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A Speculation

Richard J. Wyatt, MD; Jonathan Kaplan, MD; Thomas Vaughan, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1973;29(5):597-599.

Abstract
In a therapeutic trial, rapid increases and abrupt discontinuation of the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5 HTP) produced striking behavioral effects in a group of phenothiazine-resistant chronic schizophrenic patients. These effects were greatly diminished by gradual changes in 5HTP dosages.

It is speculated that tolerance and dependence developed to 5HTP administration in these patients and perhaps to serotonin itself. It is further speculated that rapid changes, even from normal serotonin concentration, might be responsible for many of the behavioral effects seen when the metabolism of serotonin is altered.

Author Affiliations
Washington, DC

From the Laboratory of Clinical Psychopharmacology, IRP National Institute of Mental Health, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, DC.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication May 14, 1973.

Reprint requests to the Laboratory of Clinical Psychopharmacology, IRP National Institute of Mental Health, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, DC 20032 (Dr. Wyatt).

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