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Effects of 5HTP on the Injured Human Spinal Cord

Spinal Cord Injuries

This study will assess how the serotonin precursor, 5-HTP, alter nervous system excitability and motor function in individuals with spinal cord injuries of differing chronicity and severity. Participants will visit the lab on 4 separate occasions where they will be administered four different drugs in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL
  • Eligible Ages:

    18 to 65

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* participants must have suffered trauma to the spinal cord at least six months ago or longer

Exclusion Criteria:

* individuals with damage to the nervous system other than to the spinal cord
* pregnant and/or breastfeeding women
* alcoholic participants
* history of seizure/epilepsy
* history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
* known or suspected allergy to the medication ingredients
* cardiovascular disease including history of heart attack or heart rhythm irregularities
* coronary artery disease
* reduced liver function or disease
* reduced kidney function or disease
* lung disease
* comatose or depressed states due to CNS depressants
* endocrine dysfunction
* blood dyscrasias or blood related disease
* bone marrow depression
* hypocalcemia
* history of stomach ulcers
* wide angle glaucoma
* phenylketonuria
* history of tumors
* uncontrolled heart problems
* unstable psychiatric or mental disorder

Participants taking:

* monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy
* serotonergic antidepressants
* tricyclic antidepressants
* any type of serotonergic agonist
* dopamine D2 receptor antagonists
* amphetamine
* CNS depressants
* levodopa
* lithium
* anti-hypertensive drugs
* iron salts
* metoclopramide
* phenothiazine medication

Study Location

University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Jessica D'Amico, PhD

[email protected]
780-735-7917
Study Sponsored By
University of Alberta
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT04520178