Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Optimized Tryptophan Plus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Optimized Tryptophan Plus label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Optimized Tryptophan Plus 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Optimized Tryptophan Plus is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sleep problems, low mood and depression, anxiety.Based on those ingredients, 1,371 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Perluxan, Niacin, L-Tryptophan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Tryptophan Plus Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (285 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Optimized Tryptophan Plus contains 5 ingredients. The active components are L-tryptophan (an amino acid your body converts to serotonin and melatonin), niacin (a B vitamin), L-lysine (another amino acid), rosemary leaf extract, and hops extract (Perluxan).

The product also includes several inactive ingredients—cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, stearate, and silica—which serve as fillers, binders, and flow agents in the capsule.

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.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Sleep, mood, and anxiety support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Stress — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Rosemary is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Depression, Stress.
  • Also on file: Lysine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Stress.

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. L-tryptophan is rated possibly ineffective for depression and has insufficient evidence for anxiety, athletic performance, bruxism, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Niacin is likely effective for pellagra (a rare B3-deficiency disease) and possibly effective for HIV-related lipid problems and metabolic syndrome. L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores but has insufficient evidence for growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic ulcers.

Rosemary leaf is possibly effective for memory but has insufficient evidence for cognitive decline, hair loss, and fatty liver disease. Hops extract (Perluxan) has insufficient evidence for anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction, and digestion problems.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-tryptophan Niacin Lysine Rosemary Hops

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-tryptophan is generally well tolerated but commonly causes belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. Rarely, it has been linked to eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious neurological disorder—though nearly all documented cases in the U.S. came from contaminated L-tryptophan from a single Japanese manufacturer in the late 1980s.

Niacin in high supplemental doses can cause flushing (up to 70% of users), liver problems, and gastrointestinal upset. L-lysine is generally well tolerated at typical doses but may cause stomach upset and abdominal pain; one rare case of kidney problems has been reported.

Rosemary extract can cause allergic reactions and, topically, photosensitivity or contact dermatitis. Hops is generally well tolerated short-term but may cause drowsiness; occupational exposure is linked to respiratory issues.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the safety data advises against L-tryptophan and hops in pregnancy; for L-lysine and rosemary, there isn't enough data to know either way, so talk with your doctor. For breastfeeding, the same caution applies to L-lysine, rosemary, and hops.

High-dose niacin should be avoided in pregnancy unless prescribed, but food amounts and standard prenatal vitamins are fine.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-tryptophan Niacin Lysine Rosemary Hops

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?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Rosemary, Lysine, L-tryptophan, Hops, Niacin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,372 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 before taking this product if you use CNS depressants (sleeping pills, anxiety drugs, narcotics—major severity), serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, migraine drugs), blood pressure drugs, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), diabetes medications, statins, or aspirin and salicylate-containing pain relievers. All of these have documented moderate or major interactions with one or more ingredients here.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product combines amino acids and botanicals with interactions affecting over 1,300 medications and serious CNS depressant concerns. If you take sedating drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, or any serotonergic medication (like antidepressants), check your specific prescriptions before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should discuss it with their pharmacist or doctor first.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 24, 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 Optimized Tryptophan Plus, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870172192
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 24, 2025
DSLD ID 328618
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension, 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:
3 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870172192
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Tryptophan1000 mg--
Niacin66 mg NE413%
L-Lysine250 mg--
Rosemary Leaf Extract0 NP--
Proprietary Tryptophan Plus Blend285 mg--
Perluxan0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Starch, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Stearate, Silica

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.
General Statements

Scan for product info

Precautions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully.

Caution: Consult your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking medication for mood concerns, such as MAOIs or SSRIs.

Use caution before driving or operating heavy machinery.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is damaged.

Consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take three (3) capsules all at once before bedtime, or one capsule on an empty stomach before each meal, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Best if taken separately from protein or amino acids.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Perluxan is used by permission.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO LE Certified

Sleep enhancement and stress reduction

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

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.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension label

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

Optimized Tryptophan Plus label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

L-Tryptophan

Interacts with
394 drugs
1000 mg 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

Niacin

Interacts with
727 drugs
66 mg NE per serving Form: Niacinamide

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescr...

Niacin monograph & interactions

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
250 mg per serving Form: L-Lysine Hydrochloride

Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to t...

L-Lysine monograph & interactions

Proprietary Tryptophan Plus Blend

285 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Starch, Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Optimized Tryptophan Plus?

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
1,371Drugs
248 Major 815 Moderate 308 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Perluxan 863
Niacin 727
L-Tryptophan 394
Rosemary Leaf Extract 372
L-Lysine 1

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Optimized Tryptophan Plus interact with 1,371 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Optimized Tryptophan Plus interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Perluxan Niacin L-Tryptophan Rosemary Leaf Extract L-Lysine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Optimized Tryptophan Plus with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Perluxan4 drug types · 863 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of hops with sedative drugs might cause additive sedation.
Some animal research shows that hops has sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of hops might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research suggests that certain hops constituents can competitively bind to estrogen receptors. However, most hops extracts contain very small amounts of these constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Hops extract does not seem to affect the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that flavonoid constituents of hops inhibit CYP1A2 enzyme activity. However, a pharmacokinetic study in healthy postmenopausal patients shows that taking a standardized extract of spent hops containing prenylated phenols, as 59.5 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, does not affect levels of caffeine, a CYP1A2 probe substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, hops extract might alter metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates; however, this effect may not be clinically significant.
Animal research suggests that specific constituents of hops, called lupulones, can induce hepatic CYP3A4 enzyme activity. However, a pharmacokinetic study in healthy postmenopausal patients with normal metabolism shows that taking a standardized extract of spent hops containing prenylated phenols, as 59.5 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, decreases the concentration of alprazolam, a CYP3A4 probe substrate, by 7.6%. This reduction is unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Perluxan full monograph & interactions

Niacin15 drug types · 727 drugs

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Concomitant use of alcohol and niacin might increase the risk of flushing and hepatotoxicity.
Alcohol can exacerbate the flushing and pruritus associated with niacin. Large doses of niacin might also exacerbate liver dysfunction associated with chronic alcohol use. A case report describes delirium and lactic acidosis in a patient taking niacin 3 grams daily who ingested 1 liter of wine. Advise patients to avoid large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as allopurinol.
Large doses of niacin can reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially resulting in hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as allopurinol might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Several cases of clotting factor synthesis deficiency and coagulopathy have been reported in patients taking sustained-release niacin. Also, thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients treated with niacin or niacin plus lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose. In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21%. However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose. In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached. Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, niacin may increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
The vasodilating effects of niacin can cause hypotension. Furthermore, some clinical evidence suggests that a one-hour infusion of niacin can reduce systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This effect is not observed in normotensive patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bile Acid Sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants can bind niacin and decrease absorption. Separate administration by 4-6 hours to avoid an interaction.
In vitro studies show that colestipol (Colestid) binds about 98% of available niacin and cholestyramine (Questran) binds 10% to 30%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil might increase the risk of myopathy in some patients.
A case of myopathy from concomitant use of niacin and gemfibrozil has been reported. Niacin alone has also been associated with cases of myopathy. Using gemfibrozil with niacin might further increase the risk of developing myopathy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Niacin has been associated with cases of liver toxicity, especially when used in pharmacologic doses. Sustained-release niacin preparations appear to be associated with a higher risk of hepatotoxicity than immediate-release niacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and statins might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in some patients.
Some case reports have raised concerns that niacin might increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when combined with statins. However, a significantly increased risk of myopathy has not been demonstrated in clinical trials, including those using an FDA-approved combination of lovastatin and niacin (Advicor).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Probenecid (Benemid)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as probenecid.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as probenecid might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone.
Large doses of niacin reduce urinary excretion of uric acid, potentially causing hyperuricemia. Doses of uricosurics such as sulfinpyrazone might need to be increased to maintain control of gout in patients who start taking niacin. People who have frequent attacks of gout despite uricosuric therapy should avoid niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, niacin might antagonize the therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones.
Clinical research and case reports suggests that taking niacin can reduce serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin by up to 25% and moderately reduce levels of thyroxine (T4). Patients taking thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism might need dose adjustments when using niacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Transdermal Nicotine (Nicoderm)

Theoretically, concomitant use of niacin and transdermal nicotine might increase the risk of flushing and dizziness.
Niacin and nicotine can both cause flushing and dizziness.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

There is limited evidence that niacin may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
In a case report, a patient on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 3.9 after taking niacin for two weeks. The patient's INR was previously stable, ranging between 2 and 3 in recent months, and no other medication changes were identified. The elevated INR returned to therapeutic range within 4 days following the discontinuation of niacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aspirin

Large doses of aspirin might alter the clearance of niacin.
Aspirin is often used with niacin to reduce niacin-induced flushing. Doses of 80-975 mg aspirin have been used, but 325 mg appears to be optimal. Aspirin also seems to reduce the clearance of niacin by competing for glycine conjugation. Taking aspirin 1 gram seems to reduce niacin clearance by 45%. This is probably a dose-related effect and not clinically significant with the more common aspirin dose of 325 mg.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Niacin full monograph & interactions

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
L-Tryptophan full monograph & interactions

Rosemary Leaf Extract6 drug types · 372 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that rosemary inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rosemary with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that rosemary extract can decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic models. However, research in humans is conflicting. Although rosemary powder decreased blood glucose levels in healthy adults, no change in blood glucose levels was seen in adults with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that rosemary induces CYP1A2 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Rosemary Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions

L-Lysine1 drug type · 1 drug

5-Ht4 Agonists

Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Animal research suggests that L-lysine is a partial serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) antagonist and inhibits diarrhea induced by the 5-HT4 agonist, 5-hydroxytryptophane.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
L-Lysine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Optimized Tryptophan Plus, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Optimized Tryptophan Plus by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Optimized Tryptophan Plus has a known interaction with 1,371 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?
Optimized Tryptophan Plus contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Can I take this while pregnant?
L-tryptophan and hops in this product aren't recommended during pregnancy based on safety data. L-lysine and rosemary have insufficient data—we don't know enough either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual situation before using it.
What is L-tryptophan supposed to do?
L-tryptophan is an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin (a brain chemical linked to mood) and melatonin (which helps regulate sleep). However, the data shows it's possibly ineffective for depression and there isn't reliable evidence it works for anxiety or sleep problems.
Will this help me sleep?
L-tryptophan has insufficient evidence for sleep, and hops also lacks reliable evidence for insomnia. There's not solid data that this product will improve your sleep.
What are the most common side effects?
L-tryptophan commonly causes drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, headache, and stomach discomfort. Niacin often causes flushing (a warm, tingling sensation on the face and skin), especially at higher doses. L-lysine may cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
Is L-tryptophan safe after the EMS scare in 1989?
The 1989 eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome cases were traced to contaminated L-tryptophan from one Japanese manufacturer, not all L-tryptophan. Modern supplies have better oversight, but the product label notes a past contamination risk, so quality matters. Talk to your pharmacist about the source if you're concerned.
Can I take this with my depression medication?
Many antidepressants are serotonergic drugs, and combining them with L-tryptophan raises a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome (a potentially serious condition from too much serotonin). Check the specific name of your antidepressant with the medication checker on this page before starting.

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

Not sure if Optimized Tryptophan Plus is safe with your meds?

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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.

Optimized Tryptophan Plus label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Optimized Tryptophan Plus’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

L-tryptophan

Interacts with 394 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 supplement use is limited and mixed, and...

Read the full L-tryptophan monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Niacin

Interacts with 727 drugs

Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient your body needs for energy and metabolism, and deficiency is uncommon in most developed countries. Prescription-strength niacin has been used to...

Read the full Niacin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lysine

Interacts with 1 drug

Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to try to prevent or shorten cold sores, but...

Read the full Lysine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rosemary

Interacts with 372 drugs

Rosemary is a fragrant Mediterranean herb that is safe and flavorful in normal food amounts. Some early research suggests possible benefits for memory, mood, and hair growth, but the evidenc...

Read the full Rosemary monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Hops

Interacts with 863 drugs

Hops are most often used for sleep and mild anxiety, frequently combined with valerian, but the human evidence is limited and not very strong. They are generally well tolerated when used sho...

Read the full Hops monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Optimized Tryptophan Plus'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 126 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
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Lysine 7 references
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Rosemary 20 references
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Hops 15 references
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