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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Optimistic on March 11, 2002, at 12:23:30
Is anybody familiar with the effects of taking the amino acid L-tyrosine. I read that it is a precursor to the manufacturing of dopamine and norepinephrine and therefore should be a natural alternative for helping with ADD,depression, lethargy etc.
All input and experiences, including dosages, success or failure, would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 13:40:41
In reply to L-Tyrosine, posted by Optimistic on March 11, 2002, at 12:23:30
> Is anybody familiar with the effects of taking the amino acid L-tyrosine. I read that it is a precursor to the manufacturing of dopamine and norepinephrine and therefore should be a natural alternative for helping with ADD,depression, lethargy etc.
> All input and experiences, including dosages, success or failure, would be greatly appreciated.This is my opinion, for what it is worth.
I don't feel l-tyrosine is generally effective for anything because
the diet generally supplies an ample amount of the chemical phenylalanine
(the precursor to l-tyrosine). L-tyrosine already saturates another rate limiting
enzyme in the neuron called "tyrosine hydroxylase" that is involved in coverting
tyrosine to l-dopa.....l-dopa is subsequently converted to dopamine and norepinephrine.Yes, I tried l-tyrosine for depression/lethargy with little success. I looked into some neurlogical
background and most studies remarked the above conclusion.-John
Posted by optimistic on March 11, 2002, at 15:15:06
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 13:40:41
> > Is anybody familiar with the effects of taking the amino acid L-tyrosine. I read that it is a precursor to the manufacturing of dopamine and norepinephrine and therefore should be a natural alternative for helping with ADD,depression, lethargy etc.
> > All input and experiences, including dosages, success or failure, would be greatly appreciated.
>
> This is my opinion, for what it is worth.
>
> I don't feel l-tyrosine is generally effective for anything because
> the diet generally supplies an ample amount of the chemical phenylalanine
> (the precursor to l-tyrosine). L-tyrosine already saturates another rate limiting
> enzyme in the neuron called "tyrosine hydroxylase" that is involved in coverting
> tyrosine to l-dopa.....l-dopa is subsequently converted to dopamine and norepinephrine.
>
> Yes, I tried l-tyrosine for depression/lethargy with little success. I looked into some neurlogical
> background and most studies remarked the above conclusion.
>
> -JohnThanks for your response John...too bad..I guess it was too good to be true.
Posted by paulb on March 11, 2002, at 16:28:55
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by optimistic on March 11, 2002, at 15:15:06
I wouldnt be too hasty. There is evidence that L-Tyrosine can be helpful for depression. Ive posted a message like this before to people wanting to try L-Tyrosine. There are many considerations. If you search the archives you should find my advice. If not, and your still interested, just ask.
Paulb
-
Posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 16:59:23
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by paulb on March 11, 2002, at 16:28:55
As always, that was just my opinion, everyone should
feel free to give it a go. If you try it you need to take
500-2000 mg with a good b supplement vitamin (cant remember
what else was needed? empty stomach). The b supplement
vitamin is necessary to ensure the metabolism. My feeling is
that if you feel a sustained effect, it is because you have a b vitamin
deficiency (which is good to fix anyways for depression).
I believe vitamin and mineral supplementation can help depression/lethargy
given a poor diet. I felt a sporadic effect for 2 weeks which
let up. Again, this is my opinion, I can be wrong about
a lot of things.PS.. paulb, do you know anyone (besides clinical
papers), in person that actually survives long term
(months) on tyrosine supp? I just haven't seen
the anecdotal stories that held up over time....
I want it to work!best wishes,
John> I wouldnt be too hasty. There is evidence that L-Tyrosine can be helpful for depression. Ive posted a message like this before to people wanting to try L-Tyrosine. There are many considerations. If you search the archives you should find my advice. If not, and your still interested, just ask.
> Paulb
> -
Posted by djmmm on March 11, 2002, at 17:56:22
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 16:59:23
I have been supplementing my medication with a variety of amino acids off-and-on for a long time... I take Nardil, and have epilepsy and have found that supplementing with amino acids have helped *tremendously*
I take them in powder form once daily (they come together):
L-Isoleucine 5,160 mg
L-Leucine 9,040 mg
L-Valine 5,380 mg
L-Lysine 7,740 mg
L-Methionine 1,870 mg
L-Phenylalanine 3,500 mg
L-Threonine 5,030 mg
L-Tryptophan 1,340 mg
L-Alanine 3,760 mg
L-Arginine 2,620 mg
L-Aspartic Acid 8,380 mg
L-Cystine 360 mg
L-Glutamic Acid 16,900 mg
L-Glycine 1,800 mg
L-Histidine 2,120 mg
L-Proline 6,750 mg
L-Serine 2,930 mg
L-Tyrosine 2,780 mg
Posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 18:18:14
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by djmmm on March 11, 2002, at 17:56:22
Does this strategy seem to help more when
you are taking an MAO inhibitor?Also does the supplement(s) contain any other
ingredients beyond the amino acid? (herbs/vitamins/mins)?Thanks for any helpful/info/strategies...
best regards,
John
> I have been supplementing my medication with a variety of amino acids off-and-on for a long time... I take Nardil, and have epilepsy and have found that supplementing with amino acids have helped *tremendously*
>
> I take them in powder form once daily (they come together):
> L-Isoleucine 5,160 mg
> L-Leucine 9,040 mg
> L-Valine 5,380 mg
> L-Lysine 7,740 mg
> L-Methionine 1,870 mg
> L-Phenylalanine 3,500 mg
> L-Threonine 5,030 mg
> L-Tryptophan 1,340 mg
> L-Alanine 3,760 mg
> L-Arginine 2,620 mg
> L-Aspartic Acid 8,380 mg
> L-Cystine 360 mg
> L-Glutamic Acid 16,900 mg
> L-Glycine 1,800 mg
> L-Histidine 2,120 mg
> L-Proline 6,750 mg
> L-Serine 2,930 mg
> L-Tyrosine 2,780 mg
Posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 18:34:19
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by djmmm on March 11, 2002, at 17:56:22
Have you done a somewhat controlled test of the l-tyrosine
amino acid without an antidepressant and other nutritional
add-ons (other amino acids,vitamins,herbs,etc) to see the effect?just to see if we need the whole amino package in you opinion?
-John
> I have been supplementing my medication with a variety of amino acids off-and-on for a long time... I take Nardil, and have epilepsy and have found that supplementing with amino acids have helped *tremendously*
>
> I take them in powder form once daily (they come together):
> L-Isoleucine 5,160 mg
> L-Leucine 9,040 mg
> L-Valine 5,380 mg
> L-Lysine 7,740 mg
> L-Methionine 1,870 mg
> L-Phenylalanine 3,500 mg
> L-Threonine 5,030 mg
> L-Tryptophan 1,340 mg
> L-Alanine 3,760 mg
> L-Arginine 2,620 mg
> L-Aspartic Acid 8,380 mg
> L-Cystine 360 mg
> L-Glutamic Acid 16,900 mg
> L-Glycine 1,800 mg
> L-Histidine 2,120 mg
> L-Proline 6,750 mg
> L-Serine 2,930 mg
> L-Tyrosine 2,780 mg
Posted by mist on March 11, 2002, at 23:20:10
In reply to L-Tyrosine, posted by Optimistic on March 11, 2002, at 12:23:30
I took 500 mg l-tyrosine for two weeks in the morning before breakfast, stopped it, then took it for about a week a few months later. Some days I took another 500 later in the day.
I stopped it because I read that it increases the risk of melanoma (which I'm already at risk for). However, for the short time I took it, it energized me and helped me focus and get things done. (I had been very depressed when I started taking it—had no energy or motivation and was doing essentially nothing.)
It also helped me to push through social inhibitions easily and contact people and talk to them more easily.
It took 5-6 days to feel the effects.
For the most part it was good although a few times it made me feel too wired (I think I took a double dose once and the effect was exacerbated further by drinking coffee).
Posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 23:49:54
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by mist on March 11, 2002, at 23:20:10
I got poop-out.I wonder if you can sustain it if you cycle it.
Sort of like a "poop-out" stim. From what I have
seen just on the l-tyrosine, people who get a response
usually get poop-out (when they persist). That is what i felt.
It worked for a few hours (maybe 5), probably based on the metabolism
for the day. I dosed it 2 times a day. I did this for 2 weeks.
I started at a lower dose 500 mg . Had to raise it to 2000 mg
in 2 weeks. And then poop out.I've seen a few people go longer (1 guy for 2 months!).
Other people get nothing.I've also tried augmenting selegiline with the
same (on/off) effect.djmmm posted taking the mega-amino acid. It was my
understanding that this caused competition for penetration
of the more important precursors into the brain? I've always
read for instance you take the tyrosine on an empty stomach?
What is the scoop?IMHO, I still think l-tyrosine by itself is a gimmick.
Why do you think they take l-dopa? To get around that
crummy "tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme".I was reading about what areas of the brain aren't rate
limited by that crummy enzyme (a potential target for anti-depressants
of the future by the way), they probably go through
the standard biological adjustmant over time to make that
poop-out happen for me. Rats.-John
> I took 500 mg l-tyrosine for two weeks in the morning before breakfast, stopped it, then took it for about a week a few months later. Some days I took another 500 later in the day.
>
> I stopped it because I read that it increases the risk of melanoma (which I'm already at risk for). However, for the short time I took it, it energized me and helped me focus and get things done. (I had been very depressed when I started taking it—had no energy or motivation and was doing essentially nothing.)
>
> It also helped me to push through social inhibitions easily and contact people and talk to them more easily.
>
> It took 5-6 days to feel the effects.
>
> For the most part it was good although a few times it made me feel too wired (I think I took a double dose once and the effect was exacerbated further by drinking coffee).
Posted by Mark H. on March 12, 2002, at 22:21:52
In reply to L-Tyrosine, posted by Optimistic on March 11, 2002, at 12:23:30
For a small but significant minority of us, supplemental oral L-Tyrosine produces rage within a few days, including uncontrollable homicidal ideation (unbidden fantasies of maiming and dismemberment, for instance), violent dreams, and aggressive overreactions to negative stimulus.
In others, while it can provide more energy and focus to a certain extent, I have observed a "hardening" of personality and character over time that is unwelcome and unpleasant, even to the person experiencing it. Once off of the supplemental L-Tyrosine, these symptoms quickly subside and then disappear.
I offer this warning, because people not accustomed to dealing with uninvited rage may act out in ways that could seriously harm others and land them in prison (as happens from time to time with those who use steroids, for instance).
As rare as this must be, I'm the second person I know of in my small community to develop these severe reactions to L-Tyrosine.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
Posted by mist on March 12, 2002, at 22:30:56
In reply to Re: L-Tyrosine, posted by JohnX2 on March 11, 2002, at 23:49:54
> djmmm posted taking the mega-amino acid. It was my understanding that this caused competition for penetration of the more important precursors into the brain? I've always read for instance you take the tyrosine on an empty stomach?
> What is the scoop?You're not supposed to eat protein foods when you take L-tyrosine because as you noted John amino acids supposedly compete to get to your brain. (I heard the same thing you did about the amino acid combinations that are sold).
I have read that you can take the L-tyrosine with juice and maybe some bread or something, but I think anything works faster on an empty stomach as long as it doesn't make you sick. The l-tyrosine didn't bother me but I can't take B vitamins on an empty stomach so took them later. I've also heard conflicting advice about which is better--taking the B with the amino acid or separately.
This is the end of the thread.
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