Sometimes simply called tyrosine, L-tyrosine is a type of amino acid found naturally in your body, however, some natural medical practitioners often recommend it as a supplement. Despite its use to treat phenylketonuria, depression and Parkinson's disease, L-tyrosine poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types of Side Effects

Possible side effects of L-tyrosine include nausea, mood changes, anger, irritability, headaches, fatigue, heartburn and joint pain.

Drug Interactions

L-tyrosine is known to stimulate your thyroid gland and because of this, taking the drug with thyroid hormone supplements may cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, reports RxList. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, tremors, nervousness and increased sensitivity to heat.

Risks

Some patients develop severe allergic reactions from L-tyrosine, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, throat or chest tightness and skin rashes, cautions the Physicians Desktop Reference.

Expert Insight

There is not enough evidence to know if using L-tyrosine for long periods of time (such as months or years) or using more than 1,000 mg per day is safe, reports the University of Michigan Health System.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid taking L-tyrosine supplements while pregnant or nursing, and the supplements are not safe for children unless recommended by a doctor. If you have a history of hyperthyroidism or Grave's disease, it may not be safe for you to take L-tyrosine.

Source:

RxList

Physicians Dekstop Reference

University of Michigan Health System