L-Tyrosine is the master precursor required to form all catecholamine neurotransmitters.
Your brain uses the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase to convert L-Tyrosine into L-DOPA. Decarboxylation of L-DOPA results in synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine.[i]
Once converted into dopamine, the enzyme dopamine-beta-hydroxylase converts L-DOPA into norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
And Phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase converts norepinephrine into epinephrine (adrenaline).
This triad of neurotransmitters are collectively known as “catecholamines”.
Tyrosine can be a highly effective nootropic for boosting cognitive function. And is particularly helpful in maintaining cognitive performance when you’re under practically any kind of stress. Including music played above 90 dB’s.
L-Tyrosine works in synergy with stimulants like methylphenidate (i.e. Ritalin).[ii] Drugs like Ritalin work by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, and norepinephrine. And if there’s not enough dopamine available to do the job, Ritalin doesn’t work very well. L-Tyrosine potentiates increases in extracellular dopamine.
L-Tyrosine also stimulates the production of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which are crucial in maintaining both overall physical and cognitive health.
L-Tyrosine can boost libido, memory, focus, concentration, mood, offers anti-depressant effects, and improves executive function in those with ADHD.
Tyrosine helps:
- Cognitive Stress. L-Tyrosine produces the catecholamine-triad of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Sleep deprivation and extreme stressors like heat and cold can deplete catecholamine levels. L-Tyrosine restores them to preserve optimal cognition.[iii]
- Neurotransmitters. L-Tyrosine is a required precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. As your dopamine levels increase, you’re better able to concentrate, organize your thoughts, and stay productive.
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). L-Tyrosine can be an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms. It works in synergy with pharmaceutical drugs like Ritalin and Adderall by boosting extracellular levels of dopamine. Helping these drugs be more effective. And mitigating side effects like crashes when the drug wears off.
Table of Contents
Overview
Your brain converts L-Tyrosine to L-DOPA which then produces the neurotransmitter dopamine. The unused dopamine is then further converted into the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). This triad of neurotransmitters are collectively referred to as “catecholamines”.
“Tyrosine” is derived from the Greek word tyros, meaning cheese. It was first discovered by German chemist Justus von Liebig in 1846 in the protein casein from cheese.
Tyrosine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it can be synthesized in your body from phenylalanine. Which is found in many high-protein foods such as poultry, fish, dairy, nuts, soy products, lima beans, avocados and bananas.
L-Tyrosine enhances working memory and executive function in the prefrontal cortex. It helps with creative flow states, is fuel for inspiration, cognitive flexibility, and the kind of “convergent thinking” you do in multiple choice exams.
L-Tyrosine assists in the production of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which are crucial in maintaining both overall physical and cognitive health.
L-Tyrosine vs N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT): What’s the Difference?
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) is the amino acid L-Tyrosine with an acetyl group added. When you take NALT as a supplement, it breaks down in your kidneys back into L-Tyrosine. So in theory, the two supplements offer the same benefits.
There is some debate in the nootropics community on which is more effective. NALT or plain L-Tyrosine. NALT is a more soluble form of L-Tyrosine so it should be more bioavailable to your body.
However, some studies report that in some cases, a sizeable percentage of supplemental NALT is excreted in urine before it’s converted into L-Tyrosine.[iv]
On a personal note, I haven’t had any issues using NALT as a source of L-Tyrosine. It gives me a dopamine and adrenal boost you’d expect from supplementing with a dopamine precursor.
But when I haven’t any NALT around I successfully switch to L-Tyrosine although at a slightly higher dose.
When dealing with ADHD/ADD, L-Tyrosine is particularly effective when stacked with ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine). ALCAR easily crosses the blood-brain barrier for boosting acetylcholine levels. And seems to positively influence serotonin levels. And Tyrosine provides my brain with the dopamine it needs to mitigate symptoms of ADHD/ADD.
I find that L-Tyrosine stacked with 20 mg of Ritalin twice a day works particularly well. Clearly, this brain doesn’t have the capacity to produce enough dopamine on its own. And needs the boost that comes from supplementing with Tyrosine.
So like all nootropics, YMMV. Always take into account how each nootropic works synergistically with others in your stack. And how they work with any meds you need to take.
This is as much art as it is science. And experimentation is key for optimal cognition.
How does L-Tyrosine work in the Brain?
L-Tyrosine boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- L-Tyrosine improves memory and cognition under acute stress. Acute stress is defined as short-term stressors that can affect cognition. Examples are extreme heat or cold. Things like cold showers, extreme sports, car accidents, relationship problems, intense movies, business deals gone awry, exams and war zones.
In one study done at the University of Bedfordshire in the UK, the effect of L-Tyrosine on cognitive performance was measured before an exercise task.
Researchers recruited 8 soccer players. And had them complete a 90-minute soccer simulation performance test in an environmental chamber set at 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
The soccer players were given either L-Tyrosine before exercise or a placebo. Cognitive performance was measured before the exercise task. Then again at “half-time”, following half time, and following the entire simulation.
The cognitive performance task assessed dual-task and vigilance. The outcome revealed that cognitive vigilance and reaction time among soccer players significantly improved following administration of L-Tyrosine.
Results showed that in warm-weather conditions, L-Tyrosine could enhance cognitive function and prevent cognitive impairment during exposure to exercise-heat stress.[v]
- L-Tyrosine boosts neurotransmitters. L-Tyrosine taken as a supplement converts into the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine helps control movement in your body, is fundamental to memory, attention and problem solving.
The unused dopamine can then convert into the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).
Norepinephrine is important for attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming and learning.
Epinephrine drives your ‘flight-or-flight’ response. It’s what prompts your reaction to dangerous circumstances, emergency situations, or in stressful situations or environments.
In one study done in the Netherlands, researchers determined if L-Tyrosine would boost cognitive resources associated with cognitive control. They performed tests designed to measure “working memory” using the N-Back Test.
Study participants were assigned to engage in a “1-back” condition of easy difficulty and then a 2-back condition of tougher difficulty. Those that used L-Tyrosine demonstrated superior performance in the 2-back test, but not the 1-back test.
The study authors suggested that L-Tyrosine provides greater cognitive enhancement when cognitive demand increases. The bottom-line; supplementation of L-Tyrosine may help you increase your IQ score due to maximizing catecholamine reserves.[vi]
How things go bad
As we get older, our brain and body chemistry and energy metabolism changes.
↓ Dopaminergic neurons are damaged or die
↓ Neurotransmitter levels decline
↓ Thyroid hormones decline
↑ Stress levels increase
↓ Working memory and mood decline
All of these changes are often attributed to aging. But could be a result of dietary and lifestyle choices.
Unchecked, they could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, a drop-in quality of life and depression.
L-Tyrosine benefits
L-Tyrosine can boost levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. And contributes to the production of thyroid hormones T4 and T3.
Tyrosine can help boost cognition especially in stressful situations. It helps improve decision making, ‘flow state’ and creativity, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
L-Tyrosine converts into L-DOPA to produce dopamine. L-DOPA is also used to make melanin in your body. This conversion process helps in the removal of neurotoxic quinones. And chelates heavy metals like mercury and lead which can accumulate in and damage neurons.
The dopamine that is not used by your brain is available to produce norepinephrine (noradrenaline) which is important for attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning.
L-Tyrosine can be an effective nootropic when stacked with ADHD/ADD meds like Ritalin or Adderall. It helps supply extracellular dopamine needed to improve the effectiveness of stimulants used to boost the uptake of dopamine in your brain.
How does L-Tyrosine feel?
Keep in mind that L-Tyrosine is a precursor to catecholamines. So if you’re not ‘low’ on dopamine, norepinephrine or epinephrine – you may not ‘feel’ anything.
Many neurohackers report a lift in mood, better focus, concentration, increased energy, and an overall sense of well-being. L-Tyrosine can help readjust your motivation levels. It can help lower anxiety levels, especially social anxiety.
Supplementing with L-Tyrosine can help bring your blood pressure down if its elevated from a stressful situation or environment. Take it before the stressful event if you can.
L-Tyrosine helps buffer the effects of stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines. It helps potentiate and prolong the effects of Ritalin or Adderall, and reduces the crash.
If you’re into athletics or do manual work, you’ll find that supplementing with L-Tyrosine before a workout or construction job will leave you feeling great afterwards. It helps mitigate many of the effects of acute stress caused by short-term stressors.
And L-Tyrosine helps your body to produce melanin, so you may find it easier to get a tan while at the beach.
L-Tyrosine Research
L-Tyrosine to treat ADHD
Several studies have investigated using L-Tyrosine for the treatment of ADHD. One informal study published in the 1980’s determined that L-Tyrosine resulted in short-term relief from ADHD symptoms. But subjects eventually reached tolerance and a diminished effect.
This is important for neurohackers to keep in mind. It seems that L-Tyrosine on its own can benefit some more than others. Regardless if you’re treating ADHD, or are perfectly cognitively healthy.
I’ve seen more than one report of nootropic users experiencing tolerance after just a week of supplementing with L-Tyrosine. But most peer-reviewed, published studies show positive results.
One study published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment in 2011 looked at using amino acid precursors for the treatment of ADHD. Including L-Tyrosine for dopamine, and 5-HTP for serotonin.
The study used 85 young people aged 4 – 18 years old, all with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD. They were treated for an initial period of 8 – 10 weeks.
Urinary samples to determine serotonin and dopamine levels were collected within the first 4 weeks. If they didn’t reach adequate levels, subjects were moved to higher dosing levels 2 and then 3 until they got relief from symptoms.
Researchers found that the dopamine and serotonin precursors yielded similar results to Strattera and Ritalin. And “the amino acid protocol may be equal in efficacy to potent, pharmaceutical ADHD medications”.[vii]
L-Tyrosine reduces blood pressure under stress
This study is particularly interesting for its nootropic application. It’s commonly understood that blood pressure rises when we’re under stress. The source of stress doesn’t really matter. Stress up = blood pressure up.
A study in Amsterdam showed that L-Tyrosine administration decreased blood pressure about 15 minutes after ingestion. This study involved assessing task performance following acute stress.
Acute stress is usually short-term and can be caused by driving, fighting, athletics, martial arts training, war, combat training, CrossFit, cold showers, loud music, intense movies, loud noises, business deals, relationships, school, exams and more.
The point is, this study is applicable to every one of us. The study found that L-Tyrosine reduced diastolic blood pressure within 15 minutes of taking the supplement. And blood pressure normalized within 1 hour.
This study tells us that L-Tyrosine may promote a decrease in blood pressure caused by stress. And could be used to mitigate the effects of stressful situations if taken prior to the stressful event.[viii]
L-Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility
Cognitive flexibility applies to those who can adjust their thinking quickly to adapt to novel situations and stimuli. A high degree of cognitive flexibility is associated with increased fluid intelligence, superior reading and comprehension, and a healthier brain.
Recent research (2015) supports the idea that L-Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility. In this trial, researchers recruited 22 adults. And setup a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
All subjects were assigned a task switching procedure to measure their flexibility. The results showed that receiving L-Tyrosine supplementation increased cognitive flexibility compared to the placebo group.
The researchers determined that “L-Tyrosine can facilitate cognitive flexibility by repleting cognitive resources”.[ix]
The team observed that increased cognitive flexibility was likely due to a boost in dopamine concentrations. They noted that L-Tyrosine enhanced usage of various cognitive resources. And one way to increase your cognitive flexibility would be to start supplementing with L-Tyrosine.
It stands to reason that people who are close-minded, set it their ways, are resistant to change and can’t cope with unexpected stimuli or situations have “cognitive rigidity”. And it’s likely due to suboptimal dopamine levels.
L-Tyrosine Dosage
L-Tyrosine suggested dosage for cognitive benefit is 500 mg – 2 grams per day.
You may find your body responds to smaller doses. Or even more if you’re stacking it with stimulants like ADHD meds. Listen to your body and see how you react.
If you find you do not experience the full benefit from L-Tyrosine, then try using it an hour before or two hours after a meal. Because L-Tyrosine taken as a supplement may compete with other amino acids in food for transport into your system.
I personally stack L-Tyrosine with my Ritalin dose twice per day. And a final dose of L-Tyrosine late afternoon to prevent a stimulant crash.
NOTE: long-term use of L-Tyrosine can suppress serotonin. Symptoms include depression, fatigue or severe anxiety feeling much like a panic attack. You can easily counter this by supporting serotonin with a 250 – 500 mg L-Tryptophan about 60 mins. before bed.
L-Tyrosine Side Effects
L-Tyrosine is considered non-toxic and very safe. Most neurohackers don’t have any negative side effects from using L-Tyrosine.
At higher doses there are reports of stomach issues and migraines. Migraine problems usually happen to those who already suffer from migraines. This may be an indication that your neurotransmitter levels are already optimal, and you don’t need to supplement with L-Tyrosine.
L-Tyrosine can increase your thyroid hormones. So if you’re hyperthyroid you should use caution when supplementing with L-Tyrosine because it may change the way your thyroid meds work.
And if you’re taking MAO inhibitors (MAOI’s) like selegiline, Azilect, Marplan or Nardil you should not use L-Tyrosine.
MAOI’s work in your brain by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme normally blocks excess dopamine. But when you block the enzyme, more dopamine is released.
So using L-Tyrosine in combination with MAOI’s could raise dopamine levels too high. Resulting in a rapid rise in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). Causing severe headache, nausea and sweating, severe anxiety, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, vision changes, shortness of breath and confusion.
A severe increase in blood pressure from this combo can lead to hemorrhagic stroke or a heart attack.
Where to buy L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is available to buy in powder, capsule and tablet form. Capsules and tablets are usually 300 – 500 mg.
Some pre-made nootropic stacks and workout stacks also include L-Tyrosine as part of their formula.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) is an alternative to plain L-Tyrosine. NALT has an acetyl group added to L-Tyrosine in an attempt to make it more bioavailable.
For example, Mind Lab Pro® 4.0 contains 11 brain enhancing nootropic compounds including N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine.
I recommend Mind Lab Pro because it addresses all aspects of anxiety resistance, memory and cognitive enhancement, stabilizes mood, brain repair, and maintenance.
This premium nootropic stack is designed to affect neurotransmitters, cognitive energy, brain waves, neuroprotection, and regeneration. See my Mind Lab Pro review for a detailed report.
Ensure you read labels carefully and stick with manufacturers who follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). And are GMP-Certified. And do your best to avoid toxic “other ingredients” which are usually listed at the bottom of “Supplement Facts” labels.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
L-Tyrosine 500 mg – 2 grams per day
I recommend using L-Tyrosine as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does synthesize some L-Tyrosine from phenylalanine which comes from high-protein foods like chicken, fish, almonds, avocados and bananas.
But most of us don’t get enough L-Tyrosine from our diet. So supplementation will help.
L-Tyrosine is helpful for most neurohackers to combat stress and sleep deprivation. It’ll boost dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels.
It’s particularly helpful if you take L-Tyrosine prior to a stressful situation, workout or physically demanding job.
L-Tyrosine is especially helpful to those dealing with ADHD/ADD. It’s a great compliment to stack with stimulant meds like Ritalin or Adderall. L-Tyrosine will provide the dopamine your brain needs. It will help smooth out and prolong the effects of stimulant meds. And help prevent the associated crash when they wear off.
A good stack for ADHD is using your usual med dose with L-Tyrosine 500 mg, Alpha GPC 300 mg, and ALCAR 500 mg.
You can buy individual L-Tyrosine supplements. Or you could try my favorite pre-formulated nootropic stack Mind Lab Pro® 4.0 which includes N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT).
Mind Lab Pro contains a synergistic blend of 11 brain enhancing nootropics covering all aspects of cognition and brain health. See my full Mind Lab Pro review for more.
You can safely use up to 2,000 mg per day when stacking with ADHD meds. But in smaller divided doses throughout your day.
[i] Slominski A., Zmijewski M., Pawelek J. “L-tyrosine and L-DOPA as hormone-like regulators of melanocytes functions” Pigment Cell Melanoma Research. 2012 Jan; 25(1): 14–27. (source)
[ii] Woods S.K., Meyer J.S. “Exogenous tyrosine potentiates the methylphenidate-induced increase in extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens: a microdialysis study.” Brain Research. 1991 Sep 27;560(1-2):97-105. (source)
[iii] Hase A., Jung S.E., aan het Rot M. “Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2015 Jun;133:1-6. (source)
[iv] Magnusson I., Ekman L., Wångdahl M., Wahren J. “N-acetyl-L-tyrosine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine as tyrosine and cysteine precursors during intravenous infusion in humans.” Metabolism. 1989 Oct;38(10):957-61. (source)
[v] Coull N.A., Watkins S.L., Aldous J.W., Warren L.K., Chrismas B.C., Dascombe B., Mauger A.R., Abt G., Taylor L. “Effect of tyrosine ingestion on cognitive and physical performance utilising an intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT) in a warm environment.” European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2015 Feb;115(2):373-86. (source)
[vi] Colzato L.S., Jongkees B.J., Sellaro R., Hommel B. “Working memory reloaded: tyrosine repletes updating in the N-back task.” Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2013 Dec 16;7:200. (source)
[vii] Hinz M., Stein A., Neff R., Weinberg R., Uncini T. “Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with monoamine amino acid precursors and organic cation transporter assay interpretation” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2011; 7: 31–38. (source)
[viii] Deijen J.B., Orlebeke J.F. “Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress.” Brain Research Bulletin. 1994;33(3):319-23. (source)
[ix] Steenbergen L., Sellaro R., Hommel B., Colzato L.S. “Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance.” Neuropsychologia. 2015 Mar;69:50-5 (source)
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Hey David,
Could I take black seed oil instead of tryptophan as a means of preventing tyrosine from depleting serotonin, or am I better off with tryptophan because I know the dosage of tryptophan that I’m getting, where as with black seed oil, it’s hard to make a comparison? Black seed oil is also an acetlycholinesterase inhibitor, so I’m not sure if that’s the greatest thing to take at night. Is dividing tyrosine with tryptophan/black seed oil morning and night the best way to achieve balanced, as opposed to taking them at the same? Should tryptophan/black seed oil always be taken when taking tyrosine as a preventative, or only when symptoms of serotonin depletion occur?
Thanks,
Mike
Mike, the only two direct precursors to serotonin synthesis are L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP. Anything else including Black Seed Oil will not make “new” serotonin.
Hi Dave,
I take Vyvanse (65mg) for ADD and it works great while active but leads to depressive crashes when it wears off (around 7-8hr mark).
Have read your”Best Nootropics for ADHD/ADD” guide and after reading anecdotes from others who experience a similar crash on amphetamine based stims, decided to try Tyrosine in isolation.
– As you suggested, I waited 2hrs after my last meal (I did have a bit of tumeric/black pepper as part of this meal) and then had 300mg Tyrosine powder (measured by micro scale) in water.
– At the 1hr mark, my heart rate went sky high and I violently threw up.
– From this point onwards, my heart rate would keep going back and forth between being okay and being quite high for about 3hrs. It finally seemed to settle for good at about the 4hr mark, at which point I became very sleepy and went to bed (and had an excellent sleep!)
So what could have caused the massive heart reaction I experienced?
Would having a bit of Tumeric/Black pepper in my meal 2hrs before Tyrosine have been a factor at all? I know Turmeric/Curcumin is apparently a weak MAOI but could that be enough?
James, 300 mg is lower than the normal recommended dose of 500 mg. With that kind of reaction is just sounds like L-Tyrosine is the wrong supplement for you.
Try Curcumin on it’s own and see if that prevents the crash.
Hi Dave,
Thank you for the reply and for the suggestion, I’ll be sure to try Curcumin by itself.
Over the last few days I have tried lower doses (150, 200, 300mg) of Tyrosine (without any turmeric this time) and found that while they helped with the desired positives and didn’t give any heart effects, it only seemed to last an hour and then made me sleepy. Additionally, when I tried 300mg last night, it led to the same sleepy effects but also gave me some light dizziness/nausea for a few hours which was not present on the lower doses but was present (but stronger) on that first night (no heart effects though).
Still the best thing I’ve ever had in terms of helping me get out of bed the morning after Vyvanse crash (normally quite difficult).
Is this a sign that Tyrosine just isn’t for me? Would NALT likely lead to a similar reaction?
James, you can try NALT but you’ll probably have the same problem. Sounds like your system doesn’t convert L-Tyrosine like it does for most people. It could be the wrong supplement for you. For which you can blame your genes.
Thanks for that Dave.
I know you said not eating for 1-2hrs before/after was required for Tyrosine but does that also apply to NALT too?
Or is the fasting part not as important for NALT given that it’s (supposedly) more bioavailable etc?
James, I forgot that I wrote that and just updated it before responding to you. Theoretically, L-Tyrosine when taken with food may compete for the same transporters as other amino acids in your meal. But we are using much higher doses here than we would get from food. So, I highly doubt the amino acids in our meal would win this fight for transporters.
You could try an experiment and take L-Tyrosine with food one day. Then on a empty stomach another day. And see how they compare.
Thanks for those suggestions, Dave. I really appreciate you taking the time to give such thoughtful replies.
I did try 100mg NALT last night on empty stomach and it led to a similar (but nowhere as severe) reaction as the first night (my first comment) with heart palpations and nausea.
In terms of food to try with Tyrosine, I would presume it wouldn’t be something high in protein so would carbs or fats (or both) be better to try with Tyrosine?
Also, I saw that Tyrosine can raise blood sugar/glucose levels, could that have anything to do with my reactions (especially on an empty stomach)? I do find I have to be eating semi-regularly during the day to keep my Vyvanse “going”.
James, how exactly can L-Tyrosine or NALT increase blood sugar levels? Do you have clinical evidence of this? Because if you do I’d like to see it.
It is the amino acids usually found in proteins that can compete for transporters. Carbs and fats do not provide amino acids that will compete so should not interfere with L-Tyrosine absorption.
Hello David,
Thank you for writing such a wonderful and detailed article on L-tyrosine.
I’m pretty new to nootropics and I wanted to ask if this is a good stack for focus, energy and cognition (for a beginner) –
ALCAR – 500mg
L-Tyrosine – 400mg
Alpha GPC – 400mg
L-Theanine – 300mg
Huperzia Serrata (Huperzinr A 1%) -400mg
L-Leucine – 300mg
Phosphatidylserine – 200mg
Bacopa Monieri extract – 300mg
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) – 10mg
The Ingredients excluding ALCAR comes as capsule (single dose of 2 capsules) and I bought ALCAR separately.
Initially I was going to take ALCAR, Alpha GPC and L theanine but nootropics in my country is very scarce. Then I found a capsule blend that included both alpha gpc and l theanine. But what I’m concerned is the extras that come with it.
Do you think it matters or I’ll be alright?
I do not do stack evaluations here in the comments thread because I don’t have the time. But you are more than welcome to schedule a consultation with me.
Do you have any experience with stacking L-tyrosine, methylphenidate, and a racetam together? Paired with a good choline source of course.
Regards,
Luis
Luis, I do it everyday and it’s part of my Adult ADD stack. See my article on ADHD/ADD. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Hi David,
I have bought the pure powder of L-Tyrosine and L-Tryptophan to try and help me get, and stay asleep, is it okay to combine both and take it an hour before bedtime? Or does combining them at the same time work negatively in some way?
Claudia, L-Tyrosine increases dopamine in your brain. So it will keep you awake rather than helping with sleep. Use 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day morning and noon.
L-Tryptophan helps produce serotonin which goes on the make melatonin. 500 mg L-Tryptophan about 60 minutes before bed.
Thank you, I thought as much.
So far I’ve been taking L-Tyrosine in the afternoon.
It would have been more convenient for me to be able to take both before bedtime but now I know for sure to not even try it out!
You’re a lifesaver
HELLO DAVID! If I take l tyrosine on empty stomach. Do I have to eat meal after one hour because you mentioned that we take l tyrosine one hour before meal or two hours after meal otherwise we will not experience the benefit of this nootropic. THANKS
You can use L-Tyrosine with just water because your body will digest and transport it to where it needs to go. Food will not make any difference.
Hello David! I just start two capsule of l tyrosine & I feel relaxed , calm . Do I have to take l tryptophan for serotonin also? Will taking l tyrosine only imbalance dopamine & serotonin level?
M, used long-term it may upset your dopamine and serotonin balance. But you will feel it when it happens. If you feel any negative change to how you feel now you’ll know it’s time to start using L-Tryptophan.
Thank you so much for your reply.
Hello,
I take 500 mg of Rhodiola Rosea in the morning daily for depression. Can I also take L-Tyrosine for ADHD? Together or apart? Can I benefit from both?
Valerie, you can use them both. But you may want to reduce your Rhodiola Rosea dosage if you do.
Hallo David, I like to check the sources you link to (btw, thanks a lot for doing that! A lot of people just make statements without providing a scientific base..) and I want to give you notice that one of the referred papers has been retracted…I went to read why and found out that the people did not provide evidence of their “findings” and also that they had undisclosed interests in the results of the paper. Since the statement is quite strong (L-tyrosine is AS EFFECTIVE as prescription meds for ADHD) and is based only on that paper, I think you should correct it on your website. The paper is this one: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3035600/
Cristina, I am aware of this “retraction”. But I would like to know which pharmaceutical companies the “retraction” authors work for. Very likely the same who manufacture extended release methylphenidate or the other forms of Adderall.
Hi Dave,
L tyrosine makes me unmotivated, drowsy and causing brain fog.
I experienced the same effect with DLPA and similar with Rhodiola.
Does it mean I have enough/ too much dopamine ?
Thank you
Ann
I either means you have too much dopamine when using L-Tyrosine OR your dopamine and serotonin is out of balance. Excess dopamine depresses serotonin. You can try to counter this by using L-Tryptophan and see if that works. If it does not then L-Tyrosine, DLPA and Rhodiola are the wrong supplements for you.
Hi David,
Thanks for all your hard work, at some point I will schedule a consultation with you.
For now can L-tyrosine, be stacked with modafinil and meth blue?
Mark, yes it can.
Hi David,
I have reason to believe I suffer from Over Methylation and it says that people that Overmethylate usually suffer from high levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Would I be right in thinking this means I should not be taking nootropics such as L-Tyrosine (1500mg) L-Tryptophan (500mg) at night to balance dopamine and serotonin? Also would it be a bad idea to take L-Theanine, Bacopa and Turmeric as I hear that these can raise dopamine and serotonin aswell? I also have autism, I would appreciate some suggestions for supplements that you think would be beneficial for my autism and overmethylation, the main problem I am trying to solve is anxiety which is suffer from immensely and I have tried everything.
Thanks,
-Harry
Harry, if you are dealing with over methylation then supplementing with L-Tyrosine and L-Tryptophan is likely NOT a good idea. But the herbs should not be a problem. Because they do not increase “physical” levels of these neurotransmitters. They work more like reuptake inhibitors so you are reusing neurotransmitters that would otherwise be depleted from your body and brain after use.
For autism, I suggest scheduling a consultation with me. I have a list of supplements that have been shown to be helpful with autism symptoms. But they take time to explain. If you are interested here is a link to my calendar: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60min
Hi David,
Thanks for the reply, I know have reason to believe I actually have undermethylation as that more aligns with my symptoms and 95 percent of autistics under methylate, so would tyrosine and tryptophan be good in that case? I may book a consultation with you at some point when I have more funds/money.
Thanks
-Harry
Harry, L-Tyrosine and L-Tryptophan may help you. And there is little risk in trying them. Because both have a short half-life. If you try either one or both and you don’t like the feeling it should be gone within 3 – 4 hours at most. Just keep your dose at the low end of the recommended dosage to start.
Hi David,
You mention in your article on L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens) that it may be necessary to cycle that, for example taking it for 4-5 days then taking a break to avoid tolerance/dependence. Does the same hold true for Tyrosine, or can Tyrosine generally be taken every day?
Thank you
Sarah, the key word is “may” be necessary. I do not cycle either supplement and do not see any reason to do so. L-Tyrosine and L-DOPA have a short half-life. So the L-Tyrosine you take at 8 am can no longer make dopamine at noon. Which is why you need to take it again. To keep a steady level of dopamine in your system during the day.
Great to know – thank you 🙂
hi david… i tried l-tyrosine and (nalt) for adhd mediction i tried in all dose i can but it doesnt work even i take with that alcar ,alpha gpc , and b complex and iodine …i tried even with emty Stomach and still no result …
there is something that i miss?or even another option?
You need to be more specific. What was your dose of each supplement and what exactly were you trying to achieve? Was it to reduce ADHD symptoms?
i tried from 500 to 2000 l tyrosine and after that i tried nalt in the same dose more or less and it doesn’t work….it was to reduce adhd symptoms .
i took it with adhd medication to make it effective again
Fady, how may times per day of each supplement and how many days or weeks did you use them? I’m trying to get a clearer picture of what you tried.
i tried them for 3-4 with mediction for adhd…i take just one time for each day and i take it with alcar ,alpha gpc , and b complex and iodine on empt stomach… i start with 500 tyrosine until i tried even 2500 and it doesnt work
for 4-3 days***
But how many times per day did you use them? This is key because for example L-Tyrosine has a half-life of around 3 hours. So, 500 mg L-Tyrosine taken at 8 am no longer works by noon. So you dose it again. Several of the supplements on your list are like that.
If you do not follow dosage recommendations for the nootropic supplements I recommend in my ADHD protocol it will not work.
Hello, David
Thank you for all your work and detailed articles on this website.
If I take Curcumin (e.g. Longvida 400 mg/day), which acts as an MAOI, is it safe to take L-Tyrosine (say, 500 – 1000 mg/day) at the same time occasionally / regularly / daily? Or does the caution about MAOIs and L-Tyrosine apply only to prescription MAOIs?
Thank you.
V.B. the caution only applies to prescription MAOIs. It may potentiate L-Tyrosine but nothing to worry about. If it does affect you negatively then cut back on your L-Tyrosine dose.
Hi Dave,
Thanks you for a great website.
If l like to increase mood, motivation, alertness and libido, are L-Tyrosin the best choice?
What can l stack L-Tyrosine with to get the best results?
I have heard iodine, selenium and cdp-choline. What is your experience?
Thanks in advance
Kenneth, see my response to your question under “Beginners Guide to Nootropic Stacks”.
Thanks David
Hi Dave,
I suffer from slight HBP and am on Micardus 40mg.
I suspected that i suffer from Tyrosine deficiency due to brain fog and lack of interest or desire in anything.
I did read you say too much Tyrosine may increase blood pressure but is 300-500mg per day really going to add increase HBP would it?
Cheers
Tony
Tony, it depends on your system. I personally use 1,500 – 2,000 mg L-Tyrosine split into 3 – 4 doses and it does not raise my blood pressure. The only way to find out is to try it. And do not worry because it is not dangerous. If you find it increases your blood pressure that should only last 4-5 hours.