Does Tyrosine Help With Dizziness?

Dizziness, a sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, is an uncomfortable -- and common -- complaint. The Vestibular Disorders Association reports that dizziness is surpassed only by low back pain as a reason for doctor's office visits. Dizziness often arises from harmless causes, but can sometimes indicate a serious medical condition. If you have unexplained dizziness, visit your doctor promptly to rule out dangerous diagnoses. Natural healers sometimes recommend tyrosine, an amino acid, to alleviate dizziness associated with emotional stress or premenstrual tension. Consult your doctor before taking supplementary tyrosine.

Dizziness

The terms dizziness and vertigo are often used interchangeably. The latter, however, features a spinning sensation when you are standing still. A vast assortment of medical conditions -- including ear infections, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, dehydration, stroke and multiple sclerosis -- can cause dizziness. In a condition known as benign paroxysmal postural vertigo -- or BPPV -- malfunctioning organs in your inner ear can cause both vertigo and dizziness. MayoClinic.com adds that medications including sedatives, blood pressure drugs and antihistamines can also trigger dizziness, as can hormonal changes and premenstrual tension. Finally, the Vestibular Disorders Association notes that stress and anxiety can cause increased activity in the cerebral cortex, resulting in dizziness. MayoClinic.com advises calling 911 if dizziness is accompanied by a head injury or severe headache, or if you have blurred vision, chest pain, a fever over 101 degrees, fainting or difficulty walking, hearing or speaking.

Tyrosine Features

Tyrosine, a nonessential amino acid, is synthesized in your body from the amino acid phenylalanine. In turn, it is used to make the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and L-dopa, and is vital to proper thyroid, adrenal and pituitary gland function. Physicians may prescribe tyrosine to treat elevated phenylalanine levels, a condition known as phenylketonuria. According to SupplementNews.org, the recommended dietary amount for tyrosine is 16 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Good dietary sources of tyrosine are dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, wheat and oats. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health reports that tyrosine's antioxidant properties allow it to neutralize destructive free radicals. It also functions as an adaptogen, helping the body to cope with physical and psychological stress.

Tyrosine and Dizziness

Studies on tyrosine's ability to combat dizziness are lacking. However, some research seems to show a possible benefit for anxiety, stress and depression. If your dizziness stems from a mood disorder, it is conceivable that tyrosine could be helpful. In a review published in 2007 in "Alternative Medicine Review," the authors noted that tyrosine acts as an antidepressant by improving the rate of neurotransmitter synthesis, and credited it with helping to relieve anxiety and mood swings. A year later, the authors of a 2008 review in "Nutrition Journal" reported that anxiety and depression are associated with deficiencies in neurotransmitters, and characterized tyrosine -- along with other amino acids -- as being beneficial.
Similarly, tyrosine may help relieve dizziness related to premenstrual syndrome. Edward Portman, M.D., a researcher in Madison, Wisconsin, says that tyrosine can help reduce anxiety and depression in women with PMS.

Considerations and Precautions

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the usual supplementary dosage of tyrosine is 150 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into three daily doses and taken 30 minutes before meals. Tyrosine is recognized as generally safe at recommended dosages. According to "Alternative Medicine Review," higher doses can cause occasional nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting and insomnia. Tyrosine can interact with prescription drugs. UMMC warns that taking it with MAO inhibitors can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Don't take tyrosine if you have migraine headaches, hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease. Consult your doctor before taking tyrosine. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, don't take tyrosine.