Drug interactions
L-tryptophan + Sumatriptan
Severity: Moderate
L-tryptophan and Sumatriptan: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
L-tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin and may raise central serotonin when taken with a triptan. Together they may increase the chance of serotonin syndrome, although reports are scarce.
What this interaction means in plain words
L-tryptophan and Sumatriptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effect from increased serotonin synthesis combined with 5-HT1B/1D agonism.
What to do
Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or fever. Avoid high-dose tryptophan supplementation during triptan use, and stop both if serotonin toxicity is suspected.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take L-tryptophan with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. L-tryptophan and Sumatriptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. L-tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin and may raise central serotonin when taken with a triptan. Together they may increase the chance of serotonin syndrome, although reports are scarce.
How serious is the interaction between L-tryptophan and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to report agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea or fever. Avoid high-dose tryptophan supplementation during triptan use, and stop both if serotonin toxicity is suspected.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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