L-5-hydroxytryptophan in treatment of several different syndromes in which myoclonus is prominent.

Abstract

The serotonin precursor L-5-hydroxytryptophan is useful therapy for patients with posthypoxic intention myoclonus. L-5-hydroxytryptophan plus carbidopa was administered to eight patients with this disorder or other syndromes in which myoclonus is prominent. This treatment (1) decreased the frequency of occurrence and amplitude of intention myoclonus in two patients with posthypoxic intention myoclonus and in one with idiopathic myoclonus, (2) had no effect in one patient with congenital encephalopathy and myoclonus, and (3) increased the frequency of occurrence and amplitude of myoclonus in two patients with lipid storage disease, one with myoclonic epilepsy, and in an additional patient with idiopathic myoclonus. Therefore, L-5-hydroxytryptophan does not effect improvement in all forms of myoclonus; it should be given with caution because it produces a high incidence of side effects. A patient's response to L-5-hydroxytryptophan therapy may be important in a diagnostic classification of myoclonic syndromes based on differences in indoleamine neurotransmitter function.

• Authors: J H Growdon, R R Young, B T Shahani
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 26 Issue 12 Pg. 1135-40 (Dec 1976) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1086988 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan
• Carbidopa

Topics

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Carbidopa (therapeutic use)
• Child, Preschool
• Drug Evaluation
• Female
• Humans
• Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Movement
• Muscle Contraction
• Myoclonus (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Syndrome