5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and a MAOI (nialamide) in the treatment of depressions. A double-blind controlled study.

Through a controlled double-blind study in 30 hospitalized patients affected with endogenous depression, the antidepressant action of the combination of nialamide+l-5-HTP has been evaluated and compared with a control group which only received nialamide (+ placebo). The patients treated with nialamide + l-5-HTP achieved a fuller recovery than those who were treated with nialamide alone. The treatment with nialamide + l-5-HTP proved to have a shorter delay of onset. Side effects showed no marked differences except for the orthostatic hypotension which was less apparent in those patients treated with nialamide + l-5-HTP.