Carnitine is not addictive and people do not go into withdrawal when they stop taking it. Taking medications and health problems increase the need for carnitine. Diets high in fat and protein increase the excretion of carnitine. Taking carnitine with AZT prevents the AZT induced energy crisis. The anti-seizure drug Valproate depletes carnitine.
Kidney dialysis depletes carnitine.
Carnitine is a key nutrient for hypoglycemics. L-Carnitine is an essential cofactor for fatty acid metabolism and is a constituent of striated muscle and liver. L-Carnitine is used for treating hyperlipoproteinemia. The D,L-form has been used as a gastric and pancreatic secretion stimulant. Carnitine is made within the body from the amino acid lysine.