title: L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of depression.
abstract: In an open study 25 depressed patients were treated with L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) either alone or in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. The therapeutic efficacy of L-5-HTP was considered as equal to that of traditional antidepressants. There was no difference in efficacy between the two treatments. Best results were obtained in patients with an anxious-agitated depressive syndrome and in patients with an endogenous depression if the illness had been acute. The onset of action was rapid (within 3 or 5 days). Gastrointestinal side effects proved to be dose-dependent and occurred more frequently in patients receiving L-5-HTP alone, whereas psychopathological side effects (especially acute anxiety states) have mainly been reported in patients receiving L-5-HTP in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric University Outpatient Department, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zmilacher
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Battegay
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gastpar
mesh_terms: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001545:Benserazide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007980:Levodopa / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D006834:Hydrazines; C005177:benserazide, levodopa drug combination; D007980:Levodopa; D001545:Benserazide; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan