Effect of L-tryptophan on electroconvulsive therapy seizure time

L-Tryptophan, the amino acid precursor of serotonin and several other monoamines, has frequently been employed as an adjunct with tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors to increase their effectiveness in treating affective disorders. Combined use of L-tryptophan with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has generally not been successful and, in fact, may actually have a deleterious effect upon treatment. A case of decreased seizure duration due to an L-tryptophan-ECT interaction is presented and its implications discussed.