The chemicals tyrosine and 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, both play a role in the production of brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior. Research indicates that supplementing with either of these agents might help with problems like depression, anxiety or stress, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Still, not enough research exists to definitively recommend their use for any of these purposes. Just like pharmaceutical agents, natural supplements can potentially cause side effects or interact negatively with other drugs or supplements. If you have an interest in using either tyrosine or 5-HTP for any purpose, you should discuss it with your doctor first.
Tyrosine Side Effects
The health information website eMedTV reports tyrosine could potentially cause a number of side effects, with most of them being mild. They include fatigue, nausea, heartburn, headaches and joint pain. In more serious instances, it could worsen hyperthyroidism or cause an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, swelling and trouble breathing. Tyrosine converts into tyramine, a substance that has been established as a migraine trigger, making use potentially problematic if you suffer from these types of headaches.
5-HTP Side Effects
Side effects from 5-HTP are usually mild and include gas, heartburn, nausea, feelings of fullness and rumbling sensations in the stomach. Very high doses could result in serotonin syndrome, characterized by excessively high levels of this brain chemical and can lead to serious problems like hallucinations, agitation, rapid heart beat, loss of coordination, increased body temperature and overactive reflexes. Rarely, use of 5-HTP has been associated with eosinophilic myalgia syndrome, a potentially deadly condition that affects the skin, blood, muscles and organs.
Medication Interactions
Using tyrosine at the same time as MAO-inhibitors -- a class of drugs used to treat depression -- could cause dangerous increases in blood pressure, which can trigger a stroke or heart attack. It can also increase levels of thyroid hormone, making use potentially problematic if you take synthetic thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism.
Using 5-HTP at the same time as certain medications or natural supplements could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Do not use 5-HTP if you take any of the following medications for depression: SSRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics or nefazodone. This risk is also present if you take triptans -- used to treat migraines, the pain medication tramadol or the herbal treatment St. John's wort.
Other Considerations for Use
Do not give either supplement to a child without talking to your pediatrician. If you have diabetes or hypertension, using 5-HTP might cause problems, reports the UMMC. Talk to your doctor before using this supplement as 5-HTP can be toxic in higher doses. Standard dosing recommendations usually call for 50 mg one to three times daily though some studies have used higher doses -- consult your doctor for guidance on the appropriate dosage for your condition. The UMMC notes typical recommendations for tyrosine call for 500 to 1,000 mg three times a day about 30 minutes before meals.
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