Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Tyrosine boosts working memory, executive function, and creativity.
- It aids in stress reduction, mood improvement, and anxiety alleviation.
- Tyrosine lessens symptoms of ADHD.
- L-Tyrosine is a crucial precursor for catecholamine neurotransmitters.
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.
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 amino acid supplementation 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 as a nootropic 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 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 and healthy human adults don’t have any negative side effects from using amino acid tyrosine as a nootropic supplement.
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.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 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. Which is should particularly effective if you are dealing with any phenylalanine abnormalities.
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.
Join The Discussion - 390 comments
Ela
May 24, 2023
David, you write at the beginning that “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.” What other nootropic would you recommend instead of L-Tyrosine? I noticed that I feel extremely irritated and short-tempered when I take it, even in small doses.
David Tomen
June 5, 2023
Ela, are you saying L-Tyrosine makes you feel extremely irritated and short-tempered? Or is it Ritalin?
The only other real option for this is NALT or Phenylalanine.
Sarah Bee
May 23, 2023
I received some tyrosine powder from the company ‘Bulk’ today. I used to use another brand in capsule form daily for quite some time but then stopped because although I felt more energy and motivation I felt numb to emotion.
Today I put a small amount of the powder on my tongue and within half an hour I was getting lots done but then a horrible crash which has lasted the rest of the day where I feel disconnected, tired but wired, nauseous and really anxious. Is Tyrosine no longer for me?
David Tomen
June 5, 2023
Sarah, what is the BIG difference in how you used L-Tyrosine each time? At first you were using it normally by swallowing and then letting your digestive system absorb L-Tyrosine. But the last time you used it sublingually which is not how your are supposed to use it.
If it is numbing your emotions I suggest cutting your dose in half and see how that feels. But keep in mind that L-Tyrosine last about 2 – 3 hours. That is why you use it in the morning and then again at noon. If you find that you crash late afternoon then you take a 3rd dose.
But if you are going to try L-Tyrosine again I highly recommend that you take it like the rest of us and swallow the capsule or powder.
Aminh
May 18, 2023
Hi Davide
Shall i take l tyrosine from mind lab pro is it enough? It has only 170mg of tyrosine along with other components
And l am alos concerned about long use and the suppressing of the serotonin
What is long term means? 3 months ….one year
Thanks
David Tomen
May 26, 2023
Aminh, Some will find the dose of L-Tyrosine in Mind Lab Pro to be enough. But if you are older or are using stimulants to treat things like ADHD you need to take a separate L-Tyrosine supplement.
But the dose of L-Tyrosine in MLP is not likely to suppress serotonin. It’s when you start using 1,500 mg L-Tyrosine for a month or more that you need to start using L-Tryptophan to increase serotonin to balance with dopamine.
Michael
May 14, 2023
The tryptophan I take before bed causes me to feel like I have a hangover the next day. Even if I take tyrosine during the day, it doesn’t work. what should I do?
David Tomen
May 16, 2023
Michael, check to see if the Tryptophan you are using has any Melatonin in it. What is the reputation of the company who makes the supplement you have? This is important because there is a huge problem with adulteration in the dietary supplement industry. And lesser know manufacturers are often guilty of not declaring on the label what is actually in the capsule.
If it is a trustworthy manufacturer then cut your dose in half. If that is still a problem then Tryptophan may be for you. Which is rare but a very real issue. For a variety of reasons which is too deep to go into here.
Ilya
May 11, 2023
Please tell me, does L-tyrosine have a cumulative effect or does it only work for the duration of reception?
David Tomen
May 11, 2023
Ilya, L-Tyrosine has a half life of 2.5 – 3 hours. So the L-Tyrosine you take at 8 AM is mostly gone from your system around noon. It does not have a ‘cumulative’ effect.
Daniel
April 29, 2023
hi, i have been using 1500×3 tyrosine and 500mg tryptophan for about 2 months. I’ve been feeling tired for a few weeks, I’ve been feeling drowsy during the day and I’ve been yawning all the time, what’s the reason?
David Tomen
May 1, 2023
Daniel, are you saying you are using 1,500 mg L-Tyrosine 3-times per day? Because if so that is your problem. The standard adult dosage of L-Tyrosine is 500 mg 2 or 3-times per day.
Daniel
May 2, 2023
fix: I’m using 500×3
David Tomen
May 2, 2023
Good. Did this “feeling drowsy” start happening only after you started supplementing? Did anything else happen during that time that could be the cause?
Daniel
May 4, 2023
yes it happened after i started using tyrosine
David Tomen
May 5, 2023
Daniel, you may be hypothyroid and not realize that you are. 1,000s in the USA alone are unaware that they are hypo. But that is a whole other conversation.
The reason I suggest this is those who are hypothyroid already have high levels of norepinephrine (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/958003/). When you use L-Tyrosine is goes tp produce dopamine which then makes norepinephrine and then adrenaline (epinephrine).
Daniel
May 6, 2023
I checked my blood test and the t3 and t4 hormones are in the reference range.
I read on reddit that tyrosine can cause fatigue in people with ADHD, is that true?
David Tomen
May 6, 2023
Daniel, it depends on the person. It is very rare but it can happen.
Daniel
May 8, 2023
I think the problem I’m having is related to tryptophan, I’ve been hungover ever since I started using tryptophan, I’ll reduce the dose from 500mg to 250mg I hope the problem is solved
Leo
April 21, 2023
hi, when i first started using tyrosine it worked very well but lately i have brain fog, should i take a break? I am using 500mgx3
David Tomen
April 21, 2023
Leo, try cutting your dose to 500 mg twice per day. If that does not work then try cutting that dose in half (i.e. 250 mg twice per day). And if that still does not work it likely means you have enough dopamine and do not need to increase it by using L-Tyrosine.
Leo
April 25, 2023
I’ve been using tyrosine 1 gram a day for a few days now and the brain fog is gone thanks
After I started using tyrosine, my quality of life improved. I’m dopamine deficient but 1.5 grams is a bit too much for me
David Tomen
April 26, 2023
Leo, that is the key. Knowing how much your system needs. I learned long ago that “more is never better” no matter how effective the supplement is.
Daniel
April 12, 2023
Hi David, if i have adhd and want to take tyrosine. Do i have to add tryptophan aswell so i dont create imbalance between seretonine/dopamine or can i skip to add tryptophan because the seretonine/dopamine is already unbalanced because of my adhd?
David Tomen
April 18, 2023
Daniel, if you are using enough L-Tyrosine and you use it long-term including 2 or 3-times per day you’ll need to take at least 500 mg L-Tryptophan to raise your serotonin levels. Take it before bed because it also helps make melatonin which will help with sleep.