Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Tryptophan products are in shortage in Canada (2 of 11 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
An amino acid used as an add-on treatment for depression.
Products affected
2 / 11
In shortage since
Aug 7, 2024
Reports on file
38
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
APO-TRYPTOPHAN
500MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02248538 · since Apr 28, 2026, est. end Jun 26, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
TEVA-TRYPTOPHAN
500MG · CAPSULE · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02240334 · since Aug 7, 2024, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
To be discontinued
TRYPTAN
750MG · TABLET · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02239327
To be discontinued
TRYPTAN
1G · TABLET · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 00654531
Discontinued
TEVA-TRYPTOPHAN
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02240333
Discontinued
TEVA-TRYPTOPHAN
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02240333
Discontinued
TEVA-TRYPTOPHAN
1G · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02237250
Discontinued
TEVA-TRYPTOPHAN
500MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02240333
Resolved
TRYPTAN
500MG · TABLET · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02029456 · ended May 30, 2024 · Capacity problem in production
Resolved
TRYPTAN
250MG · TABLET · BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC.
DIN 02239326 · ended May 30, 2024 · Capacity problem in production
Resolved
APO-TRYPTOPHAN
500MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02248538 · ended Apr 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
APO-TRYPTOPHAN
1G · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02248539 · ended Apr 4, 2024 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Showing 12 of 38 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Tryptophan is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by APOTEX INC, TEVA CANADA LIMITED.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Tryptophan is classified under “ANTIDEPRESSANTS” (ATC N06AX).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Tryptophan used for?
An amino acid used as an add-on treatment for depression.
When will Tryptophan be back in stock in Canada?
Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.
Why is Tryptophan in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
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Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.