title: Post-hypoxic intention myoclonus treated with 5-hydroxy-tryptophan and an extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitor.
abstract: Post-hypoxic intention myoclonus successfully treated by long-term administration of the combination of 5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa is described. Persistent euphoria and diarrhoea were essential side effects. Methysergide (12 mg/day) blocked the therapeutic effect, indicating a specific serotoninergic function of precursor loading with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Tryptophan (8 g/day) had no effect on the myoclonus suggesting a reduced tryptophan hydroxylase activity. Plasma concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptophan in the range of 10--30 micromoles per liter were obtained during maintenance therapy with 900 mg 5-hydroxytryptophan per day in combination with 150 mg carbidopa per day.
mesh_terms: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D006834:Hydrazines; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan; D002230:Carbidopa