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
Roman
May 25, 2024
Hello David,
I have a question about the correct intake. Is it correct that L-Tyrosine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure bioavailability? And if so, how long should I wait to take my dose in the afternoon?
I also take L-arginine in the morning. Is it bad to take this together with L-tyrosine or does it make no difference in terms of absorption?
Thank you very much!
David Tomen
June 3, 2024
Roman, L-Tyrosine has a half life of 2.5 – 3 hours. So the Tyrosine you take at 8 AM is gone by noon and can no longer produce dopamine. So, you take another dose at noon that should keep you going with increased dopamine for most of the afternoon. It is water soluble so easily absorbed. And at 500 mg the dose it high enough that it should win the competition for transporters that other amino acids use.
damon
June 22, 2024
hi david i use 3x 500 mg L-Phenyallanine daily with my ADHD medication Vyvanse is it also necessary to add L-Tryptophan 500 mg or is this only with 3x 500 mg L-Tyrosine? and what is better L-Phenylallanine or L-Tyrosine i often hear that people prefer L-Tyrosine what is the reason for that? In advance super friendly thanks Greetings Damon
David Tomen
June 22, 2024
See my answer in the Phenylalanine comment thread.
Oliver Engholm
May 23, 2024
Hello David, how much L-Tyrosine would I need in order to feel a boost in Dopamine and Creativity? Is the recommended 500-2000mg enough, or would I require a higher dosage?
Thanks!
David Tomen
May 23, 2024
Oliver, you only need 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day to increase dopamine. But that alone will not increase motivation. To boost motivation you first must activate AMPA receptors which then activates the dopamine/reward/motivation pathway. You can learn more here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Oliver Engholm
May 25, 2024
Thank you!
I have another question, will 500 mg of NALT boost dopamine, motivation and creativity? Is it safe to go beyond the highest recommended dosage of 1000 mg with NALT, or should I stick between the 500-1000 mg range?
David Tomen
June 3, 2024
Oliver, while dopamine is involved the creation of motivation, increasing dopamine alone will not increase motivation. For that you need to activate AMPA receptors which in turn activate the dopamine/reward/motivation pathway. As explained in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
the standard adult dose for L-Tyrosine is 500 mg twice per day. Some may need more and some may need less. It depends on how your system uses L-Tyrosine. But anything in excess of 1,000 mg per day is likely to cause problems in most who try it.
daniel
May 7, 2024
Hi david, im taking tyrosine 500mg daily, what would u say is the highest amount of tyrosine i can go before i need to start supplementing with tryptophan to not throw seretonine and dopamine off balance?
David Tomen
May 7, 2024
It varies from person to person. If you used 500 mg Tyrosine twice per day eventually you’d start depleting serotonin.
Joseph
February 29, 2024
David I love your site and endless knowledge on nootropics. My question and confusion is , if the point of taking neurotransmitters precursors is to give the body what it needs to make them, then why isn’t there any literature on very low dosing ? Example when talking about tyrosine it always seems to be at a minimal dose of 500mg. But my question is why wouldn’t a low 100mg dose do the job, if all we’re trying to do is provide the raw materials. Like has it been studied thst there needs to be a minimal amount of raw material in order for the body to produce dopamine out of it ? Definitely there must me a max amount , where any higher doesn’t yield any more dopamine. Like also in regards to 5htp, u have sited a study out of Italy, where they was given a griffonia seed extract standardized to 12.5 mg 5htp. The participants got the desired effect, and that’s on 12.5 mg, yet here we can’t even find a product that’s lower than 50 mg 5 htp.
David Tomen
March 1, 2024
Joseph, most clinical studies and anecdotal reports from people using L-Tyrosine find 500 mg twice per day works great. But 5-HTP is a completely different issue. Many who use 5-HTP rave about how great it works but it stops providing any benefit within 3 – 4 weeks. No one has every said said why this happens. But I suspect it’s because serotonin and dopamine must be in balance. And all yo do is increase serotonin you end up suppressing dopamine. So the original benefits of supplementing with 5-HTP cancel themselves out.
Alen
February 8, 2024
Hi David,
i took L tyrosin 650 mg once a day for about 10 days, in the first week the effect was positive, but after a week i started to have headache, so i had to stop it , but still in the last two days after every meal i got the same headache, i assume that i have increased dopamine too much, and im taking also antidepressant so i can’t take tryptophan with it, do you have any suggestion to decrease dopamine level and maybe other supplements which is alternative to L tyrosine
David Tomen
February 9, 2024
Alen, the half life of Tyrosine is 2.5 – 3 hours so it is completely cleared from your system before then end of the day. You could have felt a headache by increasing dopamine which can suppress serotonin. At that low of a dose that is unlikely but it really depends on your system. What there anything else present in that Tyrosine capsule or tablet other than Tyrosine?
Alen
February 9, 2024
Thank you David for your reply, just Tyrosine 650mg with HPMC vegetable capsule, could that be a sign that my system has already low Serotonin and it was easy to be suppressed, my medication works well not like at the beginning but still well enough, so I do not know if I should increase serotonin or maybe decrease dopamin again in some way, I still have headache although I stoped taking it more than 2 days ago, which is unusual.
David Tomen
February 12, 2024
Alen, I’m sorry I cannot help you any further with this. Each of us is unique in so many ways and there will be some supplements you simply cannot use. There is no way to tell what is causing that headache. That side effect is so rare that we have nothing to reference on what could be causing it.
Alen
February 13, 2024
Thanks David for your Help and reply
Shaun
June 4, 2024
likely increase in tyramine causing headaches. Similar experience
Jack
January 10, 2024
Hello David,
Can L-Tyrosine cause itching?
I took it yesterday at noon, and there seemed to be no issue.
I took it again this morning, but now I’ve experienced itching.
I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence or a known side effect.
Thank you very much.
David Tomen
January 10, 2024
Jack, it is rare but skin problems such as hives, swelling or itchy skin are known side effects. Either reduce your dose or you may need to stop using L-Tyrosine.
Jack
January 19, 2024
Hello David,
I don’t quite understand what’s going on with L-Tyrosine. In the past, following an article by a French psychiatrist, I took 1600mg in the morning and afternoon, and 800mg in the late afternoon. There was no improvement, no effect, but also no itching.
Today, with only 500mg in the morning and afternoon, I feel itching. However, I also feel a “boost” effect after taking it. So, I’m not sure what to think.
Could one of the L-Tyrosine products be of poor quality? I’ve used two different brands. The current brand I’m using was ordered from the Bulk website in powder form, while the one I used previously was purchased on Amazon in capsule form, from the brand Sanuvit. Sanuvit’s L-Tyrosine is produced through vegetable fermentation, but I don’t know about Bulk’s.
Do you have any ideas? I believe I may be deficient in dopamine due to restless leg syndrome accompanied by a loss of interest, pleasure, anxiety, and persistent fatigue despite a full night’s sleep.
Thank you in advance.
David Tomen
January 22, 2024
Jack, the first L-Tyrosine supplement could very well have been a bad supplement. If you got the 2nd batch from Bulk Supplements that’s good because they are a trustworthy company, test all of their product, and are willing to provide a Certificate of Analysis on request.
Jack
January 25, 2024
David, thank you for your response.
One last question, I believe, what to favor between Tyrosine and Phenylalanine?
Because I’m thinking that if Tyrosine continues to cause itching, I could potentially switch to Phenylalanine?
David Tomen
January 26, 2024
Jack both help produce dopamine so feel free to try Phenylalanine and see if it works for you.
Jack
January 27, 2024
Thanks David
Kim
December 27, 2023
Hey David. I’ve really enjoy reading your blog and have a couple of questions. I have been taking Sam e for a couple of months (it’s helping with focus and mood) and am learning more and more everyday and adding lots of nutrients to my stack. I am learning about l-tyrosine and thinking it could help me a great deal with my adhd but I also suffer migraines and have read it can trigger them. I take bc powder when I have an attack and it usually helps 75% of the time. I used to take adderall for my adhd but haven’t had insurance in many years so I just sorta wing it with vitamins and coffee now which I’d rather do anyway if possible. As for vitamins I take the life extension b complex, vitamin c (pure ascorbic acid and/or liposomal c) Sam e 200 mg, vit d. I want to try l theanine and l tyrosine. From what I have read in your blog it seems the tyrosine could be just what I need for low motivation on mundane tasks but am concerned it may trigger migraines and I am migraine prone. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
David Tomen
December 28, 2023
Kim, have you read my article on ADHD? Because there is a list of supplements in the yellow box near the top the lists all of the supplements I use for Adult ADD. https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. Please read through that entire article because I explain how each works and why I recommend each one.
Also, use the search function top right and search for the keyword “migraine” and see what turns up. There is a small list of supplements shown to help reduce migraine symptoms.
The reason why SAM-e helps is because it is involved in how ALL your major neurotransmitters do their job. I think you’ll be surprised at the result if you increase each one including dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and GABA. And make sure you pay attention to the cofactors involved and why you need a good bioactive Multi as well.
Kim
December 28, 2023
Great! I am going to read over it all. I am new here but have spent the past few days reading your blog and am really enjoying learning all of this. There is so much invaluable information here that I wasn’t aware of before. Thank you so much for composing all this information. I know it is a lot of work and I’m happy to have found it. Thanks again.
Markus
November 28, 2023
I am taking 500mg of L Tyrosine twice a day so which is immensely helpful to help with my add symptoms. It gives me higher focus and the brain fog and in attentiveness is much lower.
As a side effect sleep quality has declined substantially which points to low serotonin levels. I have been experimenting with 400mg of 5htp before sleep which is a very high dose. You don’t recommend taking 5htp due to its potential side effects/risks but recommend taking l tyrosine.
I have done lots of research and don’t find any substancial recommendations regarding taking this combo for add. Some recommend a ratio of 10:1 for tyrosine:5htp but this seems to be for people without add. What ratio would you recommend for me moving forward to experiment with. I don’t want to create another imbalance. For now the 400mg works (4 nights) and I feel completely rested and balanced. But this might be just as I had been very depleted myself from serotonin. Any ideas would be very appreciated.
David Tomen
November 30, 2023
Markus, dopamine and serotonin must be in balance. The safest long-term solution for increasing serotonin is with 500 – 1,000 mg L-=Tryptophan. But start with the lower dose and take it about 60 minutes before bed. 5-HTP is not a great idea because it is much more difficult to get the dose right.
Diana
July 28, 2024
Hello David
My sister is taking 5htp for a very long time. Eventually I’m seeing many symptoms of low dopamine. I’ve told her about the need to taking tyrosine…
But what scares me the most is that her psychiatrist prescribe her vortioxtine and said it was ok to maintain the 50nmg of 5htp
Can you please help us with balancing this? I advised her to leave this vortioxtine. She responds very well to 5htp but I think she would replace it with tryptophan.
David Tomen
July 30, 2024
Diana, if you don’ want your sister going on that drug I think the best thing you could do is send her this Wikipedia explanation of the side effects while using that drug: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortioxetine
50 mg of 5-HTP is a very small dose and I’m a little surprised she was getting any benefit from that tiny dose. But you are correct that long-term use of any supplement that directly increases serotonin will suppress dopamine. However, she could be low in dopamine anyway depending on her age. Dopamine naturally declines by 10% per decade starting in your early 20’s.
A low dose of 5-HTP is not likely going to cause Serotonin Syndrome while using a SSRI. Unless the person is very sensitive to these supplements.