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Indications

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

EENT: visual blurring

GI: abdominal pain, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea

Hemat: eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome

Neuro: ataxia, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness

Interactions

Natural-Drug Products:

Natural-Natural Products:

Availability

Route/Dosage

US Brand Names

tryptophan

Action

  • L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is converted by the body to 5–hydroxytryptophan (5–HTP) and then to serotonin. Both L-tryptophan and 5–HTP cross the blood-brain barrier and have sedative effects. Depletion of endogenous tryptophan can cause a relapse in depression symptoms.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Improved symptoms of depression.
  • Improved sleep.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: mood stabilizers, smoking deterrents, sedative/hypnotics, antidepressants

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown

Half-Life: Unknown

Time/Action Profile

ONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknownunknown

Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

EL TRIP-tuh-fan