Optimax (tryptophan)

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Nausea (usually disappears within 2 to 3 days and can be reduced by taking the medicine after food)

Headache

Lightheadedness

Drowsiness

Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (see warning above)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

There may be an increased risk of a side effect known as the serotonin syndrome if this medicine is used in combination with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine. This is because both these types of antidepressant increase serotonin levels. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome include agitation, restlessness, delirium, abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhoea. If you are taking this medicine with an SSRI you should tell your doctor if you get these symptoms.

There may also be a risk of the serotonin syndrome if this medicine is taken with sibutramine, and this combination is not recommended.

There may also be an increased risk of side effects if this medicine is used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) antidepressants such as phenelzine or isocarboxazid.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain tryptophan as the active ingredient.

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