Drug info - L-tryptophan

[Thirdedge]

From 'Legal Highs' by Adam Gottlieb:

L-TRYPTOPHAN -- 1-alpha-aminoindole-3-propionic acid.
Material: Amino acid essential to human nutrition.
Usage: 5-8 grams are ingested on empty stomach.
Effects: Drowsiness, euphoria, and mental changes similar to mild
(5 mg) dose of psilocybin.
Contraindications: Tendency to fall asleep. Excessive use could
cause dietary amino acid imbalance.
Supplier: 500 mg tablets from some heatlh food stores.

From Wikipedia:

Tryptophan has been implicated as a possible cause of schizophrenia in people who cannot metabolize it properly. When improperly metabolized, it creates a waste product in the brain that is toxic, causing hallucinations and delusions. Tryptophan has also been indicated as an aid for schizophrenic patients.

Has anyone tried this in large dosage? SWIM tried 30 X 500mg capsules with no effects . . .

[Micklemouse]

Absolute twaddle! I have a feeling Mr Gottlieb was looking for an effect where none could be found. And as for the Wikipedia entry - references please, Wiki people! Is this the beginning of the Serotonin Theory of schizophrenia? I've found some articles on tryptophan improving cognition in people with schizophrenia, and it makes a lot of sense to use an antidepressant with relativelely benign side-effects to treat schizophrenia, and counter the 'negative' symptoms, but actually being a cause? I'm beginning to despair of Wikipedia...

Don't try this at home kittlings - you'll get more psychedelic effects from trapping your head repeatedly in the fridge door (and probably less headache too!)

[Psych0naut]

Convert it to Tryptamine, and make something fun of it

[Ximot]

I have used L-trytophan on and off for 5 years almost... with no psychedelic effects noted whatsoever. Just provides respite from restlessness/anxiety/depression when needed. A wonderful adjunct. I should probably go back to that instead of 5-HTP, what with 5-HTP's recent bad press in the health department. Tryptophan also feels more clear-headed and less fuzzy than 5-HTP.