L-TRYPTOPHAN (Systemic)*
Some commonly used brand names are:
In Canada?
Other commonly used names are
Tryptophan* Not commercially available in the U.S.
Category
- Antidepressant therapyadjunct
- Antimanic
Description
L-tryptophan (L-TRIP-toe-fan) is used along with other medications totreat mental depression. Also, L-tryptophan is used along with lithium totreat bipolar disorder.
L-tryptophan is available in the following dosage forms:
Oral- Capsules (Canada)
- Tablets (Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
If you are taking this medicinewithout a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label.For L-tryptophan, the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to L-tryptophan. Also tell your doctor and pharmacistif you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,or dyes.
Pregnancy?L-tryptophan has not been shown to cause birthdefects or other problems in humans.
Breast-feeding? It is not known whether L-tryptophan passesinto breast milk. However, L-tryptophan has not been reported to cause problemsin nursing babies.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only inadult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of L-tryptophanin children with use in other age groups.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effectsor problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing useof L-tryptophan in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingL-tryptophan, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist knowif you are taking any of the following:
- Lithium (e.g., Eskalith) or
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (isocarboxazid [e.g.,Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline[e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])?Using these medicineswith L-tryptophan may increase the chance of side effects
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of L-tryptophan. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Achlohydria or malabsorption (digestion problems)?L-tryptophanmay cause breathing problems in patients with certain types of digestion problems
- Bladder cancer?L-tryptophan may increase the risk of bladdercancer
- Cataracts?L-tryptophan may cause cataracts
- Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)?L-tryptophan may cause diabetesin patients with a family history of diabetes
Proper Use of This Medicine
Take witha low-protein, carbohydrate-rich meal or snack to prevent an upset stomach.
Dosing?The dose of L-tryptophan will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average doses of L-tryptophan. If your dose is different,do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the strengthof the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take eachday, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicinedepend on the medical problem for which you are taking L-tryptophan.
- For oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
- For mental depression:
- Adults?8 to 12 grams per day, given in 3 to 4 equally divideddoses
- Children?Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, it is notnecessary to make up the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and continue withyour next scheduled dose. Do not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom,near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may causethe medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Itis important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, to allowdosage adjustments and help reduce any side effects.
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alertthan they are normally. Make sure you know how you reactto this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else thatcould be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
This medicine may cause dryness of the mouth. Using sugarless candy orgum, ice, or a saliva substitute may be helpful. Check with your physicianor dentist if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks.
Avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet light to reduce the chance of cataractformation.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicinemay cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects mayoccur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Other side effects may occur that usuallydo not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatmentas your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if anyof the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effectsnot listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any othereffects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 09/07/2000
Revised: 09/07/2000
