Effect of L-5HTP and drugs acting on serotonin metabolism in various myoclonic syndromes.
Ten patients affected by various myoclonic syndromes were tested with drugs acting on cerebral serotonin metabolism and with clonazepam (CZP). After L5HTP or serotonergic drugs administration a clear cut improvement was observed in the 2 patients affected by Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, while the patients with myoclonic epilepsy have shown no effect (3 cases) or negative response (1 case). Methysergide was active only in 1 patient affected by progressive erratic myoclonus who had a striking worsening of clinical picture. The main side effects observed were: gastrointestinal distress (L5HTP--4 patients, fenfluoramine--2, quipazine--1, methysergide--2) and cutaneous rash (quipazine--1 case). These results support the possible implication of the serotonergic system in the pathogenesis of myoclonus other than post-anoxic.
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D002527:Myoclonic Cerebellar Dyssynergia / Q000188:drug therapy; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin; D002998:Clonazepam; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan