L-Tryptophan amino acid questions: *
Q. Can someone take l-tryptophan every day? What happens if you don't stop taking l-tryptophan periodically? how long should l-tryptophan be taken before stopping? how long should l-tryptophan be stopped for?
   A. Until more research is done with l-tryptophan supplements in humans, we suggest taking breaks from use. There are quite a number of options. This could be as simple as taking l-tryptophan every other evening, taking 2 days off a week, or a week off a month. Each person is unique in how often they would need to take breaks.

Q. What is the right dosage of l-tryptophan, and what time of day is best to use?
   A. The best l-tryptophan dosage varies, it could be as little as half a capsule or a full capsule. Some people may require one and a half capsules, others two. The best way to find out is starting with low dosages and finding out with time at what l-tryptophan level you respond to, and also discussing with your doctor particulary if you have a health condition. Evenings, an hour to three hours before bed, are a good time for most people.

Q. What are l-tryptophan side effects and safety concerns?
   A. The most common side effect from l-tryptophan is drowsiness so it may be a good idea to take l-tryptophan in the evening. Dry mouth is a less common l tryptophan side effect. Other potentail l tryptophan side effects include lack of appetite, nausea, and lightheadedness.

Q. Can I take Prozac or another SSRI along with l-tryptophan?
    A. We discourage this since it could lead to high levels of serotonin and perhaps a condition known as serotonin syndrome.

Q. Can I take 5-HTP and l-tryptophan together?
    A. Only if you take half the amount of each that you would normally take since their functions overlap. L-Tryptophan converts into 5-HTP which in turn converts into serotonin.

Q. Is L-tryptophan found in foods.
   A. L-Tryptophan is found in foods that contain protein, however, since these foods also have other amino acids, they all compete to get in the brain and the l-tryptophan is not able to overwhelm the others to get in.

Q. Why don't they sell serotonin pills?
   A. Serotonin is not able to easily cross the blood brain barrier, hence either l-tryptophan or 5-hydroxy-trytophan (5-HTP) are good options since they convert into serotonin after going into the brain.

Q. I understand l-tryptophan is found in turkey. What other food source have l-tryptophan?
     A. Any food with protein will have l-tryptophan. Turkey, meat, chicken, fish, dairy, eggs, all have l-tryptophan.

Q. Is l-tryptophan powder available for sale?
     Yes, l-tryptophan powder is sold, but it is difficult to make an accurate measurement of the appropriate dosage. We prefer the use of a l-tryptophan capsule and know exactly how much is being taken.

Q. How does l-tryptophan compare to 5-HTP as far as evening use for bedtime? 
   A. This is a good question. Some people prefer l-tryptophan while others prefer 5thp. The best way to find out is to try each product by itself for 2 nights in a row with a break for 2 or 3 nights between each supplement trial.

Q. I plan to buy a tryptophan bottle. Can one take a tryptophan supplement the same day as Diet Rx?
   A. Yes, but we suggest taking the tryptophan at a different time of the day than a Diet Rx capsule. For instance, you could take 2 Diet Rx capsules in the morning, one Diet Rx capsule before lunch, and then the tryptophan supplement  in the evening.

I have read that when taken in the morning, tryptophan will be converted to serotonin, but when taken at night, tryptophan will be converted to melatonin. Therefore, if tryptophan is being taken for mood enhancement and balance, would taking it in the morning rather than the night be advisable?
    Before converting to melatonin, tryptophan converts into serotonin. Most people find mood elevating and balancing properties of this amino acid whether taken during the day or evening but most people find it to be preferable taken in the evening.

Buy best L-tryptophan supplement online on sale. If you buy tryptohan supplements along with 5-HTP, use them separately at first until you know how they work for you. This applies also if you buy tryptophan supplements along with Good Night Rx sleep formula.

See tryptophan supplement for more info before you buy tryptophan online.