Effects of 5HTP and LDOPA on CNS Excitability After SCI

The Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) Supplementation on Central Nervous System Excitability and Motor Function in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

This study will examine whether supplementation with the serotonin and dopamine precursors, 5HTP and L-DOPA can alter central nervous system excitability and improve motor function after incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 18-65 years of age.
• Patients must have suffered a trauma to the spinal cord at least 1 year ago or longer.
• Patients must exhibit some degree of spasticity which can be self-reported (Penn spasm frequency) or if assessed by a physiotherapist, a modified Ashworth spasticity score greater than 1

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with damage to the nervous system other than to the spinal cord
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Alcoholic patients
• Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy
• Patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Patients with active or inactive implants including cardiac pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, ocular implants, deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulator, and implanted medication pumps
• Patients with conductive, ferromagnetic or other magnetic-sensitive metals implanted in their head
• Patients with:
• Known or suspected allergy to the medication or the ingredients
• Cardiovascular disease including history of heart attack or heart rhythm irregularities
• Coronary artery disease
• Comatose or depressed states due to CNS depressants
• Endocrine dysfunction
• Blood dyscrasias
• Bone marrow depression
• History of seizures
• Hypocalcemia
• History of stomach ulcers
• Wide-angle glaucoma
• Phenylketonuria

Patients taking:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy
• Serotonergic antidepressants: selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Any type of serotonergic agonist
• Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists
• Amphetamine
• CNS depressants
• Levodopa
• Lithium
• Anti-hypertensive drugs (Carbidopa and L-DOPA)
• Iron salts
• Metoclopramide
• Phenothiazine medication