Oxitriptan

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Oxitriptan or 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5HT) is
converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin
in the body. Serotonin is a key factor in
mood regulation, and the
reduction of depression and
anxiety. A lack of serotonin has
been linked to compulsive disorders, especially the
overeating of carbohydrates. Serotonin is also the precursor
to the pineal gland’s production of melatonin. As serotonin
levels decline with age, supplementation with the amino acid L-tryptophan (the body produces
serotonin by converting L-tryptophan to 5 hydroxy-tryptophan
via a vitamin B3 dependent enzyme, and then converting
5HT to serotonin via a vitamin B6 dependent enzyme), or the drug Oxitriptan is beneficial. Oxitriptan’s advantage is that, unlike L-tryptophan, it is used solely by the brain for the manufacture of
serotonin, and is thus more effective in increasing
serotonin levels.

ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:

Oxitriptan’s anti-aging benefits may include
the prevention and treatment of depression, maintenance of serotonin levels as the body ages,
prevention and treatment of compulsive disorders like
overeating, improved daytime alertness and treatment of
insomnia. Recent studies have suggested that decreased serotonin levels may contribute to some of
the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Therefore Oxitriptan
may be useful in alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson’s
disease, however, this use of Oxitriptan has not
been clinically proven. Regardless, Oxitriptan remains a potentially effective, safe, and non-toxic
method of improving serotonin levels.

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Side effects include nausea and mild gastric
discomfort. Patients suffering serious renal insufficiency or hypersensitivity to oxitriptan should avoid the drug. Patients treated with alpha
methyldopa and methysergide, which block the peripheral
decarbixylization of oxitriptan, should take oxitriptan with
caution.

PHARMACOLOGY:

Synonyms: 5-HTP;
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan; Ro-0783/B.

Chemical Name: L
2-Amino-3-(5-hydroxy-1-Hindol- 3yl) propionic
acid.

Molecular Formula: C(11)H(12)N(2)O(3)

Molecular Weight: 220.2

Distribution: Oxitriptan is
available in 50mg or 10mg tablets under the trade names
Cincofarm, Levotonine, Levothym, Oxyfan, Serotonyl, Serovit, Telesol, Trimag, Tript-OG, Tript-Oh, Triptene and Triptum.