Tyrosine for Depression

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Tyrosine for Depression? JoAnn Guest Aug 16, 2003 13:53 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

 

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 including more freshly grown organic fruits and

vegetables in your diet to help break out of depression.

 

Be especially careful about alcohol and 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

 

 

JoAnn Guest

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