Has anyone here tried tryptophan supplements for depression (and to some lesser extent for anxiety and insomnia)? I couldn't find any reviews for it. I was also wondering if it is advisable to take an AD and tryptophan, since both increase serotonin levels Thanks in advance.

I've not taken it so can't comment on its efficacy, but taking it with an antidepressant will drastically increase your chance of serotonin syndrome, which is dangerous and can kill, so don't do that.

Serotonin syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

All the best,

*Willow*

Tryptophan can't cross the blood-brain barrier and is useless for help. 5htp Tryptophan,
on the other hand, does have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and is helpful
in converting, along with another chemical, into serotonin.

Interestingly enough, 95% of serotonin receptor sites are in the digestive system,
not the brain.

I would advise you to talk to your psychiatrist before attempting any over-the-counter
medication to enhance the antidepressant you're taking.

You can always improve feeling tone by taking a good quality multiple vitamin daily,
and I would suggest that rather than other over-the-counter products. But please don't
take your vitamins at bedtime. Some of them, notably the B vitamin series, can cause
insomnia when taken close to bedtime.

There is a warning out not to use tryptophan if you are taking an antidepressant.

Melatonin, which is the natural chemical released by the pineal gland for sleep, is good
for only three months, according to my psychiatrist.

Go figure! Maybe it's best to take a calcium supplement an hour or two before going to bed if
you prefer.

Thank you very much! I think I'm going to stick to ADs for now and perhaps take Tryptophan once I come off ADs.