tyrosine and AD?

[lisle]

Hi,
Does anyone know if it's okay to take Tyrosine (500mg)
along with Effexor? I take less than you are supposed to of both. Can that cause serotonin syndrome or anything else that's bad. I find the Tyrosine very helpful and would like to move to it exclusively eventually, but Effexor is so difficult to stop completely. I am only taking one 37.5 pill, which is subclinical but I get withdrawls if I stop for a day!
lisle
Thanks

[catatonic]

The amino acid tyrosine is not involved in serotonin production. Rather, it is manufactured from phenylalanine and used to produce epinephrine/norepinephrine/dopamine.

Effexor is an antidepressant that acts on both the dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. It inhibits reuptake of both neurotransmitters.

Since Effexor's mechanism of action is based on the theory that it is restoring a balance of these two neurotransmitters, I would certainly tell your doctor that you are taking tyrosine at the same time. There is no risk of creating serotonin syndrome, since tyrosine does not increase the brain's serotonin levels, however too much dopamine in the brain creates its own risks. Schizophrenic symptoms are associated with too much dopamine in the brain. Research has shown that Parkinson's disease patients who are given too much dopamine-enhancing medication develop symptoms of schizophrenia...and schizophrenics who are given too much anti-dopamine medication develop Parkinsons-type symptoms.

Don't take these together unless you talk to your doctor about it.

By the way, withdrawal symptoms are a common side-effect of Effexor treatment. Instead of stopping abruptly, you might want to "shave" your pills and gradually taper the dose. But again, make sure your doctor knows what you are doing!

[ohmama]

Excellent advice from Cat as usual. I just wanted to add that I found this website to give information on mixing meds and natural alternatives you may find helpful. Just scroll half way down to Alternative Medicine and click on Drug-Nutrient Interactions. www.savonhealth.com/savonhealth/savonmain/medical.aspx

They also have a Drug interaction checker if you are using multiple meds and want to do a little research on what can and cannot be mixed. You'll find the Drug Interaction Checker listed in the blue area on the left. Just click on it and find your med.

[lisle]

Thanks so much for the info:
My dr. would have no clue what Tyrosine is, however.
Your help is great. I forgot that it didn't work on serotonin. I guess it's working on anxiety (norepinephrine)receptors, though, because I feel so much calmer and clearer. I can't shave my pills since they are time released. I will have to get the Effexor nontimerelease pills and take half or something, and will ask the dr. that. I do feel kind of irritable when I come off the tyrosine lately and I am wondering if it's related to hormones, time of the month, etc. It doesn't always happen. Also a little headache when I am having it in my system about four hours (or else because my son is bugging me to buy him something incessantly). No, really, I think it's the dopamine causing the irritability/headache, don't you? How long does the Tyrosine 500mg last? I think Amen says you can take it up to three times a day so I figure my timing shows it's the dopamine, similar to Ritalin comedown since I take it around 1 or 2 p.m. usually. Do you agree? I think I am taking too little Tyrosine and Effexor to have those reactions, but it's nice to know about. I am not prone to any mental illness other than depression and my symptoms are primarily cognitive (confusion distractibility maybe frustration tolerance lower, which isn't cognitive). You know so much, thanks!

[catatonic]

You may be on the right track to suspect hormone involvement in your reaction to tyrosine. It does play an important role in synthesis of thyroid hormones. Taking tyrosine and B12 together provide support for thyroid function and can help a great deal in relieving premenstrual irritability. I know that I have been having hormone fluctuations and that the tyrosine and B12 have had a major impact, and I don't take a whole lot. A 500mg tyrosine and a 1,000mcg B12 in the morning. I'll go to twice daily soon, but I always think it's better to take the least amount that helps, plus start slowly in case of negative effects.