Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that is involved in mood and sleep. Some individuals take prescription medication or supplements to increase their serotonin levels. Trazodone and tryptophan can both affect this neurotransmitter, but it may not always be wise for you to use them together. The two substances are used for a variety of conditions, so it is best to consult your doctor before combining them to avoid side effects.
Trazodone
Trazodone, the generic name of the brand name drug Desyrel, is a prescription antidepressant medicine that works on the neurotransmitter serotonin. It may also be used for anxiety disorders and chronic pain, according to Drugs.com. Depending on the brand of trazodone, you may need to take it either on an empty stomach or with a snack; talk with your doctor about the best time to take it. Common side effects include blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation and headache. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder, liver disease, kidney disease or a history of drug abuse, should not take this medication. If you are pregnant or you are planning to become pregnant, be sure to talk with a doctor, as it is not known whether this medication is safe for an unborn baby.
Tryptophan
Usually associated with foods such as turkey, tryptophan is actually an essential amino acid that your body needs but cannot make independently, so you need to get it from your diet. MedlinePlus reports that this amino acid is used to make niacin, as well as serotonin. Dietary sources of tryptophan include peanut butter, chicken, cheese, nuts, soy, milk and eggs. To help increase serotonin levels, some people take a supplement known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, which is a chemical that the body makes from tryptophan.
Using Trazodone and Tryptophan
Taking trazodone with a tryptophan supplement such as 5-HTP can increase your risk of a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can cause rapid changes in blood pressure and heartbeat, mental changes, hot flashes and possibly even coma, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine" in November 1999 found that trazodone and tryptophan together helped treat sleep-disordered breathing in bulldogs, but research needs to be done on human subjects to see if this is safe and effective. Depending on the condition you are treating, the two substances together may be effective, but it is best to talk with your doctor before using trazodone and tryptophan concurrently.
Considerations
Before taking trazodone, talk with your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, to avoid any adverse interactions. Taking the two together can have serious consequences, so you may need to stop one completely before taking the other. Do not stop taking trazodone without first talking with your doctor.
References
- Drugs.com: Trazodone
- MedlinePlus: Tryptophan
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
- "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine"; The Effects of Trazodone with L-Tryptophan on Sleep-Disordered Breathing in the English Bulldog; S.C. Veasey, et al; November 1999
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