title: Effect of L-5HTP and drugs acting on serotonin metabolism in various myoclonic syndromes.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D002998:Clonazepam; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan