question re: DL Phenylalanine - Alternative Medicine Message Board

1goodgirl · 12-30-2002, 12:30 PM

On 12-19 HumanSpirit posted re: DLPhenylalanine...I have a question for him (her?) or anyone familiar with this amino acid. Last May I started taking this for pain: 1050 Mg in am, 750 Mg noon, 750 Mg before dinner (always 30 min before eating). Much to my surprise after taking it for 2 weeks it starting working...wonderful...pain gone, depression lifted. I felt normal for the first time in 15 years! Then in August it quit working (gradually). Does anyone know why it would stop having the same effect that it had been having? I have talked to my doctor and done a lot of research, but so far no answer. Nothing else changed as far as my diet, exercise, etc. There must be someone who has an answer to this.

HumanSpirit · 12-30-2002, 06:18 PM

HI;

Sorry about your pain recurring. I would be interested in the reason why also?. Is it possible that the DL-Phen was diluted in manufacturing? Given the amount of DL Phen you have been taking it would appear to be the 3rd bottle of 100 pills. What was the brand? Was it different then the previous pills taken? Since pain is a safeguard of health could it be that you medical condition may have worsened? Keep me informed as I have an interest in your problem. Thanks... HumanSpirit

1goodgirl · 12-31-2002, 11:42 AM

The brand of DLPA is "KAL", from our local health food store. I didn't change brands. It did not seem to make any difference which container I used from.
Amino acids are not supposed to be addictive; ie build up a tolerance so they no longer work. In fact some of the resources said that it might be possible to lower the dosage, or even quit altogether, and still have the same effect. I have chondrocalcinosis, which is a joint condition, at times very painful. I was able to significantly decrease the amount of hydrocodone (Vicodin) I had been taking while the DLPA was still working. After the DLPA quit working I had to increase the Vicodin back to where it was. Still no effect from the DLPA.
Local health food store has no info that I do not already have. I had regular blood tests to monitor my phenylalnine level; and daily blood pressure checks (since it can raise blood pressure). I am currently taking 750 mg DLPA in the am. It seems to give me a little more energy, (or could just be in my mind)but does nothing for pain/depression. Sorry this is so long. It just does not seem possible that I am the only person with this experience!