Tyrosine is a natural amino acid, while Zoloft is a man-made antidepressant medication. You must get a prescription for Zoloft, but you should also talk to your doctor before taking tyrosine to avoid possible side effects. The two substances have more differences than similarities, but they share one characteristic -- they both affect neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are biochemicals that carry messages between nerve cells in a rapid, step-wise process that allows communication between the brain, nerves, muscles, organs and systems throughout the body. Tyrosine must be present for two neurotransmitters to be produced: dopamine and epinephrine. Dopamine initiates muscular movement and regulates emotional responses. Epinephrine increases the heart rate and stimulates the production of energy. Zoloft makes more serotonin available by preventing excess amounts from being deactivated. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate appetite, sleep and muscle contraction in the intestine. It also improves mood and that’s the role most affected by Zoloft.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid that’s obtained from protein-rich foods, but it’s not essential in your diet because your body produces it from another amino acid called phenylalanine. Tyrosine is used in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, proteins, coenzyme Q-10 and some hormones. It’s sold in supplements as a way to boost neurotransmitters in order to fight fatigue and improve memory in people who are sleep-deprived.
Zoloft
Zoloft is a brand name for the prescription medication sertraline, which is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Zoloft belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, that improve mood and relieve depression by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Antidepressants
Another antidepressant medication, called bupropion, is interesting because it suggests a possible connection between tyrosine and depression. Researchers don’t know exactly how bupropion works, but they know it doesn't affect levels of serotonin. Instead, it increases levels of dopamine. Since bupropion improves symptoms of depression and increases dopamine, and tyrosine is needed for the creation of dopamine, tyrosine might also help depression. Tyrosine supplements may boost energy and that alone can have a positive impact on mood. But research available as of publication doesn’t support the use of tyrosine to relieve depression.
Warnings
Zoloft is a powerful prescription medication so your doctor should discuss possible side effects. Even though tyrosine is available over the counter, it’s not necessarily safe for everyone. Never give tyrosine to a child without first talking to a doctor. Tyrosine should not be taken if you’re on medications for Parkinson’s or taking antidepressant supplements or medications, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors. People with migraine headaches, hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure shouldn’t take tyrosine before consulting a doctor.
