Do you sometimes have trouble sleeping? Are you looking for a little relief? Or are you a woman suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? You may have heard of a supplement called Tryptophan as a solution to this problem. But is it just a vitamin? No. Before using it, there are some important things we need to know. Let's talk about it in detail.
What exactly is tryptophan?
Simply put, tryptophan is an amino acid that our body needs. It is a basic building block of proteins. It is also essential for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls things like our mood and sleep.
It is sold as a dietary supplement. Some people use it to help them sleep better, improve their mental health, and relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
But it's important to remember this: Tryptophan is a dietary supplement, not a medicine to cure, diagnose, or prevent disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this
Okay, let's say you're thinking about using this. But before that, you should definitely talk to your doctor and be clear about these things. This is very important.
- If you have depression or another mental illness .
- If you have any other long-term illness (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure).
- If you have an allergic reaction to tryptophan, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important to tell your doctor this information, because tryptophan can affect your other medical conditions or other medications you are taking.
How exactly do you use this?
It is essential to follow the instructions exactly when using this.
- Take this capsule with a glass of water.
- Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Doing so may change the way it is absorbed by the body.
- This should be taken on an empty stomach. To be precise, it should be taken at least 30 minutes before a meal, or about 2 hours after a meal.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
- Do not suddenly stop taking this without your doctor's advice.
What if there is an emergency?
If you think you have overdosed, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This supplement is for you only. Do not give it to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. It can be dangerous.
Interactions with this medicine
This is the most important part of this article. Tryptophan can cause serious reactions when taken with certain medications. We call this a drug interaction.
| Type of medicine | Description and risk |
|---|---|
| Never take it together. MAOIs (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) | These are an old type of medication used to treat mental illness. Taking them with tryptophan can cause serious conditions like high blood pressure and seizures. |
| Antidepressants (medications for depression and anxiety) | When these are taken together, a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome can occur. |
| Some medications that help you sleep | Excessive drowsiness and confusion may occur. |
| Narcotic medications | Side effects may increase. |
| St. John's Wort (an herbal supplement) | Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| Medicines like Linezolid, Methylene blue, Rasagiline, Safinamide, Selegiline | These can also react with tryptophan. |
This list is not complete. So when you go to see your doctor, bring a complete list of all the medications, vitamins, herbal products (even herbal teas), and supplements you take . It's important for your safety.
Even though they say 'natural', are these really safe?
This is also something we need to pay attention to. Prescription medicine is manufactured according to very strict rules and standards. The amount of medicine in each pill is the same and pure.
But there is no such strict regulation for dietary supplements, which means their purity and strength can vary from one bottle to the next.
Therefore , "Just because something is ``natural'' doesn't mean it's ``safe.'' Herbal products also have strong chemical properties. Therefore, be sure to talk to a doctor before using them.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, tryptophan can cause side effects.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. |
| Common side effects (tell your doctor if these persist) | |
| Commonly seen symptoms |
|
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you keep this safe?
Keep this out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired capsules and discard them. Ask your doctor if it is okay to throw them in the trash when you discard them.
Take-Home Message
- Tryptophan is a dietary supplement, not a miracle cure.
- Before using this, be sure to talk to your doctor, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Tell your doctor the truth about every medicine, vitamin, and herbal product you take. Don't hide anything.
- Don't assume that just because it says "natural" on the bottle, it's 100% safe.
- If you experience symptoms resembling a severe allergy, seek medical advice immediately.
- This is for you only. Never share it with others.
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