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[Serotonin precursors as antidepressive agents: a review]
Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
|May 1, 1983
Summary
L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin precursors, show limited antidepressant effects. Their clinical use is questionable due to side effects and unproven efficacy, especially compared to traditional antidepressants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Context:
- The serotonin hypothesis suggests reduced central nervous system serotonin function in depression.
- L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan are natural serotonin precursors.
- Evaluating the antidepressant potential of these precursors is crucial.
Purpose:
- To assess the clinical efficacy of L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan as antidepressants.
- To determine if these serotonin precursors are effective for specific depression subtypes or prophylaxis.
- To compare their efficacy and safety against established antidepressants.
Summary:
- Therapeutic trials of L-tryptophan show unconvincing efficacy for severe endogenous depressions, but may benefit moderate states with apathy and sleep issues.
- High-dose, long-term L-tryptophan use raises concerns about toxicity.
- Antidepressant efficacy of 5-hydroxytryptophan remains unproven, though it might benefit a serotonin-deficient subgroup and possess prophylactic properties.
Impact:
- Neither L-tryptophan nor 5-hydroxytryptophan appear to be useful antidepressants due to lower efficacy and potential side effects compared to tricyclic antidepressants.
- Further research may clarify the role of these precursors in specific patient populations or for depression prevention.