Is it OK to Take L-Tyrosine With Klonopin?

Is it OK to Take L-Tyrosine With Klonopin?
Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

More and more Americans are seeking alternative forms of medicine to help improve their health. While these supplements may seem harmless, some can interact with prescription medications. You should discuss the use of dietary supplements with your physician before adding them to your health routine. Tyrosine is an amino acid supplement used to help manage stress, sleep and muscle strength. Tyrosine supplementation interacts with a number of different medications, but it is safe to take with Klonopin.

Klonopin

Klonopin, generically known as clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine. It is used as a treatment for anxiety and works by balancing the chemicals in the brain that cause anxiety. It is also used to treat seizures and panic disorders. Use of Klonopin can increase suicidal thoughts, so it is important that you are closely monitored by your physician while taking this medication. Additional side effects include fatigue, headaches, blurred vision and difficult sleeping. Contact your doctor if experiencing confusion, hallucinations, weak or shallow breathing or an increase in your seizures. You should not drink alcohol while taking Klonopin.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid, which means your body is able to produce it on its own from the amino acid phenylalanine. Your body needs tyrosine to build the chemical neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It is also necessary for the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Tyrosine is also found in every protein in your body. As a supplement, people take tyrosine to help improve memory and psychological stress. Athletes supplement with tyrosine to help improve performance. However, neither use is supported by significant research, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Klonopin and Tyrosine

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center and Drugs.com, tyrosine supplementation does not interact with Klonopin. However, because of its effect on neurotransmitters and mood, you should consult your physician before supplementing your diet with tyrosine while taking Klonopin.

Drug Interactions with Tyrosine

If you are being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, thyroid hormones or levodopa you should not supplement your diet with tyrosine. Tyrosine supplements with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid or phenelzine, can increase blood pressure, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke. Tyrosine is a precursor to the formation of thyroid hormones and taking it with the hormone may increase levels. Levodopa, a medication used for seizures, interferes with the absorption of tyrosine.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Oct 24, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments