If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use phenylalanine without first talking to your healthcare
provider.
Antidepressant Medications, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
(MAOIs) Phenylalanine may cause a severe increase in blood pressure
in people taking MAOIs (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, and
selegiline). This severe increase in blood pressure (also called
"hypertensive crisis") can lead to a heart attack or stroke. For this reason,
individuals taking MAOIs should avoid foods and supplements containing
phenylalanine.
Baclofen The absorption of baclofen, a medication used to
relieve muscle spasms, may be reduced by phenylalanine. Therefore, it is best to
avoid taking this medication with a meal, especially one that is high in protein
content, or with phenylalanine supplements.
Levodopa A few case reports suggest that phenylalanine may
reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's
disease. Some researchers speculate that phenylalanine may interfere with the
absorption of this medication. Therefore, phenylalanine should not be taken at
the same time as levodopa.
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the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse
of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage
to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or
otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents
of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds
currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.