Two cases of hypomania following the addition of L-tryptophan to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Am J Psychiatry. 1985 Dec;142(12):1487-8. doi: 10.1176/ajp.142.12.1487.

Abstract

The combination of L-tryptophan and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) has been reported to be an effective antidepressant regimen. Neurotoxicity has previously been associated with this combination. The author presents two cases of hypomania following the addition of L-tryptophan to an MAOI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / chemically induced*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Phenelzine / adverse effects
  • Phenelzine / therapeutic use
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / chemically induced
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / drug therapy
  • Tranylcypromine / adverse effects
  • Tranylcypromine / therapeutic use
  • Tryptophan / adverse effects*
  • Tryptophan / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Tryptophan
  • Phenelzine