Depression is a mood disorder that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being. Symptoms may include feelings of worthlessness, restlessness and helplessness. The most common treatment for depression involves medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. Medication such as tyrosine may help relieve some of the symptoms of depression, but it doesn't cure the underlying problem. Consult your doctor before taking any medication for depression.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid found in meat proteins. Your body uses tyrosine as a starting material to make several neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help the brain and nervous system functions. Based on this fact, tyrosine supplementation has been proposed as a treatment for various conditions such as depression and fatigue.
Research
Most clinical trials examining tyrosine supplementation in depressed patients have yielded mixed results. A double-blind, single-case study published in 1980 in "The American Journal of Psychiatry" found that tyrosine may help people with depression. The study involved a woman who was unable to take conventional antidepressant medication due to its side effects. Tyrosine at a dosage of 100 mg per kg weight for two weeks showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms. However, 65 people with depression failed to find any benefit with tyrosine supplementation, according to a double-blind study published in 1990 in the "Journal of Affective Disorders."
Dosage
Several doctors recommend a 12-week trial of L-tyrosine supplementation at a dosage of 100 mg per kg body weight once a day for people with depression, according to Palo Alto Medical Foundation. But there is insufficient evidence and limited research to support the tyrosine supplementation as a treatment for depression. Always consult about tyrosine supplementation with your health care provider before making a decision on your own.
Side Effects
L-tyrosine does not cause any serious side effects. Higher than recommended dosage of L-tyrosine supplements in some people have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or nervousness, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. People with severe liver or kidney disorder should avoid taking this supplement.
References
- PubMed Health: Major Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
- "The American Journal of Psychiatry"; Tyrosine for the Treatment of Depression; A. Gelenberg, et al.; May 1980
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Tyrosine for Depression: A Double-Blind Trial; A. Gelenberg, et al.; June 1990
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: L-Tyrosine
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Tyrosine
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