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L-Tyrosine Side Effects

Although it is a "natural" product, side effects of L-tyrosine are possible. Only a few small studies have been done on L-tyrosine. Based on these studies, the most common side effects include headaches, fatigue, and nausea. However, potentially serious L-tyrosine side effects can also occur. Contact your healthcare provider if you have difficulty breathing, an unexplained rash, or a worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms.

 

Does L-Tyrosine Cause Side Effects?

As with any medication or supplement, side effects are possible with L-tyrosine (sometimes known just as tyrosine). Many people assume that natural products such as L-tyrosine are always free of side effects. However, this is simply not the case. It is reasonable to assume that any supplement potent enough to have medicinal properties may also have side effects.
 

L-Tyrosine Side Effects to Report

Some L-tyrosine side effects, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Worsening of Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, rash, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth or throat.
 

Reported Side Effects of L-Tyrosine

In general, reported L-tyrosine side effects are fairly minor. Some of these reported side effects include:
 
However, many of these "side effects" are commonly reported with all medications or supplements, probably because such "side effects" are common in all people, whether or not they are taking any medications or supplements. Due to the small size of most L-tyrosine studies, it is not possible to know if these are true side effects of L-tyrosine or not.
  
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;