tryptophan
6 interactions related to tryptophan
sertraline + 5-htp
Sertraline blocks serotonin reuptake and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the immediate precursor of serotonin, so it directly increases serotonin synthesis. Combining the two stacks production and reuptake blockade, which can precipitate serotonin syndrome.
fluoxetine + tryptophan
Fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake while tryptophan supplies the raw material for serotonin synthesis, and the combination can produce an excitatory reaction or serotonin syndrome. Fluoxetine's long-acting active metabolite means this risk persists for weeks after the last dose.
trazodone + 5-htp
Both trazodone and 5-HTP raise serotonin activity, but through different routes. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor that keeps more serotonin in the synapse, while 5-HTP is a direct precursor that increases how much serotonin the body makes. Stacking the two adds up, and major drug-interaction databases flag the pairing as a serious interaction because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.
fluoxetine + 5-htp
Fluoxetine is an SSRI that blocks serotonin reuptake, and 5-HTP is a direct precursor the body converts into serotonin. Combining them can push 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
Niacin (vitamin B3) and the amino acid tryptophan are nutritionally linked: the body can make niacin from tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway, so the two together support the NAD/NADP coenzyme pools that power energy metabolism. Adequate niacin also frees up tryptophan for serotonin and melatonin production. This is a beneficial nutritional partnership, not a hazardous interaction.
sertraline + tryptophan
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin signaling, and L-tryptophan is the dietary precursor your body converts into serotonin. Taking them together can push serotonergic activity too high, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, sweating, fast heart rate, and in severe cases fever, rigidity, and seizures).