Tryptophan, also known as L-tryptophan, is an amino acid that people take in through the diet. People consume tryptophan from plant as well as animal sources. People take tryptophan supplements to treat multiple conditions including insomnia, depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder, according to Drugs.com. While consumption of tryptophan from a regular diet does not provide high enough levels to be dangerous, people are able to consume very high doses from supplements.
Eosinophilia-myalgia Syndrome
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is a life threatening complication of tryptophan. According to Drugs.com, all of the cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome from tryptophan occurred in people taking supplements produced by one Japanese company in 1989. Since that time there have not been reported cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome from tryptophan. Signs of the syndrome include severe muscle pain, fatigue, nerve pain and high eosinophil levels on a blood test.
Abdominal discomfort
According to MayoClinic.com, people taking tryptophan can experience abdominal side effects of the supplement. Those side effects can include loss of appetite, diarrhea and nausea. Those side effects are usually mild and may not require medical attention unless they become more bothersome.
Serotonin syndrome
Cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported as side effects of tryptophan. According to the Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine, symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate and diarrhea. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can be severe and the condition may even be life threatening.
Heartburn
According to Drugs.com, heartburn is a side effect of tryptophan. Most cases of heartburn from tryptophan are mild. The heartburn can also be accompanied by dry mouth, burping and abdominal gas.
References
- Drugs.com: L-tryptophan
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Tryptophan
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