Therapies and Solutions

One approach to treating depression is to increase the biosynthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system. Since it is impossible to supplement with serotonin itself because it does not pass the intestinal barrier or the blood-brain barrier, one has to recourse to its precursors tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which, as physiological substances, are virtually without side effects and provide very good treatment results. Seasonal-dependent depression can also be treated very well with these substances, especially if tryptophan and/or 5-HTP are taken in the morning, and the correct serum and tissue levels of serotonin can thus be restored.

Numerous studies have also confirmed that the precursors of serotonin − tryptophan and 5-HTP − alleviate several symptoms in fibromyalgia, such as pain, stiffness of the joints and sleep disturbances. Both precursors can also be taken in combination. However, note that 5-HTP should be taken in a quick-release form, while tryptophan should be released slowly. The rapid release of 5-HTP ensures that the serotonin level in the brain increases relatively quickly. Although if too much 5-HTP is administered, it is almost completely metabolized in the periphery and no longer available to the brain. The slow release of tryptophan in turn ensures that tryptophan is not metabolized into kynurenine, but is instead also increasingly used by the brain.

Another therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression is to reduce or block the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic clefts, thereby prolonging the duration of action of serotonin at the cell surface. This is the approach of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs or SNRIs), which are currently used as first-line agents in antidepressant therapy. However, there are many undesirable side effects, which sometimes lead to gastrointestinal problems and dry mouth. These medications may also increase blood pressure and sometimes even lead to increased anxiety or restlessness.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) are also used in the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders or Parkinson’s disease. In simple terms, these drugs inhibit the breakdown of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. However, unwanted side effects are not uncommon with MAO inhibitors, including agitation, tremors, nausea and high blood pressure. Caution is also advised if other antidepressants are taken in conjunction with MAO inhibitors, as this can lead to a life-threatening serotonin excess.