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What are L-Tyrosine Side Effects?

Helena Reimer
Helena Reimer

L-tyrosine side effects usually do not occur when it is taken in normal or low dosages. In larger dosages, however, L-tyrosine might cause heartbeat changes, restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, trouble breathing, headaches and rashes on the skin. L-tyrosine might also interfere with certain medications or hinder the absorption of certain amino acids. On a positive note, when taken in dosages of as much as 68 milligrams per pound (150 mg/kg) a day, it can help to alleviate mental stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that helps the body produce L-tyrosine. Therefore, L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, because the body is able to produce its own. It can, however, also be obtained orally through a nutritional supplement or from the daily diet. High protein foods such as meats, fish, chicken dairy products and eggs are excellent sources of L-tyrosine. Avocados, beans, oats, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds are good sources among the plant-based foods.

Oats are a good source of L-Tyrosine.
Oats are a good source of L-Tyrosine.

An L-tyrosine supplement is used to treat phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a condition in which the body is unable to take phenylalanine and turn it into L-tyrosine. Additionally, it is used to treat stress, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). After it is in the body, this amino acid helps the body to produce neurotransmitters that help a person take control of emotions in difficult situations. As a result, he person might be more alert and calmer as well as less anxious and less frustrated.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of L-tyrosine.
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of L-tyrosine.

Negative L-tyrosine side effects include headaches, heartburn, stomach ailments, trouble breathing and pain or tightness in the chest. In others, it might affect the heart by causing arrhythmia or heart palpitations. Skin problems such as hives, swollen or itchy skin and rashes are also known L-tyrosine side effects. An overdose of L-tyrosine might also cause excess stimulation for the body and mind, resulting in insomnia, anxiety and fatigue.

Insomnia can be caused by an overdose of L-tyrosine.
Insomnia can be caused by an overdose of L-tyrosine.

Despite its negative side effects, L-tyrosine is generally safe and can be taken for as long as three months in dosages up to 68 milligrams per pound (150 mg/kg). A person should be monitored by a health care provider if taking it in larger dosages or for a longer period, because the long term L-tyrosine side effects are unknown. The recommended dose will depend on each individual, because some might be more sensitive to L-tyrosine. To help determine the correct dosage, one can start with a low dose and gradually increase it if no side effects occur.

L-tyrosine supplements may be helpful in improving mood and increasing energy.
L-tyrosine supplements may be helpful in improving mood and increasing energy.

Another factor to consider is that L-tyrosine might interfere with certain medications such as levodopa and antidepressants. Therefore, anyone on these medications should avoid L-tyrosine. Those who take medications for diabetes or Parkinson's disease or who are pregnant also should avoid the use of L-tyrosine.

Discussion Comments

anon968232

Great info. I took Tyrosine according to "The Ultramind Solution" and had the chest-palpitations and tightness you describe. This was first 500mg for about a week or so, then 1000mg split into before and after breakfast.

So, thank you. This is one of the only sites I've been able to find this info on. I Aalso took it with 50mg 5-HTP at/near the end of day.

candyquilt

I stopped taking L-tyrosine because I heard that it can worsen hyperthyroidism. Apparently, L-tyrosine is used by the body to make thyroid hormones. I have a history of hyperthyroidism, so I can't take it.

burcinc

@MikeMason-- I don't think that the supplements build up. In fact, the longer I used l-Tyrosine, the more tolerant I became to the effects.

What dose are you on? If you're experiencing side effects, you probably just need to lower the dose. When I was at higher doses, I would experience anxiety and chest tightness. L-Tyrosine acts as a stimulant so that's normal, but not exactly desirable.

With supplements and medications, it's always best to stick to the lowest effective dose.

stoneMason

I've been taking an L-tyrosine supplement for several weeks now. I didn't have any side effects in the beginning, but now I have headaches. It took me a few days to realize that the supplement was triggering my headaches but I'm sure now.

I'm planning on taking a break from it for a few days and then trying it again because I am experiencing L-tyrosine benefits.

Do L-tyrosine supplements build up in the body? Is that why it takes a while for side effects to show up?

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    • Oats are a good source of L-Tyrosine.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Oats are a good source of L-Tyrosine.
    • Pumpkin seeds are a good source of L-tyrosine.
      By: areif
      Pumpkin seeds are a good source of L-tyrosine.
    • Insomnia can be caused by an overdose of L-tyrosine.
      By: Dan Race
      Insomnia can be caused by an overdose of L-tyrosine.
    • L-tyrosine supplements may be helpful in improving mood and increasing energy.
      By: kostrez
      L-tyrosine supplements may be helpful in improving mood and increasing energy.
    • Side effects of L-tyrosine may include heartburn.
      By: kmiragaya
      Side effects of L-tyrosine may include heartburn.
    • L-tyrosine may interfere with the action of antidepressants or.
      By: Wynter
      L-tyrosine may interfere with the action of antidepressants or.
    • In large doses, L-tyrosine can cause headaches.
      By: berc
      In large doses, L-tyrosine can cause headaches.