L-Tryptophan Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking L-Tryptophan against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
L-Tryptophan is a dietary supplement by Earthborn Elements 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.
Check Your Meds Against L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: L-tryptophan, an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and sleep. The capsule itself is made from gelatin.
Does it work?
Couldn't assess
The evidence for L-tryptophan is mixed and often limited. For depression, available data suggests it's possibly ineffective.
For anxiety, athletic performance, teeth grinding (bruxism), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether it works. If you're considering it for one of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist about what the science actually shows.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
L-tryptophan is generally well tolerated by mouth, though common mild side effects include belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. In 1989, more than 1,500 cases of a rare neurological disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) were linked to contaminated L-tryptophan from a single Japanese manufacturer; the vast majority of those cases traced back to that source.
The product was recalled and FDA restrictions were put in place. Modern L-tryptophan products are not from that contaminated batch, but the past safety issue is worth knowing about.
There isn't enough safety data to use L-tryptophan during pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. Safety is also not established while breastfeeding, so avoid it during that time too.
If you're pregnant or nursing and thinking about this supplement, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, check your medications if you use CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, some pain relievers) or serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, migraine treatments, certain others). These are the two interaction categories documented for L-tryptophan, with CNS depressants posing a Major risk and serotonergic drugs a Moderate one.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
L-tryptophan might appeal to someone curious about natural mood or sleep support, but the evidence for most uses is weak or absent. The major caution is drug interactions — especially with sleep aids, sedatives, and antidepressants.
It also has a real historical safety concern from contamination. Talk with your pharmacist before you start, especially if you take any psychiatric or sleep medications.
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 Oct 24, 2024.
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
General information
Key facts about L-Tryptophan, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Earthborn Elements |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 200 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 24, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 319618 |
| Product type | Amino Acid/protein |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 by Earthborn Elements, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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 use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with meals. Take with at least 8 oz of liquid.
Precautions
If pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult your physician.
General Statements
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FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.
L-Tryptophan
Interacts with394 drugs
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 & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements interacts with two major drug categories.
The most serious concern is with CNS depressants — medications that slow your central nervous system, like sedatives, sleep aids, and some pain relievers. Taking L-tryptophan with these drugs could pile on the drowsiness and fatigue, since L-tryptophan itself can cause both.
Altogether, these interactions span 394 individual medications.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
The second concern is serotonergic drugs — antidepressants, migraine medications, and some others that work on serotonin. L-tryptophan is converted to serotonin in your body, so combining it with these drugs might boost serotonin too much, risking serotonin syndrome (confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle rigidity, fever) or narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.
This is rated Moderate severity.
Before you start L-tryptophan, run your exact medications through the search tool on this page — especially if you take anything for sleep, anxiety, depression, or migraines.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against L-Tryptophan?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in L-Tryptophan interact with 394 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in L-Tryptophan interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-Tryptophan
RasagilineAzilect
How Rasagiline interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Rasagiline interactionRisperidonePerseris, Risperdal
How Risperidone interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Risperidone interactionRizatriptanRizafilm
How Rizatriptan interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Rizatriptan interactionRizatriptan BenzoateMaxalt, Maxalt-MLT
How Rizatriptan Benzoate interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Rizatriptan Benzoate interactionSafinamide MesylateXadago
How Safinamide Mesylate interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Safinamide Mesylate interactionSelegilineCarbex, Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar
How Selegiline interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Selegiline interactionSerdexmethylphenidate Chloride, Dexmethylphenidate HydrochlorideAzstarys
How Serdexmethylphenidate Chloride, Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Serdexmethylphenidate Chloride, Dexmethylphenidate Hydrochloride interactionSertralineZoloft
How Sertraline interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Sertraline interactionSibutramineMeridia
How Sibutramine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Sibutramine interactionSumatriptanTosymra
How Sumatriptan interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Sumatriptan interactionSumatriptan SuccinateImitrex, Onzetra Xsail, Zecuity, Zembrace Symtouch
How Sumatriptan Succinate interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Sumatriptan Succinate interactionTapentadolNucynta, Nucynta ER
How Tapentadol interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Tapentadol interactionTegaserodZelnorm
How Tegaserod interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Tegaserod interactionTranylcypromineParnate
How Tranylcypromine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Tranylcypromine interactionTrazodoneDesyrel, Oleptro
How Trazodone interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Trazodone interactionTrazodone HclTrazorel
How Trazodone Hcl interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Trazodone Hcl interactionTrimipramineRhotrimine, Surmontil, Trimip, Trimp, Tripramine
How Trimipramine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Trimipramine interactionVenlafaxineEffexor, Effexor XR
How Venlafaxine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Venlafaxine interactionVilazodoneViibryd
How Vilazodone interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Vilazodone interactionVortioxetineBrintellix, Sehippy, Trintellix
How Vortioxetine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Vortioxetine interactionZiprasidoneGeodon
How Ziprasidone interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Ziprasidone interactionZolmitriptanZomig
How Zolmitriptan interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Zolmitriptan interactionHydrocortisone, Pyrilamine, ChlorpheniramineHC Derma-Pax Liquid
How Hydrocortisone, Pyrilamine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Hydrocortisone, Pyrilamine, Chlorpheniramine interactionMethylphenidate Transdermal SystemDaytrana
How Methylphenidate Transdermal System interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Methylphenidate Transdermal System interactionNefazodoneSerzone
How Nefazodone interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Nefazodone interactionPyrilamine, ChlorpheniramineDerma-Pax
How Pyrilamine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with L-Tryptophan — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-tryptophanSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Read the full L-tryptophan + Pyrilamine, Chlorpheniramine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in L-Tryptophan 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-Tryptophan
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for L-Tryptophan, from the product label.
Earthborn Elements
See all Earthborn Elements products- Name
- Earthborn Elements
- Street Address
- 9450 SW Gemini Dr #49936
- City
- Beaverton
- State
- Oregon
- ZipCode
- 97008
- Web Address
- Earthbornelements.com
L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements: Common Questions
Does L-Tryptophan by Earthborn Elements interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What is L-tryptophan supposed to do?
What are the common side effects?
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant?
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
What's this about the 1989 contamination scare?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if L-Tryptophan is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind L-Tryptophan’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
L-Tryptophan'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- Messiha FS. Fluoxetine: adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1993;31:603-30. PubMed
- 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
- Lieberman HR, Corkin S, Spring BJ. The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:366-70. PubMed
- 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.
- 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
- Philen RM, Hill RH, Flanders WD, et al. Tryptophan contaminants associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Am J Epidemiol 1993;138:154-9. PubMed
- 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
- Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
- 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..
- 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
- 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
- Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD003198. PubMed
- 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.
- 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.
- Shapiro S. Epidemiologic studies of the association of L-tryptophan with the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: a critique. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:44-58.
- Mayeno AN, Gleich GJ. The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: lessons from Germany. Mayo Clin Proc 1994;69:702-4. PubMed
- Carr L, Ruther E, Berg PA, Lehnert H. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in Germany: an epidemiologic review. Mayo Clin Proc 1994;69:620-5. PubMed
- 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
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