Tyrosine for Depression?

[Guest guest]

There is yet another amino acid that is very successful in helping those

of us with depression and other stuff.

SAM-e

 

SAM-e also helps with arthritis and liver issues. It has been one of the

most successful treatments I have been exposed to. There are some books as

well as research on SAM-e. It is the activated form of l-Methionine.

 

Another very helpful substance is 2 grams of EPA from fish oil. See

Andrew Stoll, MD's recent book.

mjh

 

 

In a message dated 7/15/03 5:55:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

angelprincessjo writes:

 

>

> Tyrosine for Depression? JoAnn Guest Jul 15, 2003 14:49 PDT

> Today's Question

> Recently a friend who used to take Saint-John's-wort found even greater

> relief from depression with the amino acid tyrosine. Can you tell me

> what you know about tyrosine for depression?

>

> -- Anonymous

>

> Today's Answer

> (Published 03/11/1999)

> Tyrosine (actually L-tyrosine) is a precursor of the neurotransmitters

> norepinephrine and dopamine. Taking tyrosine on an empty stomach may

> cause an increase in norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can

> lead to increased energy, alertness and improved moods, thus relieving

> depression. Unlike Saint-John's-wort, which can take two months to work,

> and prescription antidepressants, which probably won't kick in for about

> six weeks, tyrosine works very quickly. However, it can raise blood

> pressure in some people, so therefore must be used cautiously by people

> with hypertension.

> Another amino acid, phenylalanine, is likewise a precursor of

> norepinephrine and dopamine that can be used to treat depression (with

> the same caution about its effects on blood pressure). In the past I've

> recommended trying a mixture of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine for

> depression in a combination, known as DLPA. The mixture is less likely

> to raise blood pressure than the straight L-form and can be used as part

> of a broader regimen to treat depression. The first thing in the morning

> (about an hour before breakfast) take 1,500 milligrams of DLPA, 100

> milligrams of vitamin B-6, 500 milligrams of vitamin C plus a piece of

> fruit or small glass of juice. Make sure you're not using any

> over-the-counter or prescription drugs that can contribute to

> depression. These include all antihistamines, tranquilizers, sleeping

> pills and narcotics. If DLPA doesn't help, try L-tyrosine in the same

> way.

>

> On the whole, I suggest following a low-protein, higher carbohydrate

> diet to help break out of depression. Be especially careful about

> alcohol and any recreational drugs including cocaine, amphetamines,

> " downers, " narcotics and marijuana. Although they may provide a

> temporary sense of relief, if used regularly, they're likely to increase

> depression to dangerous levels. Addiction to coffee and others forms of

> caffeine can also interfere with normal moods and make depression worse.

> Be sure to get regular, physical exercise -- 45 minutes of aerobic

> activity most days -- itself an antidepressant.

> http://www.drweil.com

>

>