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L-5HTP in Depression Resistant to Re-Uptake Inhibitors

An Open Comparative Study with Tranylcypromine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Willem A. Nolen ,
Jan J. van de Putte ,
Wim A. Dijken  and
J. J.Hans Kamp
Willem A. Nolen*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Psychiatry, Christelijk Psychiatrisch Centrum Bloemendaal's-Gravenhage, The Netherlands
Jan J. van de Putte
Affiliation:
Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis Vrederust, Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands
Wim A. Dijken
Affiliation:
Bloemendaal
J. J.Hans Kamp
Affiliation:
Deltaziekenhuis, Poortugaal, The Netherlands
*
∗Correspondence.
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Summary

L-5HTP and tranylcypromine were compared in an open, but controlled and cross-over study, in patients suffering from major depression; all were non-responders to several reuptake inhibitors, including oxaprotiline and fluvoxamine. After four unsuccessful sleep-deprivations, L-5HTP or tranylcypromine were given during four weeks in a crossover design. Of 17 patients given L-5HTP during both treatment periods, none responded, whereas of 26 patients treated with tranylcypromine, 15 responded. Thus, L-5HTP is not a therapeutically effective alternative in depressed patients who have not responded to reuptake inhibitors.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 147 , Issue 1 , July 1985 , pp. 16 - 22
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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