Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) plays a crucial role in mediating the descending inhibitory system and in the pathophysiology of migraine. Previous studies regarding the use of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the active precursor of 5-HT, in the treatment of migraine have been inconclusive so far. To assess the efficacy of the serotonin active precursor in migraine prophylaxis, a double-blind cross-over study was carried out in 31 patients with migraine, comparing L-5-HTP (400 mg/day p.o.) with placebo. The reduction in severity and frequency of headache in patients taking the active drug and placebo was noted. Mood patterns were also taken into consideration by means of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. L-5-HTP proved to be more effective than placebo in reducing both headache frequency and severity, but the difference was not statistically significant. Favorable responses (>509% average reduction in headache symptoms) were obtained in 52% of cases after the second month of treatment. No significant difference in therapeutic response was observed as related to age, sex. headache duration and severity. Side effects, experienced in 16% of the cases, were generally mild and transient. We conclude that 5-HTP is a medication of some efficacy and remarkable safety, providing us with another alternative approach to migraine prophylaxis.
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