What has Huberman said about L-Tyrosine?

Andrew Huberman has discussed L-tyrosine extensively on the Huberman Lab. Here are the key points he has made:

1. Increases Dopamine:

   • L-tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to dopamine, enhancing alertness and focus. It boosts dopamine levels about 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion, with effects peaking and then dissipating after roughly 30 minutes 1.

2. Uses and Dosage:

   • It is commonly taken in capsule or powder form, with typical doses ranging from 500 to 1500 mg. This can improve focus and motivation, though it requires caution, especially for those with mood disorders or anxiety 2 3.
     • 

       1

       Boosting Dopamine Naturally

       02:01:47
     • 

       2

       Dopamine and Focus

       01:59:03
     • 

       3

       Boosting Dopamine Naturally

       01:16:16
     • 

       4

       Dopamine and Diet

       00:34:02
     • 

       5

       Boosting Focus

       01:33:51
     • 

       6

       Focus and Stimulants

       01:41:49

3. Effects and Risks:

   • While effective for enhancing focus and alertness, it can cause a crash once dopamine levels drop. Hence, it's important to avoid overreliance on this supplement. Dr. Huberman suggests using L-tyrosine occasionally rather than regularly to prevent dependency and manage the inevitable drop in dopamine 1 4.

4. Combining Substances:

   • For focus improvement, he combines L-tyrosine with substances like Alpha-GPC and caffeine, and takes them early in the day to avoid sleep disturbances. He emphasizes the importance of trying individual ingredients before combining them to understand their effects 5 6.

5. Specific Recommendations:

   • Andrew Huberman personally takes 500 mg of L-tyrosine combined with Alpha-GPC and coffee for enhanced focus during workouts or mental tasks, usually four days a week 5.
   • He advises starting with low doses (250-500 mg) and adjusting based on body weight and individual response, ensuring to monitor any subsequent crashes or side effects 3.

6. Scientific Support:

   • A 1983 study demonstrated that L-tyrosine increases dopamine specifically, ruling out placebo effects. However, sustained high dopamine levels can lead to an eventual below-baseline drop, warranting careful and occasional use 1.

Overall, Andrew Huberman endorses moderate, cautious use of L-tyrosine for specific purposes like boosting focus and motivation, while being mindful of its potential downsides.

Andrew Huberman discussed Guanfacine and its uses, particularly for ADHD, on the Huberman Lab. Here are the key insights:

1. Mechanism and Effects:

   • Guanfacine is an alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist that primarily affects the norepinephrine system, rather than dopamine. By stimulating specific norepinephrine receptors, it increases attention and executive function 1 2.
   • It enhances the functioning of the prefrontal cortex and the locus coeruleus, improving the brain's ability to focus and block out distractions, akin to a fine-tuning effect on brain circuits 1.

2. Use for ADHD:

   • This medication is approved for ADHD treatment in both adults and children (ages 6 to 17). It's often used to aid children in learning how to focus and control impulsivity, with the goal that they might eventually manage to function well without medication 1.
   • Guanfacine is particularly beneficial for those who either don't respond well to traditional stimulants or who cannot tolerate their side effects. Some kids and adults find significant relief while others may not experience much improvement or might feel sleepy 2.

3. Combining Medications:

   • Guanfacine is sometimes prescribed along with stimulant medications like Adderall or Vyvanse to help counteract side effects, though this polypharmacy approach can raise concerns about complexity and potential risks 1.

4. Risks:

   • A critical warning associated with Guanfacine is its significant impact on lowering alcohol tolerance. Consuming alcohol while on Guanfacine can lead to serious health risks, including potentially fatal consequences 1.

Overall, Andrew Huberman highlights Guanfacine as a valuable non-stimulant option for managing ADHD, emphasizing its unique mechanism and important safety considerations.