Your body makes the amino acid tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. Tyrosine is important in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Taking certain types of antidepressants while taking tyrosine supplements or eating large amounts of food containing tyrosine can cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor about your tyrosine intake if you use a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI, antidepressant medication.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning your body can create it. Phenylalanine, in contrast, is an essential amino acid, and you must obtain it through diet or supplements. You can get both these substances from protein-rich foods. Tyrosine is involved in the production of several neurotransmitters, including the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as dopamine, which helps regulate mood and emotional responses.
Supplements
Tyrosine deficiencies are rare, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with a condition known as phenylketonuria may be deficient in tyrosine because they cannot process phenylalanine and must not consume any food containing it. Instead, they take protein supplements, but generally not individual tyrosine supplements. People with depression often have low levels of tyrosine, but research has not found that taking tyrosine supplements relieves depression. Combining tyrosine supplements with certain antidepressant medications, in fact, can be dangerous.
Tyrosine and MAOIs
Doctors typically prescribe an MAOI when other antidepressants have not been effective, according to NetDoctor. They generally avoid prescribing MAOIs because these drugs have significant interactions with numerous foods, supplements and other drugs. Some MAOIs include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine. If you take an MAOI, you need to limit foods containing tyrosine, because tyrosine combined with an MAOI can lead to a rapid and extreme rise in blood pressure, called a hypertensive crisis. This condition can be life-threatening, as it may cause a heart attack or stroke.
Tyrosine Food Sources
Your doctor or dietitian can advise you about foods to avoid while taking an MAOI and the amount of tyrosine that is acceptable in your diet. Some foods that contain tyrosine include poultry, fish, dairy products, soy, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin and sesame seeds, avocados and bananas.
