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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2004, at 9:55:56
In reply to 5-HTP + carbidopa, 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.
>I'm not a big fan of carbidopa, period. Taking it as an adjunct to prevent potential side-effects seems an absurd intervention, when simply increasing tryptophan intake could permit the body to employ its innate regulatory activities to avoid peripheral serotonin effects.
Lar
Posted by ed_uk on December 18, 2004, at 17:00:39
In reply to Re: 5-HTP + carbidopa » ed_uk, posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2004, at 9:55:56
Hi,
Tryptophan doesn't always help though. I wondered whether people who have not been adequately helped by tryptophan or 5-HTP alone might benefit from 5-HTP + carbidopa.
Ed.
This is the end of the thread.
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