[Variations in blood serotonin during antiepileptic therapy]

5-OH-tryptamine blood levels, at 8 and 12 a.m., were determined in a 32 epileptics sample, receiving anticonvulsant therapy. As compared to normal controls, 5-HT blood levels in epileptics significatively decreased in the second measurement probably in consequence of anticonvulsant drugs. Moreover 5-HT blood levels decreased more outstandingly in those patients who were treated with more than one anticonvulsant drug. To explain results, two hypotheses are proposed: an inhibiting effect of anticonvulsant drugs on 5-HT catabolizing enzymes, or an increased tryptophan in C.N.S./tryptophan in the blood ratio, induced by therapy.