Today I’m sharing the case of a female musician with severe performance anxiety. It was so severe that she would shake, sweat and actually pass out. She also had problems breathing which happens when you’re having a panic attack. Surprisingly, the amino acid supplement tyrosine eliminates – or as she says, erases – all these anxiety symptoms very quickly. It’s surprising because tyrosine is typically not used for easing anxiety symptoms and is instead used to support the low catecholamine symptoms: low motivation, low energy, poor focus, feeling flat and depressed (the curl-up-in-bed kind), cravings for sugary foods for better energy and the need for caffeine.
I share her story in her own words and explore some possible mechanisms around serotonin, cortisol, dopamine and GABA.
Pam initially shared on a Facebook thread how tyrosine erased her extreme performance anxiety and we dug deeper. This is the start of the conversation:
I’ve been performing (music) ever since I was seven, but I always hated it. For extreme performance anxiety, I found, way too late, that 1,500mg of l-tyrosine simply erased the shaking and fainting, and I was “just nervous like everybody else.”
I responded saying what a great result this was and shared that I found it so interesting that tyrosine erased the shaking and fainting that she experienced with her performance anxiety.
As I mentioned above, tyrosine is typically not used for anxiety. Instead, it’s used to improve the low catecholamine symptoms of poor focus, low energy and low motivation. (More on this here)
I also always want to understand the mechanism as to why an amino acid helps ease anxiety symptoms – or in this case erased them. I share more on that below.
When I asked what she meant by “just nervous like everybody else“, this was her response:
It means pretty much everyone gets performance nerves, but not to the point of fainting on stage. Knowing intellectually that that was ridiculous did not make any difference in the fact that it occurred.
I don’t even remember why I tried tyrosine, but I do remember the first time I took it 40 minutes before a performance. I waltzed out on stage ahead of time and sat in my chair warming up, showing off even, to a hall that was filling with people.
That was and is inconceivable without the tyrosine support, which I have to assume is putting my dopamine at a normal level. Yes, I get a little wired, which can be a good thing, but passing out, having my intestines demand to be emptied, not being able to breathe [is this a panic attack?], shaking, sweating….it fixes all of that.
It’s wonderful to hear such powerful results from 1,500mg tyrosine and how quickly it works. The latter is not surprising as this is typical with all the amino acids. They work quickly if it’s what you need and you have the ideal dose for your needs.
What is surprising is that tyrosine erased her severe performance anxiety symptoms. I immediately started trying to understand possible mechanisms.
What is the mechanism – a serotonin boost to improve confidence?
When I read “I waltzed out on stage ahead of time and sat in my chair warming up, showing off even, to a hall that was filling with people” I immediately thought of how tryptophan or 5-HTP works to give you a serotonin boost that improves your confidence.
However, Pam doesn’t feel the mechanism is related to low serotonin:
You would think, if it were serotonin, that SSRIs would be effective. They are not and cause me to have terror attacks.
She also shared that she recently gave 5-HTP a trial and it did nothing so that further supports her theory/gut feeling that her extreme performance anxiety is not related to low serotonin:
I think there is a belief system associated with serotonin that is not cognizant of the fact that the other neurotransmitters can be the culprits. I read someone’s web site sometime not that long ago, that detailed how to test all the major neurotransmitters, find out which ones were to low OR too high, and what amino acids to take to fix the imbalances. To me, this is a more comprehensive view than being stuck on serotonin.
Anxiety is not always caused by low serotonin or low GABA (although these causes are very common). I’m with Pam on finding which neurotransmitter imbalance you have. There is no one-size fits all and results can happen without us fully understanding why. It does sound like this is very much dopamine related for her but I wanted to understand how it was helping her.
What is the mechanism – lowering cortisol under extremely stressful situations?
I started looking into the research and found that one possible mechanism could be that tyrosine lowers the high cortisol that occurs after an extremely stressful situation – like going on stage to perform – and eases anxiety this way.
An animal study supports this theory: Dietary tyrosine suppresses the rise in plasma corticosterone following acute stress in rats:
Acute, uncontrollable stress increases norepinephrine (NE) turnover in the rat’s brain (depleting NE) and diminishes the animal’s subsequent tendency to explore a novel environment. Pre-treatment with tyrosine can reverse these adverse effects of stress, presumably by preventing the depletion of NE in the hypothalamus.
In the present study, we found that pre-treatment with supplemental tyrosine not only prevented the behavioral depression and hypothalamic NE depletion observed after an acute stress, but also suppressed the rise in plasma corticosterone. These results support a role for brain NE in stress-induced corticosterone secretion and demonstrate that supplemental tyrosine can protect against several adverse consequences of such stress.
Keep in mind that cortisol is the primary endogenous adrenal steroid in humans, whereas corticosterone is the primary adrenal corticosteroid in laboratory rats.
What is the mechanism – dopaminergic system influence on anxiety-like behavior?
I dug deeper into the research and found that there is evidence that dopamine plays an important role in anxiety modulation in different parts of the brain and that both dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mechanisms are important in mediating anxiety.
This paper, The Modulatory Role of Dopamine in Anxiety-like Behavior describes some of this, together with the role of GABA and glutamate:
The activity of dopaminergic system is modulated by several neurotransmitters, including glutamatergic neurons from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), GABAergic fibers from the nucleus accumbens (NAc) as well as the ventral pallidum and cholinergic fibers from the pedunculopontine nucleus and the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus. Thus, changes in the glutamatergic, and GABAergic, as well as mediated transmission in the mesolimbic, mesocortical and nigrostriatal dopaminergic system may influence anxiety-like behavior.
In the past I’ve blogged about tyrosine for alleviating anxiety and panic attacks and creating a feeling of calm focus so this is not an isolated case but it is pretty unusual. As I share in the above blog, a man and a woman saw dramatic reductions in their anxiety when using tyrosine. GABA and tryptophan had not helped and both individuals were also under extreme stress. It was work stress in their cases and both of them felt that their ability to now focus in business situations eased their severe anxiety.
Regardless of the mechanism, Pam saw profound results and that is all that really matters.
My additional feedback on dosing and timing
Here is some additional feedback from me on dosing and timing. On one hand I recommend caution based on my experience with the amino acids. And on the other hand, what she did worked so I’m torn about her approach but am going to say it anyway:
- A typical starting dose is 500mg tyrosine and I would never have anyone start with 1,500mg (even though it was the sweet spot for Pam). However, if she hadn’t used that dose, she would not have had the same results. I’m waiting to hear back if she started with 1,500mg tyrosine or worked up to this. (Pam also told a friend of hers about her results and the outcome was very different for her friend:“She tried 100mg of tyrosine and it caused her extreme nervousness, the opposite of me. I have to assume that 100mg put her at too *much* dopamine, and her genetic profile was significantly different from mine.” We are all unique and there is no one-size-fits-all.)
- I would also be cautious about trying a new amino acid for the first time right before a major event like a musical performance. I have clients trial the amino acids at home before heading out. However, if she had done that she would likely have not experienced the desired results.
I feel it would be helpful to know if she had done a trial of GABA or tryptophan before using tyrosine but it seems she doesn’t recall this or why she decided to use 1,500mg tyrosine. If she hasn’t done I trial with both GABA and tryptophan, I would love her to consider this now in order to potentially take things up a notch further and ease her feelings of just being “nervous like everybody else”.
I appreciate Pam sharing her amazing results with tyrosine and I’m really happy for her! I’m waiting to hear back with details of what kind of musical performances she does. I’ll share this and the other information once I hear back.
I say it often and I’ll say it again – there is not a one-size-fits-all. This case illustrates this very well. Sometimes it’s methodical trial and error (my preference) and other times it’s hit and miss when nothing else seems to be helping.
Resources if you are new to using tyrosine as a supplement
If you are new to using the amino acid tyrosine as a supplement, here is the Amino Acids Mood Questionnaire from The Antianxiety Food Solution and a brief overview here, Anxiety and targeted individual amino acid supplements: a summary.
If you suspect low levels of any of the neurotransmitters and do not yet have my book, The Antianxiety Food Solution – How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings, I highly recommend getting it and reading it before jumping in and using amino acids so you are knowledgeable.
The book doesn’t include product names (per the publisher’s request) so this blog, The Antianxiety Food Solution Amino Acid and Pyroluria Supplements, lists tyrosine and other products that I use with my individual clients and those in my group programs.
As with all individual amino acids we use tyrosine for quick relief of symptoms, like Pam did. And we must also always focus on the foundations like diet, the gut, adrenals and stress levels.
Do you use or have you used tyrosine to help with performance anxiety – personally or with a patient/client?
And were you/are you surprised that this worked so well when tryptophan or 5-HTP or GABA had not worked as expected?
What other symptoms did/does the tyrosine help improve: focus, motivation, drive, low energy, low mood? And did/does it help reduce sugar cravings and the need for caffeine?
Feel free to post your questions here too.
How does gluten impact anxiety?
Hi Jill
I answered your question on the RAD blog – Rage, anxiety, cravings & insomnia in 11-year old girl with RAD/reactive attachment disorder: chewable tryptophan turns things around https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/rage-anxiety-cravings-insomnia-in-11-year-old-girl-with-rad-reactive-attachment-disorder-chewable-tryptophan-turns-things-around/
Very interesting! I wonder if l-theanine would also be helpful as it modulates several neurotransmitters as once. Thanks for sharing this case.
Sarah
Glad you find it interesting too! Good point about theanine since it supports GABA, serotonin and dopamine, providing a calm focus feeling. However I have seen theanine to have a less profound effect than using GABA or tryptophan or tyrosine. Have you seen it have profound effects like Pam experiences?
I’m curious if you have any input on the possible mechanisms of tyrosine in a case like this?
I have reached out to Pam to also ask if she had tried theanine and will update the blog when I find out.
Thank you Trudy for all the great information you give for anxiety and panic attacks and related issues. You have helped me a lot with all your knowledge you have shared!
Mike
You are most welcome. I’d love to hear what approaches have helped you?
I am fascinated to hear this. I have suffered with this my whole life and have wanted a natural solution. Please keep us posted as to any updates!
Sara
Glad to hear it’s fascinating to you! Do you suffer from performance anxiety? Can you share more details and what you’ve done to try and help?
Keep in mind this is not a typical approach to take. I always start with GABA and serotonin support and this approach works over 99% of the time.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
Hi Trudy,
Let me reply by saying you saved my daughter’s sanity years ago. I came across you when looking for solutions to my postpartum about 6 years ago. Little did I know, my daughters anxiety attacks would be solved from gaba and tryptophan as well. Yes, we’ve definitely cut out gluten and the many dietary factors that relate to the anxiety, only eating organic, no wheat, no sugar, no gmos. I have read your book and follow all the protocols, otherwise I have heart palpitations, and gut issues.
I myself was a music performance major, and had to stop because the stage fright was just too much. It was mostly the shaking that I struggled to control. I’ve played many times since with gaba and tryptophan which do help, but have never solved it. The only thing that ever worked completely was when I would take a 1/2 a pill of a beta blocker. I’m just too healthy to relent to those beta blockers today. I can’t bring myself to do it! But my son is also a musician and struggles from time to time so I would love to solve this issue! I’m going to buy the tyrosine and give it a try!! Thanks again Trudy! I consider you an answer to prayers.
Sara
Wonderful to hear about GABA and tryptophan helping your daughter. And good for you for making those dietary changes as a family.
What a pity they didn’t help your performance anxiety. I’d explore higher doses of both, and also possibly 5-HTP and theanine (making sure to use them all sublingually) before tyrosine since they do help. Also, beta-blockers work to reduce blood pressure, rapid heart-rate and tremors/shaking and this is what GABA also does. That being said, I did share this case to illustrate what works is not what we always expect.
Please keep us posted on what you decide and your results. And also let us know how your son is doing. I’d love to hear what type of music you and your son play? I am not at all musical and am so impressed with everyone who is!
I have tried multiple amino acids, tyrosine, tryptophan ( and 5-HTP), dl-phenylalanine and GABA. They all make me feel better (in different ways), but other than GABA, they all eventually give me a headache. I am so frustrated that every time I find something that makes me feel better (better mood or better energy), it gives me a headache. One exception is L-theanine, it doesn’t give me a headache but also doesn’t have as lasting an effect as the others. I always use low doses, but still get headaches. Same thing happens with adaptogenic herbs (rhodiola and Ashwaganda), I feel better, but after a few weeks get headaches, that go away once I stop taking the supplement. Do you have any idea why this might happen? Thanks!
Liz
This is very unusual except for tyrosine which is known to be a factor with headaches/migraines in susceptible individuals. It’s hard to offer feedback without looking at the actual products and ingredients. I’d start there and look at quality, fillers and even what is used to make the capsule. A trial of the amino acid opened could be considered, and a lower dose used more frequently through the day.
If theanine truly is the only one that helps, considering a higher dose or more frequent dose may be the way to go.
And don’t forget to work on the root causes of low serotonin, low GABA, low dopamine and low endorphins. Do you have my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” ? It covers the amino acids and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like right now – gluten-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free, eating protein at breakfast for blood sugar control, real whole foods, grass-fed red meat, wild fish, fermented foods etc?
Hey guys none of the medications have worked for me so I will ask my doctor about this, and get back to you. about tyrosine, because only dopamine meds have worked (SNRIs) …what is your opinion on this ? for anxiety and depression
Maria
Keep in mind your doctor may not know about tyrosine. You could also share my book with him/her.
When you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like real whole food, quality animal protein, fermented foods, organic produce, health fats, gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Tyrosine used to help me with mood and focus but now when I take it I just makes me feel tired and sleepy! Have you any ideas why it might do that please?
Annie
This can happen when it’s no longer needed or too much is being used.
is it possible that a person could need all the amino acids? I have recently started 1/4 teaspoon Gaba at night (now I sleep like a baby and wake up fresh, then in the morning take 1/3 teaspoon of tryptophan and 1 teaspoon of tyrosine.
Sometimes in the afternoon i will have more tryptophan.
I had never taken tryptophan before as 5-htp did nothing much for me and I thought I would be getting enough from my diet anyway.
Its amazing how this stuff works, I am alert , calm, less cranky and I sleep all night, I am wondering how much better can I get?
Angela
Yes it’s very common for my clients to benefit from addressing more than one neurotransmitter imbalance. It’s great to hear you already are seeing benefits! I agree it is amazing how they work!
Since you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to dig deeper. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/ It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet – and this takes it all to the next level and addresses why we are low to start with.
What is the best test to take to see what your levels are in regard to all the amino acids?
Thank you!
Andrea
I use the symptoms and trials of respective aminos. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
Hi I suffer with bad anxiety and panic attacks to where I feel like I’m going to die. I take Flouextine but I always knew that it makes my anxiety worse. My problem is not depression and Serotonin has nothing to do with Anxiety..Could someone please help find out how to purchase or where to buy tyrosine please! My father passed away and my panic attacks have gotten worse. Thank you
Yolander
I’m sorry to hear about your anxiety and your loss. I always start with addressing low serotonin with tryptophan or 5-HTP and low GABA with GABA. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
You can find all the products I recommend here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
Really interesting
I just start L-Tyrosine and 500mg first day was amazing! Had tons of energy, motivated but day 2 and on not as good. So this week took 2 pills 1000 mg and again first day amazing but after that it’s like it doesn’t work as good anymore. Do I need to keep increasing or should I add something else in with it??
Barb
When the amino acids don’t work as expected we consider quality, dose, timing and poor thyroid health (underactive thyroid). We also look at timing of vitamin C as this can negate the effects.
Regarding the female adult musician resolving her performance anxiety issues with tyrosine….Many years ago I was taking an antiseizure drug Maliasin, a mix of phenobarbitol and a “wake-up agent” plus sodium valproate, for my diagnosis of epilepsy. In that period I was doing auditions for orchestral positions and on more than one occasion experienced uncontrollable shaking of arms and jaw (disaster for a wind player) as well as breathing problems. After those experiences, my previously successful career as a performance musician changed.
More recently I was changed to Keppra and sodium valproate and those symptoms in performance situations(no longer professional) still happened but to a much lesser degree and with frequency of performances, became manageable. Another change in neurologist brought me to the use of GABA 500mg and Dr. Reckweg’s Formula 33 and after several years of this together with the other pharmacological drugs, I have finally been able to eliminate the Keppra (3 years of normal EEGs) from my life. With the Covid crisis, there have been no music performances for me, but they will start next month,hopefully.
My question: What effect do you think using tyrosine would have in my situation ?
Andy
I do not have experience with seizures so I’m afraid I can’t comment. I would suspect and investigate side-effects of the various prescribed medications as being a possible factor in the uncontrollable shaking of arms and jaw.
I also like to capitalize on what has worked in the past with my clients. If GABA 500mg and Dr. Reckeweg’s Formula 33 (homeopathic epilepsy formula for my other blog readers) worked in the past I’d focus on this before adding something new. I’m new to Dr. Reckeweg’s Formula 33 (and I’m intrigued) but there are GABAergic mechanisms in epilepsy.
In case you’re not aware, there is much evidence on the ketogenic diet and CBD for seizures and gluten may play a role too.
Hi Trudy!
I’ve followed you for a couple of years and read your book, however, I still haven’t found a solution for my son. He’s 8 and suffers for benign familial tremors and well as anxiety. He fears water, the dark and being left alone. We he gets anxious he urinates a lot. I just don’t know what to do. We’ve tried GABA and l-tryptophan along with magnesium. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I just don’t know what else to try. I’ve tried looking for physicians around Atlanta but haven’t found a good fit. Please help. Thank you so much for all you do.
Kelly
With these symptoms – anxiety, fears water, the dark and being left alone – I would suspect low serotonin and would want to explore why the tryptophan didn’t work. Can you share what product you used, how much you trialed initially and how much you increased it to, and if you saw any benefits?
You may also find this helpful https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/essential-tremor-dystonia-anxiety-and-cravings-diet-gaba-tryptophan-zinc-and-vitamin-b6/
I would also focus on all possible anxiety nutrition solutions that may have contributed to the low serotonin – like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria, various nutritional deficiencies etc that I cover in my book.
If all that has been implemented then we start to look into mold toxicity, infections like Lyme/strep, heavy metals etc
Thank you so much for responding. I do believe I just haven’t found the correct dosage yet. He was taking 1 to 2 GABA Calm during the day and 1 Lidke Green Apple Chew at night, so 100 mg of the L-tryptophan. He would take one GABA during school and his teacher said it definitely helped. The L-tryptophan didn’t really seem like it was doing much. I assume because the dosage is too lower. He’s also taking a children’s zinc + vitamin C . Your advice is so appreciated. As most of the mothers posting, I just want him to feel better and not live in fear all the time.
Kelly
Please keep us posted as your explore higher doses of tryptophan with your son. And don’t forget the dietary changes too!
Are there any contraindications for using tyrosine if one has low thyroid?
I take Cytomel and Eltroxin…but thyroid is still low…
I am anxious, unmotivated…must force myself to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. No JOY in anything. I just wish for everything to be done with…
Monika
Tyrosine is only an issue with Graves and actually helps with underactive thyroid.
With anxiety I also always consider low serotonin/GABA too. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
You may also find this blog helpful – What if overthinking, fear, anxiety and worry (caused by low serotonin) is holding you back instead of low motivation/low dopamine? https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/what-if-overthinking-fear-anxiety-and-worry-caused-by-low-serotonin-is-holding-you-back-instead-of-low-motivation-low-dopamine/
Regarding lack of joy – DPA to end comfort-eating, end weepiness and boost endorphins https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/dpa-comfort-eatin-weepiness-endorphins/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet. What is your diet like now?
Do amino acids like theanine need to be taken on an empty stomach? Will they still be effective if you take them with a meal or shortly before or shortly after? I apologize for asking if you address this somewhere else, but I have not been able to find an answer to this question. I remember seeing or hearing from somewhere that amino acids needed to be taken on an empty stomach, and I’m wondering if that’s true since I can’t find the source of that info, and I’m trying to figure out why amino acids don’t seem to be helping much. Thank you.
Janise
Yes they are best away from protein. When you are new to the amino acids I really do recommend my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” so you understand exactly how to use them. There is an entire chapter on the amino acids and how to use them.
It also covers other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc and is a great foundation. Remember, it’s the amino acids and diet. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Thank you! I will check out the book
Hello,
I can not find anything about taking Tyrosine with Remeron/Mirtazapine. On another site, Tyrosine is recommended for tapering instead of Tryptophan or 5-HTTP to use with Remeron. They also recommend DLPA or L-Phenylalanine. I am thinking these because of possible Seratonin syndrome on Tryptophan/5-HTTP? Do you feel these other 3 are safer? I am on a dose of 15 mg per day of Mirt. My psychiatrist is not informed on amino acids but is all for me trying and will monitor me. I am so eager to get going on aminos. I have read your book and follow your work.
Kristin
Since it can cause serotonin syndrome (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11918514/) I have clients avoid 5-HTP and tryptophan. I’d share the above paper with your psychiatrist and this blog post https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/taper-from-antidepressant-tryptophan-amino-acids/. It’s great he/she is open to your tapering and will monitor you.
I have clients get nutritionally stable before starting any taper i.e. following the dietary guidelines in my book
Hello Doctor.. When facing people or standing on stage, I feel anxious, trembling, increased heart rate, and excessive sweating.. When I use propanol, the tremors disappear and I feel much better, but I suffer from asthma, and propanol has negatively affected the health of my lungs.. Is there anything Natural supplements to treat my condition
Samer
As this musician found, tyrosine helped her anxiety when on stage but I start with GABA and/or tryptophan and blood sugar stability.
You can find symptoms questionnaire, dosing and timing of each amino acid in the amino acid chapter (and blood sugar chapter) of my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
Hi Trudy
Considering i cannot take tyrosine due to graves disease (hyperthyroidism) Can i take Macuna instead? i heard it also increases dopamine. thanks any info much appreciated.
Cheryl
I would assume not but don’t know for sure as it’s not a nutrient I recommend. Best to check with the manufacturer and your health practitioner