tryptophan
6 interactions related to tryptophan
fluoxetine + tryptophan
Fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake while tryptophan supplies raw material for serotonin synthesis, and the combination can produce serotonin syndrome. Fluoxetine's very long half-life (active metabolite norfluoxetine persists for weeks) extends the window of risk well beyond the last dose.
sertraline + 5-htp
Sertraline blocks serotonin reuptake and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the immediate biochemical precursor of serotonin, so it directly increases serotonin synthesis. Combining the two stacks production and reuptake blockade, which can precipitate serotonin syndrome.
trazodone + 5-htp
Both trazodone and 5-HTP increase central serotonin activity. Trazodone blocks the serotonin transporter and acts on 5-HT2 receptors, while 5-HTP is a direct precursor to serotonin and bypasses the normal regulation of tryptophan availability. Combining them can produce additive serotonergic effects and risk of serotonin syndrome.
fluoxetine + 5-htp
Fluoxetine is an SSRI that blocks serotonin reuptake, and 5-HTP is the direct precursor that the body converts into serotonin. Combining them can raise synaptic serotonin to levels associated with serotonin syndrome, and fluoxetine's long-lived active metabolite norfluoxetine extends this risk for weeks after the last dose.
niacin + tryptophan
Tryptophan is converted in the liver to niacin (vitamin B3) at a ratio of roughly 60 mg tryptophan to 1 mg niacin, so adequate dietary tryptophan reduces the niacin requirement and helps maintain NAD/NADP coenzyme pools. Niacin in turn spares tryptophan for serotonin and melatonin synthesis, supporting mood and sleep.
sertraline + tryptophan
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases synaptic serotonin, and L-tryptophan is the dietary precursor to serotonin. Combining them can excessively elevate serotonergic activity, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, hyperthermia, autonomic instability).