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Glycine Side Effects
Even though it is a "natural" product, glycine can cause side effects. The commonly reported glycine side effects are generally minor and include nausea, vomiting, upper digestive tract discomfort, and mild drowsiness. However, potentially serious side effects of glycine can also occur. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of schizophrenia that are getting worse or develop signs of an allergic reaction while taking glycine supplements.
Glycine Side Effects: An Overview
As with any medication or supplement, glycine can cause side effects. Many people assume that natural products (such as glycine) are always free of side effects. However, this is simply not the case. It is reasonable to assume that any supplement potent enough to have medicinal properties may also have side effects.(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with glycine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of glycine side effects with you.)
Reported Side Effects of Glycine
In general, reported glycine side effects are fairly minor. Some of the reported side effects of glycine include:- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upper digestive tract discomfort
- Mild drowsiness.
Glycine Side Effects to Report
There are a few less common, but more serious, side effects of glycine that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:- Worsening of schizophrenia symptoms, especially if glycine is used in combination with clozapine (Clozaril®)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, a rash, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth or throat.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD