Why do so many drugs work on this tryptophan pathway? I need some comments/ideas.

by Self | 12/11/2005 | Tom (aka oxcart)

[oxcart]

In the 60's to 1989 research into tryptophan grew rapidly, millions used it for depression. In 1989, a contaminated batch forced the FDA to pull tryptophan off the US market, never to return. This destroyed all research into this critical amino acid and cleared the way for pharmaceutical drugs and billions of profits for them.

I am asking the question, why do so many drugs work on the tryptophan oxygenase (pyrrolase) pathway?

We have antidepressants (all classes). Related articles; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7126996

And here; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1826617

Then we have alcohol; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10721064&query_hl=9

Then we have asprin; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7082905&query_hl=15

Nicotine, morphine, phenobarbitone http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=989&query_hl=17

then we have Narcan (naloxone) the overdose drug which has the opposite effect on tryptophan metabolism here; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=6664250&query_hl=17

Tryptophan pyrrolase (oxygenase) is induced by stress (lowering brain TP), is this the flight or fight response?

Is too much stress a cause for alcoholism and other drug addiction?

Why do so many drugs act on this tryptophan pathway?

And why was tryptophan never let back on the market?

Any Freepers want to touch this subject?

PLEASE, NO TURKEY JOKES!

[Servant of the 9]

L Tryptophan is available now.
Google it and you will find many sources.

SO9

[SunkenCiv]

"In 1989, a contaminated batch forced the FDA to pull tryptophan off the US market, never to return."

Strange how a single (foreign) contaminated batch caused the ban, eh?

[Rudder]

I do research in this area and have some questions, please.

Do you want tryptophan?

Why?

[oxcart]

Sukenciv;

Yes it is, ever read this article?

http://www.ceri.com/trypto.htm

Showa Denko (the maker of the bad batch) changed their manufacturing process that led to this "bad batch". It was so well timed...right before Prozac was rolled out!

Best,

Tom

[oxcart]

No Rudder I do not want tryptophan. I use to take it for depression. It worked so well I wondered why it was taken off the market. When I found the link to tryptophan oxygenase (pyrrolase) and the common denominator to how antidepressants work it blew my mind. Are you in the medical field?

Best,

Tom

[Coleus]

yes, at the time the ssri's became available. nice excuse

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

In 1989, a contaminated batch forced the FDA to pull tryptophan off the US market, never to return.

Check the vitamin aisle at WalMart.

It is good stuff.

[Coleus]

And why was tryptophan never let back on the market? >>

it's always been available through prescription but the problem is trying to convince your doctor to write it and your pharmacist to compound it.

[SunkenCiv]

Google

[boulderite20]

Heres a great resource:

http://www.erowid.org/smarts/tryptophan/

[aimhigh]

"In 1989, a contaminated batch forced the FDA to pull tryptophan off the US market, never to return." Strange how a single (foreign) contaminated batch caused the ban, eh?

The contamination occurred when it was made by genetically engineered bacteria. The FDA banned tryptophane, even though it had a 25 year safety record, and immediately gave approval to genetically engineered tomatoes at the same time. There's logic.

[SunkenCiv]

:'D

[oxcart]

thanks Bolder

[oxcart]

There is tryptophan and there is 5-HTP...there is a big difference.

[oxcart]

I know coleus, those are the hoops I had to jump through too.

[oxcart]

Logic at the FDA? lol

[Coleus]

what about using 5-htp and niacinamide

[lil_rebbitzen]

I use 5-HTP for help with getting deep sleep. It's also used for Depression (which I've got), and a good bit of other stuff.

Haven't heard of niacinamide.