthesis is a game-changer. It explains why some people don’t respond to L-tyrosine supplementation alone — and why, after addressing my food sensitivities through the MRT protocol, I no longer need as much L-tyrosine to feel my best.
The path to optimal dopamine and mood may involve:
1. Support the dopamine pathway directly with L-tyrosine + cofactors
2. Balance with L-tryptophan or 5-HTP (10:1 ratio)
3. Identify and address food sensitivities that drive inflammation (MRT protocol)
4. Heal the gut microbiome to restore tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme production
5. Address iron, B6, B3, folate, and copper status for full cofactor support
I always back my personal experiences with the research available, and I know how to read between the lines. With L-tyrosine and mood, the science is compelling — even without the large pharmaceutical-funded trials that tend to dominate headlines. Thousands of real people’s experiences, combined with solid mechanistic research, tell a clear story.
🛒 Try Neurolink (L-Tyrosine + Tryptophan) on Amazon 🌿 Explore the MRT Protocol
References
- Juárez Olguín H, et al. (2016). The Role of Dopamine and Its Dysfunction as a Consequence of Oxidative Stress. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. PubMed
- Godber IM, et al. (2018). Thyroid function and tyrosine metabolism. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry. PubMed
- Meeusen R, et al. (2012). L-tyrosine and physical performance. European Journal of Applied Physiology. Springer
- Bloemendaal M, et al. (2018). L-tyrosine and cognitive flexibility. Psychological Research. Springer
- Banderet LE, Lieberman HR. (1989). Treatment with tyrosine reduces environmental stress in humans. Brain Research Bulletin. PubMed
- Steenbergen L, et al. (2015). Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility. Neuropsychologia. PubMed
- Agharkar AS, et al. (2023). L-Tyrosine and mental performance under stress. Nutrients. PubMed
- Parker G, et al. (2010). International Journal of Tryptophan Research. Tryptophan-tyrosine balance and neurotransmitters. PMC
- Fernstrom JD, Fernstrom MH. (2007). Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis. Journal of Nutrition. PMC
- Bastian P, et al. (2021). Gut microbiome, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine. Frontiers in Neuroscience. PMC
- Cryan JF, et al. (2018). Gut-brain axis and mood chemicals. Physiological Reviews. PMC
- Mayer EA, et al. (2021). Serotonin, GABA, and the gut-brain axis. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. PMC
- Colucci-D’Amato L, et al. (2020). Tyrosine and microbiome improvement. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. PubMed
- Hammen C, et al. (2021). Cofactors for tyrosine-to-dopamine conversion. Nutrients. PMC
- Verlaet A, et al. (2014). Iron and dopamine synthesis. Nutrients. PMC
- FDA GRAS status for L-tyrosine. FDA.gov
- Neri DF, et al. (1995). High-dose tyrosine and cognition. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. PMC
- Ho Y, et al. (2024). SARS-CoV-2 infects dopaminergic neurons. Cell Stem Cell. PubMed
- Miller AH, Raison CL. (2016). The role of inflammation in depression: from evolutionary imperative to modern treatment target. Nature Reviews Immunology. PubMed
- Felger JC, Treadway MT. (2017). Inflammation effects on motivation and neural circuitry in depression. Neuropsychopharmacology. Review of cytokine-BH4-dopamine pathway.
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I have an undiagnosed neurological condition and have suffered with chronic brain fog and exhaustion for around 15 years.
Since supplementing with l tyrosine I feel rejuvenated!
I feel more alert and alive than I thought possible at 80!
My father, brother and a sister all died with Parkinson’s?
It’s changed my life…
I’m so happy it’s helped you, Jayne! It’s amazing for me too. Stay well.
This is great and I’m very happy these supplements have helped you so much. They have been changing my life all for the better as well.
I only want to add that instead of taking tryptophan along with the L-tyrosine, one should take 5 htp (5-hydroxytryptophan). As it crosses the blood-brain barrier faster which means it is converted into serotonin more effectively, it also has a more anti-depressant effect.
Thank you so much, Leila! Yes, you are correct. 5-HTP is the way to go for better effectiveness. The supplements I recommend have that form in them.
I am currently taking a 5HTP supplement that also contains Sam e and a few others. Should I take L-TYrosine alone or do I need to add the Tritophan?
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your comment! Everyone is different, but most people can add l-tyrosine if they are already taking 5HTP and SAMe.
Hope this helps.
Heidi
Hi can I take l-tyrosine an and 5HTP pm as one causes a bit agitation
It really depends on your individual response. Good luck!
take both the same time. let alone the same day is useless. they compete on the same pathway in the brain. so most is being cancelled out.
I read that L-tyrosine is good for you libido if you are struggling with sexual dysfunction, do you know this to be the case?
Hi Ricky,
Perhaps! Animal studies indicate low tyrosine hydroxylase levels are related to sexual dysfunction. Thanks for your comment.
Thank you for this information. You mentioned that these amino acids should be combined and the potential risk of only taking the tryptophan but I didn’t see the risk of only taking the L-tyrosene. Is it necessary to combine l-tyrosene with tryptophan if I don’t suffer from depression and anxiety? I just started taking only L-tyrosene as I likely have undiagnosed ADD (I’m a 45-year old woman) and have been ‘self-medicating’ with caffeine (coffee) my entire life. I just started this tonight as I’m going to give it a try and see if I notice a difference in my mood, productivity/paralysis, and brain fog/scatter-brained/hyper-focus!
Thanks for this information. I have only just started taking L-Tyrosine and it has already helped with my focus and mood swings. I am also off adhd medication and I still feel okay. My only question is – can you take this daily long term? I have read you should stop after 3 months? Thanks :)
Great question, Dijana!
Research shows that super-high doses for 3 months were safe. That is probably why you are reading the three months, but this doesn’t mean you should only take it for 3 months. Personally, I take a moderate dose recommended here and I continue to have benefits from it.
When in doubt, I would ask your healthcare provider to be sure and make sure to balance it with tryptophan.
Hope this helps!
Heidi
Hi Dijana!
Thank you for your comment and great question!
One research study gave VERY high doses of L-tyrosine for 3 months and it was safe. I’m assuming that this is why you are seeing a 3-month recommendation.
However, many people take it for much longer at reasonable doses and are just fine.
When in doubt, I recommend checking with your healthcare provider and make sure to balance it with tryptophan.
Best regards,
Heidi
Hi! I was wondering what about taking L-Tyrosine with N-Acetyl [300]mg? How does that work together for focus and racing thoughts?
Hi Wendy,
Do you mean N-Acetylcysteine or N-Acetylglucosamine? N-acetylcysteine is used for detoxification and N-acetylglucosamine is used primarily for pain relief. It is hard to predict individual results for sure. L-tyrosine’s primary role is to make dopamine, so it can help with focus if you are low in dopamine, but may not if you aren’t low in it. Great question!
How do you find a supplement that’s 100/150mg? Everything I see is around 1000 or so.
I fear I have early onset Parkinson’s and I can’t see a neurologist for a long time. I’m hoping this would help me. Trying to do all the research I can but it has given me extreme anxiety.
Typically, it’s available in doses of around 100-500 mg. I suggest trying to look at Brain MD.
I just started taking these two supplements. I bought them in powder form and use way less than the recommended dose as I react differently to all medications and supplements. Powder form allows you to take whatever dosage you desire. My package recommends 1/5 of a tsp. I am taking 1/32 of a tsp. As I take it I will go up in dosage when I see needed.
Hope this helps!
Hi, I’ve read that tyrosine and tryptophan compete for absorption, so wouldn’t it make more sense to take them separately, at least 2 hours apart?
Hi Caroline,
That’s a great question! Technically, it may a bit, but the advantage of taking them together probably outweighs any small competition. For example, if you have too much tryptophan, it can cause your dopamine levels to drop, and in my experience, I didn’t feel as well taking just tryptophan. They use different enzymes in the brain. This study review shows how they work synergistically together: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7586026/ Although in theory, they could compete for absorption, there isn’t any data to show that this is a negative thing. In my experience, they work very well when taken together, but best to take them on an empty stomach.
The two days I took 5htp and l-tyrisone I became agitated and I had anxiety that I haven’t had in months. I’m guessing I’m one of the rare people? I just spent so much money on these darn it. Any way to combat this? When I was just taking 5htp it would give me horrific nightmares every time but no anxiety.
If I took it with a seperate vit B6 I became nauseas. If I took a 5htp with vit B and C incorporated I didn’t get nauseas.
What could be going on here? Any ideas?
I’ve given this to my 9 yr old adhd and I’ve seen no difference in him, how long would you wait to see any improvement?
Thanks
Unfortunately, that is a side effect in some people-anxiety. This likely means this supplement isn’t for you, sadly. There are lots of other things to try. Good luck!
My daughter is suffering from hypothyroidism, she’s 20 now and she’s on thyronorm 100mcg since 8 months. Recently she’s diagnosed as she’s has hashimotto’s disease. Can she take sea kelp supplement along with l tyrosine.
Are these supplements safe for breastfeeding?
Thanks 😊
Hi Sarah,
That’s a tricky question because research has never been done on this specific group of people. Sorry I don’t have a stronger answer for you.
5htp makes me too listless even when I get sleep and actually too much sleep. Tyrosine with B6 works well for me but additional caffeine or capsaicin makes me light headed and nauseous.
Thanks for info.. could you please summarise, how do you take all these supplements(separately or not( and at what time???
Hi Lou,
Thanks for your comment. Generally people take these two supplements together and best taken on an empty stomach. In my experience, they still have a benefit if taken with food, though.
Hope this helps!
Heidi
Heidi Moretti, MS, RD
The Healthy RD
I have both ADHD and a thyroid conversion issue. Coincidentally both these conditions depend on adequate tyrosine.
I have been taking L- tyrosine and 5-HTP separately for several years to take advantage of their different effects. I find L-tyrosine stimulating (as in alertness), so I take it on an empty stomach in the morning. I have had no problems taking it with Adderall.
Many people recommend taking 5-HTP (often with L-theanine) at bedtime for better sleep, but I found it gave me headaches. So instead I take it on an empty stomach before dinner, and this both helps my sleeps and balances out the tyrosine…without the headaches.
Hi Katie, interesting. What are your doses? I’ve been afraid to take it because of the 3 mth thing and I have Hypothyroidism as well. So, it makes me very happy you’ve done this for years. Also, I’d like to ask, are you taking natural thyroid hormone as well.?
Hi
I starting a trial tomorrow of:
300mg 5HTP
500mg L-tyrosine
I’ll be taking this dose twice daily (12hrs apart)
Any concerns?
Also, I’ll come back in 28days and let this thread know how I’m feeling.
Aim to improve the following:
Tiredness
Low mood
Irritability
Focus
How did your trial go?
I take l tyrosine 1000 mg in morning and 500mg l tryptophan at night.
Is this ok, do I need to take melatonin at night with l tryptophan.
Some say l tryptophan at night some say 5 htp which works better with l tyrosine
I think that’s the safer option since l-tryptophan is limited on how much serotonin it will be converted, so I think that’s what I’m going to do instead of HTP-5
Hello! Can everyone take this supplément together with thé 5HTP without taking any medical tests before? For how long can you take them please?
I’m diagnosed with ADHD – I took 500mg l-tyrosine this morning about 11 and another 500mg at 4pm today…it was so savage, hot flushes, heart rate went above 120 sitting down and extreme fear like panic that I was going to die…it was so weird, I feel shaken up by it, I almost called for an ambulance (feel a bit stupid for that panic thought now) but weirdly, it’s been about 2 and a half hours now and my mind feels really calm, no hyperactivity and racing thoughts, no overwhelming compelled feeling to keep getting up, starting and switching tasks…just some physical anxiety symptoms. Maybe it’s like an initial ‘coming up’ feeling, like MDMA? I actually can’t believe a supplement has effected me this strongly, it’s a bit frightening…
Has anyone else experienced this???