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Home > Drug Category > Antidepressant Drugs > Tryptan and Equivalent

Tryptan Information

Tryptan (Tryptophan) is used in addition to antidepressants to treat depressive disorders. Tryptan contains L-Tryptophan, one of the eight essential amino acids. It works by increasing the level of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the central nervous system in the body. The amount of serotonin in the brain can affect mood. L-tryptophan has also been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder syndrome (such as mood swings and irritability), and to help people quit smoking. Tryptan may also be used in treating sleep problems (insomnia), anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivty disorder (ADHD). The brand Tryptan and the generic Tryptophan are available as 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg tablets.

Tryptan Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tryptan may include agitation; confusion; diarrhea; disorientation; drowsiness; loss of appetite; overactive reflexes; poor coordination or concentration; restlessness; unusual sexual behaviour; shivering; sudden or involuntary moves or spasms; sweating; talking or acting with excitement you cannot control; trembling or shaking; twitching; vomiting. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Breathing difficulty;
• Insomnia, dizziness, nausea, headache unusual tiredness;
• Skin changes (dryness, yellowing, hardening, rash, hair loss);
• Swelling in any part of your body;
• Severe muscle pain (most often in the shoulders, back, or legs);
• Tremors or twitching muscle movements;
• Uneven heartbeat;
• Weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning pain (especially at night).

Tryptan Precautions

Do not use Tryptan if you are allergic to Tryptophan or to any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Tryptan or if you have diabetes or have family history of diabetes; have liver or kidney disease; a muscle disorder; high levels of white blood cells. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Tryptan and other medications. There have been rare cases of a condition called “serotonin syndrome” in patients taking Tryptan with other drugs that affect your serotonin levels. Symptoms may include involuntary muscle movements or spasms, tremors, agitation, and overactive reflexes. Talk to your healthcare professional any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor may prescribe you a vitamin B6 supplement while you are taking Tryptan to help your body process Tryptan better. Tryptan may make you drowsy, or dizzy. Be careful while driving a vehicle or doing activities that require alertness. Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort or with other herbal/health supplements that can also cause drowsiness at the same time you are taking L-tryptophan. Tryptophan is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Do I need a prescription to order Tryptan?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tryptan.