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Monoamine precursors are precursors of monoamines and monoamine neurotransmitters in the body. The amino acids L-tryptophan and L-5-hydroxytryptophan are precursors of serotonin and melatonin, while the amino acids L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-DOPA are precursors of dopamine, epinephrine , and norepinephrine. Administration of monoamine precursors can increase the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the body and brain. Monoamine precursors may be used in combination with peripherally selective aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors inhibitors] such as carbidopa and benserazide. Carbidopa/levodopa is used to increase brain dopamine levels in the treatment of Parkinson's disease while carbidopa/oxitriptan is under development as an antidepressant for possible use in the treatment of depression.