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Dietary supplement

L-Tryptophan 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

L-Tryptophan 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Protocol For Life Balance with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sleep problems, low mood and depression, anxiety.Based on those ingredients, 394 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Tryptophan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-Tryptophan, an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep, and pain. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients—hypromellose, rice flour, ascorbyl palmitate, and stearic acid—which are fillers and stabilizers.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see L-tryptophan's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Positive mood, relaxation, and restful sleep.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The evidence on L-Tryptophan for depression is limited; the data we hold rates it possibly ineffective. For anxiety, athletic performance, teeth grinding (bruxism), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, there isn't enough reliable evidence to establish whether it works.

If you're considering this for any of those uses, talk with your pharmacist about what the current research shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-tryptophan

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-Tryptophan is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, but mild side effects do occur: belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. In rare cases, it has been linked to a serious neurological disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS); almost all documented cases in the 1989 outbreak came from contaminated L-Tryptophan made by a single Japanese manufacturer, leading to an FDA recall and import limits in 1990.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy—there isn't enough information to know it's safe. The same applies to breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-tryptophan

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — L-tryptophan.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • For scale: 394 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before using this product if you take CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, some pain relievers)—L-Tryptophan may amplify their drowsy effects. Also double-check serotonergic drugs like antidepressants, migraine medications, or certain pain relievers; combining them with L-Tryptophan raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-Tryptophan may be considered by someone looking to support serotonin levels, but the evidence for common uses like depression and anxiety is weak or absent. If you take sedatives, sleep aids, antidepressants, migraine drugs, or other serotonergic medications, you need to check with your pharmacist first—the interactions are real.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Tryptophan 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359101678
Net contents 120 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 337792
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
707359101678
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Tryptophan1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Take 1-2 capsules twice daily on an empty stomach, with final dose at bedtime, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Formula

How it works: L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid; therefore, it is not synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. In the brain, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in feelings of well-being, calmness, personal security, and relaxation. It also plays a role in the regulation of appetite and synchronization of sleep patterns.

Free-Form amino acid.

Precautions

Cautions/interactions: Tryptophan supplements may interact with CNS depressants, antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), and other serotonergic agents such as St. John's Wort and 5-HTP, Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are taking medications or herbs, are pregnant/nursing, or if you have liver impairment.

May cause drowsiness. Do not use with alcoholic beverages or while operating heavy machinery.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish. shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Encourages Positive Mood Supports Relaxation & Restful Sleep

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish. shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Every lot of Protocol For Life Balance L-Tryptophan is tested to be free of Peak E and microbial contamination.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Tryptophan

Interacts with
394 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, and people take it to support sleep and mood. The evidence for...

L-Tryptophan monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Tryptophan 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
394Drugs
248 Major 146 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Tryptophan 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Tryptophan2 drug types · 394 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-tryptophan with CNS depressants might cause additive sedative effects.
Clinical research shows that L-tryptophan can cause fatigue and drowsiness.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with L-tryptophan might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Tryptophan 500 mg, from the product label.

Protocol For Life Balance

See all Protocol For Life Balance products
Name
Protocol For Life Balance
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
protocolforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does L-Tryptophan 500 mg by Protocol For Life Balance interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Tryptophan 500 mg has a known interaction with 394 medications, including 248 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Tryptophan 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What does L-Tryptophan do in the body?
L-Tryptophan is an amino acid your body converts into serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood, sleep, and pain perception.
Can I take this if I'm on an antidepressant?
No—not without talking to your pharmacist first. Most antidepressants are serotonergic drugs, and combining them with L-Tryptophan raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition. Your pharmacist or doctor needs to assess whether it's safe for your specific medication.
What side effects might I experience?
Common ones are belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. Serious effects are very rare but have historically been linked to contaminated products.
Is L-Tryptophan proven to help with depression?
The evidence we hold rates it possibly ineffective for depression. The data doesn't support a strong benefit, so it's not a first-line choice for mood disorders.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided. The same goes for breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Does this product have fillers?
Yes—it contains hypromellose, rice flour, ascorbyl palmitate, and stearic acid as inactive ingredients to stabilize and shape the capsule.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if L-Tryptophan 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

L-Tryptophan 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Tryptophan 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

L-tryptophan 18 references
  1. Messiha FS. Fluoxetine: adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1993;31:603-30. PubMed
  2. Devoe LD, Castillo RA, Searle NS. Maternal dietary substrates and human fetal biophysical activity. The effects of tryptophan and glucose on fetal breathing movements. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1986;155:135-9. DOI
  3. Lieberman HR, Corkin S, Spring BJ. The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:366-70. PubMed
  4. U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements. Information Paper on L-Tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, February 2001.
  5. Sullivan EA, Kamb ML, Jones JL, et al. The natural history of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in a tryptophan-exposed cohort in South Carolina. Arch Intern Med 1996;156:973-9. DOI
  6. Philen RM, Hill RH, Flanders WD, et al. Tryptophan contaminants associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Am J Epidemiol 1993;138:154-9. PubMed
  7. Bohme A, Wolter M, Hoelzer D. L-tryptophan-related eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome possibly associated with a chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia. Ann Hematol 1998;77:235-8. PubMed
  8. Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
  9. Priori R, Conti F, Luan FL, et al. Chronic fatigue: a peculiar evolution of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome following treatment with L-tryptophan in four Italian adolescents. Eur J Pediatr 1994;153:344-6..
  10. Klein R, Berg PA. A comparative study on antibodies to nucleoli and 5-hydroxytryptamine in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and tryptophan-induced eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Clin Investig 1994;72:541-9.. PubMed
  11. Simat TJ, Kleeberg KK, Muller B, Sierts A. Synthesis, formation, and occurrence of contaminants in biotechnologically manufactured L-tryptophan. Adv Exp Med Biol 1999;467:469-80.. PubMed
  12. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD003198. PubMed
  13. Kilbourne EM, Philen RM, Kamb ML, Falk H. Tryptophan produced by Showa Denko and epidemic eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:81-8.
  14. Horwitz RI, Daniels SR. Bias or biology: evaluating the epidemiologic studies of L-tryptophan and the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:60-72.
  15. Shapiro S. Epidemiologic studies of the association of L-tryptophan with the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: a critique. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:44-58.
  16. Mayeno AN, Gleich GJ. The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: lessons from Germany. Mayo Clin Proc 1994;69:702-4. PubMed
  17. Carr L, Ruther E, Berg PA, Lehnert H. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in Germany: an epidemiologic review. Mayo Clin Proc 1994;69:620-5. PubMed
  18. Ullrich SS, Fitzgerald PCE, Giesbertz P, Steinert RE, Horowitz M, Feinle-Bisset C. Effects of intragastric administration of tryptophan on the blood glucose response to a nutrient drink and energy intake, in lean and obese men. Nutrients 2018;10(4). pii: PubMed

See these in context on the L-tryptophan monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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