title: Has tryptophan any anticonvulsive effect?
abstract: In an an intra-individual crossover trial depressed patients were treated with the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) precursor L-tryptophan (L-TP) and unilateral ECT, or with unilateral ECT alone. The oral dose of L-TP was 6 g the day before ECT and 3 g on the day of ECT, 4 hours before the treatment. The seizure duration was measured on EEG records. The time of the electrical stimulation needed to induce generalized seizures was similar for both treatment alternatives. Thus L-TP seems not to elevate the threshold to ECT-induced convulsions. The mean duration of a seizure was significantly shorter when the patients were treated with L-TP + ECT than when treated with ECT alone. It is suggested that L-TP exerts an inhibitory influence on the ability to sustain epileptic activity.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012701:Serotonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan