The Benefits of Tryptan

There are many benefits to taking Tryptan, an essential amino acid that can help your body produce and balance certain hormones naturally so your moods are better regulated. When you take Tryptan or generic Tryptophan, your body converts it into a chemical called 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan). Then 5-HTP becomes serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can alter brain functions that control your moods, sleep, anxiety, treat a migraine, and has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Increase Serotonin Level in Your Brain

Tryptan works by boosting serotonin (5-HTP) levels. This brain chemical sends impulses between nerve cells and contributes to your well being. Serotonin is thought to influence various body and neurological functions. The majority of serotonin is actually found in your gastrointestinal tract. By increasing the synthesis of serotonin in your brain with Tryptan, you can overcome many sleep and mood disorders and is a common treatment for migraine headaches.

Conditions Treated by Tryptan

As an agonist for serotonin receptors at blood vessels and nerve endings in your brain, Tryptan works as a vasoconstrictor during a migraine attack or for cluster headaches. Tryptan is not a cure for migraines and is not taken to prevent an attack, but it is very effective at reducing your symptoms or stopping the attack in as little as 30 minutes for some people.

It is believed that migraines are caused by blood vessels on your brain’s surface dilating and chemicals being released that work as pain messengers. Tryptan targets serotonin on the blood vessels to constrict them which decreases the blood flow and stops the pain messengers.

Before Tryptan is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Tryptan as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, so it can be determined if Tryptan is right for your situation.

Tryptan Precautions

Tryptophan can be found naturally in high-protein foods and milk so do not increase your intake of these while taking Tryptan or you could risk serotonin syndrome by having too much. Do not start, stop, or alter your dosage of any drugs while taking Tryptan without first talking to your doctor. Never share you medications with others, even if they have the same symptoms and always store all drugs out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Tryptan

• Dry mouth
• Heartburn
• Drowsiness
• Nausea/vomiting

Drugs Similar to Tryptan

• Relpax
• Amerge
• Migranal Nasal Spray