Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Tryptan
What is TRYPTAN used for?
TRYPTAN is used in addition to antidepressants to depressive disorders.
How does TRYPTAN work?
TRYPTAN contains L-Tryptophan, one of the eight essential amino acids. It works by increasing the level of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the central nervous system in the body.
What are the ingredients in TRYPTAN?
Medicinal ingredients: L-Tryptophan
Non-medicinal ingredients:
- Tablets: Magnesium Stearate and Talc
- Capsules: Calcium Phosphate, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Methylcellulose, Opadry II White, Film Coating Base Solution (includes: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Macrogol/PEG, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc)
TRYPTAN comes in the following dosage forms:
- Capsules; 500 mg
- Tablets; 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1g Tablets
Do not use TRYPTAN if:
- you have a known allergy to TRYPTAN or to any of the other ingredients TRYPTAN contains.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take TRYPTAN. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction (swelling, itching, rash, hives, and wheezing) to TRYPTAN or any of the inactive ingredients TRYPTAN contains
- have diabetes or have family history of diabetes
Other warnings you should know about:
- There have been rare cases of a condition called “serotonin syndrome” in patients taking TRYPTAN with other drugs that affect your serotonin levels. Symptoms may include involuntary muscle movements or spasms, tremors, agitation, and overactive reflexes. Talk to your healthcare professional if you notice any of these symptoms.
- Your doctor may prescribe you a vitamin B6 supplement while you are taking TRYPTAN. This may help your body process (metabolize) TRYPTAN better.
TRYPTAN may make you drowsy, or dizzy. Before driving a vehicle or doing activities that require alertness, wait to see how you feel after taking TRYPTAN.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with TRYPTAN:
- Lithium
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., venlafaxine)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline)
How to take TRYPTAN:
Take TRYPTAN as directed by your healthcare professional. The usual recommended adult dose of TRYPTAN is 8 g to 12 g daily taken in 3 to 4 equally divided doses. Take with meals or snacks to help reduce nausea.
For better results TRYPTAN should be taken with a protein-low, carbohydrate rich meal.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much TRYPTAN, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
Missed Dose:
If you forget to take a dose of TRYPTAN take it as soon as possible, then just carry on with the regular times you take your medication. If you remember your missed dose close to the time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose.
What are possible side effects from using TRYPTAN?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking TRYPTAN. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects may be due to TRYPTAN or due to other drugs taken with TRYPTAN. Side effects may include:
- agitation
- confusion
- diarrhea
- disorientation
- drowsiness
- loss of appetite
- overactive reflexes
- poor coordination / concentration
- restlessness
- sexual disinhibition (unusual sexual behaviour)
- shivering
- sudden or involuntary moves or spasms (myoclonus)
- sweating
- talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
- trembling or shaking
- twitching
- vomiting
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| COMMON | |||
| Insomnia, dizziness, nausea, headache | √ | ||
| RARE | |||
| Allergic reaction: difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing; drop in blood pressure; feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up; hives or rash; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | √ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
- Store at controlled room temperature (15 - 30ºC).
- Protect from heat and light.
- Do not use TRYPTAN tablets after the expiry date. All expired medications should be returned to your pharmacist.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about TRYPTAN:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website www.bauschhealth.ca, or by calling 1-800-361-4261.
Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
2150 St-Elzear Blvd., West
Laval, QC, H7L 4A8
www.bauschhealth.ca