Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study

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#5-hydroxytryptophan #adult #aged #clinical-trials-as-topic #clomipramine

Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study

Nardini et al., 1983 | Int J Clin Pharmacol Res | Rct

Citation

Nardini M, De Stefano R, ... Battistini N. Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1983;3(4):239-50

Abstract

A double-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 26 hospitalized, depressed patients who were randomized into two groups. Patients in each group received chlorimipramine (50 mg/day), combined with L-5-HTP (300 mg/day) in Group A, and with placebo in Group B. The trial lasted 28 days. Two Group B patients dropped out. All the patients were evaluated by HRSD each week, and by ZDSI and CGI at the beginning and end of treatment. Several statistical analyses of the mean HRSD scores of each item presenting initial positive response and of ZDSI scores for both reactive and endogenous depression were performed, using Student's t-test. To evaluate the efficacy of the chlorimipramine +L-5-HTP combination versus control therapy the Mann-Whitney test was applied to the reduction in HRSD scores, showing 0.05 significance. The results for both types of pathology were quantitatively and qualitatively more positive for Group A than for Group B. Cluster analysis of HRSD item scores alone and between this scale and ZDSI, according to Carrol's correlation method for the symptoms of the cluster (mood, anxiety and somatic symptoms), was carried out to confirm the above results.

Key Findings

Cluster analysis of HRSD item scores alone and between this scale and ZDSI, according to Carrol's correlation method for the symptoms of the cluster (mood, anxiety and somatic symptoms), was carried out to confirm the above results.

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • 5-Hydroxytryptophan
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Clomipramine
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: 5-htp

Provenance

  • PMID: 6381336
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10