The methods and compositions for potentiating pharmaceuticals with amino acid based medical foods provides improved cognitive function; induced and maintained sleep; reduced pain, inflammation, blood pressure, anxiety, asthma, duration of viral infection, insulin resistance, and appetite; and treated depression. The amino acid based medical foods, co-packed with at least one selected pharmaceutical, potentiate the pharmaceutical by enhancing the production of neurotransmitters through the oral administration of neurotransmitter precursors, along with natural plant and animal substances that stimulate uptake of the neurotransmitter precursors, cause release of neurotransmitters, cause disinhibition of the neuronal brake, and activate adenylate cyclase in order to avoid tachyphylaxis and prevent pharmacologic tolerance.