Posted by ed_uk on December 17, 2004, at 14:40:36
'Combination (of 5-HTP) with a (peripheral) decarboxylase inhibitor (eg. carbidopa) enhances efficacy by preventing extracerebral conversion into 5-HT.'
from http://www.psychotropics.dk
What do you think of this claim?
I couldn't find any clinical evidence to support the claim that the efficacy of 5-HTP in treating depression is enhanced by carbidopa. There is some evidence that the side effects of 5-HTP can be modified by the use of a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.Neuropsychobiology. 1988;20(1):28-35.
L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of depression.
Zmilacher K, Battegay R, Gastpar M.
Psychiatric University Outpatient Department, Basel, Switzerland.
In an open study 25 depressed patients were treated with L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) either alone or in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. The therapeutic efficacy of L-5-HTP was considered as equal to that of traditional antidepressants. There was no difference in efficacy between the two treatments. Best results were obtained in patients with an anxious-agitated depressive syndrome and in patients with an endogenous depression if the illness had been acute. The onset of action was rapid (within 3 or 5 days). Gastrointestinal side effects proved to be dose-dependent and occurred more frequently in patients receiving L-5-HTP alone, whereas psychopathological side effects (especially acute anxiety states) have mainly been reported in patients receiving L-5-HTP in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:430890
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041212/msgs/430890.html