Tyrosine and Depression

Depression, a serious mental illness, is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, according to American Psychological Association. Antidepressant medications have been the mainstay treatment for depression. But, antidepressants often have undesirable side effects. L-tyrosine may be used as an alternative to antidepressant drugs in the treatment of depression. Tyrosine supplements should always be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

L-tyrosine

The amino acid tyrosine is one of the building blocks of proteins. In the brain, tyrosine is converted into norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate your mood, minimize stress, and reduce anxiety. Changes in the norepinephrine system are implicated in depression, according to a study published in 2010 in "Depression and Anxiety."

Research

In a 1982 issue of "Journal of Psychiatric Research," a study by Dr. Alan Gelenberg and his co-workers discussed the role of tyrosine in the control of depression. Dr. Gelenberg postulates that lack of available tyrosine results in deficiency of the hormone norepinephrine, which relates to mood problems such as depression. The experimental data showed that oral administration of tyrosine may increase brain norepinephrine concentrations and activity in depressed patients.

Dosage

In 1980, Dr. Ivan Goldberg published a study in "Lancet" which involved two patients with long-standing depression who failed to respond to tricyclic drugs. They are the most effective drugs for the treatment of depression and act by increasing the release of norepinephrine in the brain. One patient required dextroamphetamine at a dosage of 20 mg per day to remain depression-free, and the other required D,L-amphetamine at a dosage of 15 mg per day. Dr. Goldberg found that within two weeks of starting tyrosine at a dosage of 100 mg per kg body weight once a day, the first patient was able to get rid of all dextroamphetamine, and the second patient was able to reduce the intake of D,L-amphetamine to 5 mg per day.

Side Effects

A study published in 1980 in ""The American Journal of Psychiatry" found that tyrosine at a dosage of 100 mg per kg body weight does not cause any side effects in people with depression. However, Dr. Ray Sahelian notes that tyrosine at a dosage above 500 mg, in some people, may cause anxiety, restlessness and rapid heart rate. Always consult your doctor before taking tyrosine supplements for depression.