NutriStack
L-Tryptophan and SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs, contraindicated.
L-Tryptophan is a serotonin precursor and can combine dangerously with serotonergic antidepressants or MAO inhibitors, increasing serotonin syndrome risk.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- L-Tryptophan and SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs
- Pair type
- Contraindicated
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 1 source
- Stack Score effect
- −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Contraindicated · Strong evidence
Contraindicated
What is happening. L-Tryptophan is a serotonin precursor and can combine dangerously with serotonergic antidepressants or MAO inhibitors, increasing serotonin syndrome risk.
Mechanism. L-Tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP and then serotonin. SSRIs/SNRIs reduce serotonin reuptake and MAOIs reduce monoamine breakdown, creating additive serotonergic excess.
Recommendation. Do NOT combine L-tryptophan with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic medications unless specifically directed by the prescriber managing the medication.
Sources (1)
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both L-Tryptophan and SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs are in the same stack, this pair applies −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
Check your full routine
One pair was the worked example. NutriStack runs every pair in your stack at once.
Drop in your supplements and prescriptions and the public database surfaces every interaction, synergy, timing rule, and contraindication, every one linked to its primary source.