Nature's own anti-depressant Q: I have read your monthly newsletter for many years and have enjoyed it very much. I have a question regarding tryptophan vs. the use of SSRI medication (Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil) for the treatment of depression. Dr. Wright: The use of tryptophan is far and away preferable to using "alien-molecule" SSRIs under nearly all circumstances, particularly when you consider the ever- accumulating evidence about the negative side effects associated with SSRIs. Not everyone, of course, will experience them, but who wants to take the risk? Besides, SSRIs are no more than highly profitable drug alternatives to nature's own amino-acid anti-depressant -- tryptophan. At physiologic quantities, tryptophan has virtually no side effects, and if the brain needs more serotonin (synthesized from tryptophan), it's highly likely that other areas of the body need more serotonin and tryptophan too. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, also used for protein synthesis. If there's insufficient tryptophan to turn into serotonin, there won't be enough to adequately synthesize other key cellular proteins. SSRIs cannot do this job. The principle here is the same as it is for all drug therapies: Drugs should only be used in emergencies, in grave, life-threatening situations, or when there's simply no natural- molecule alternative. Even then, the goal should be to prescribe the least amount of drugs for the shortest length of time absolutely necessary. But, once again, as safe as natural tryptophan is, it's always a good idea to work with a physician skilled in natural medicine anytime you're interested in trying a new therapy. For a list of such physicians in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or visit www.acam.org. | 
