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.

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 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.

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.