QUESTION: I've read that l-tyrosine and MAO inhibitors should not be taken together and St. John's Wort acts like an MAO inhibitor. Can they safely be taken together? Also you stated that l-tyrosine should be taken 3-12 months. If it is taken for depression can it be taken indefinitly or just short term? If it is just short term when can it be restarted? Thanks for your time, Jeff

ANSWER: Dear Jeff,

Thanks for your email. You are hearing some misleading, or incorrect information about St. John's Wort, Tyrosine and MAO inhibiting drugs. St. John's Wort does NOT act by inhibiting Mono Amine Oxidase (MAO), the enzyme that is made by the body to remove the excitatory neurohormones, including Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine (Adrenaline) from the body. L-Tyrosine is the nutritional building block for these neurohormones. MAO inhibitors are drugs that raise the level of these neurohormones by blocking their removal from the body.

MAO inhibiting drugs should not be taken with L-Tyrosine, but L-Tyrosine and St. John's Wort can be taken together. Unlike drugs, these natural supplements work in harmony with the body to prevent overloading the system. Both L-Tyrosine and St. John's Wort can be taken long-term without causing harm. Unlike the MAOs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibiting (SSRI) drugs, they are not addictive and do not cause any neurotoxicity. However, you may want to test your neurohormone levels to make certain that you are getting them balanced.

For more information about testing your neurohormones, click here

Best in health,
Dr. Hansen