Serotonin

    Serotonin is a small molecule that functions both as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and as a hormone in the peripheral nervous system. In the periphery, serotonin is present in enteric neurons, blood platelets, and enterochromaffin-like cells in the gut. In the brain, serotonin plays an important neuromodulatory role in physiological responses, such as behavioral arousal, circadian rhythmicity, neuroendocrine function, sexual behavior, and feeding. Serotonin also plays an important role in mental processes, mood, and cognition, and is implicated in many psychiatric disorders.

    Imbalance An imbalance in serotonin levels can lead to a number of problems. Although most people are aware of the connection between low serotonin levels and depression, high serotonin levels can also be problematic.

 Low serotonin:

Anxiety or worry

Depression or low mood

Appetite, hunger, or cravings

Increased sensitivity to pain

Migraines

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Insomnia

High Serotonin:

Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness

Headache

Fatigue

Weight gain

Drugs that interact with Serotonin

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Cipramil, Emocal, Serpam, Cipralex, Esteria, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Fluctin, Faverin, Seroxat, Aropax, Deroxat, Rexetin, Xentor, Paroxat, Lustral, Serlain, Dapoxetine

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Enhancers: Stablon, Coaxil, Tatinol

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Effexor, Pristiq, Meridia, Serzone, Dalcipran, Despramine, Duloxetine 

Serotonin deficiency questionnaire

Please circle the appropriate number “0 – 3” on all questions below.

0 as the least/never to 3 as the most /always.

Are you losing your pleasure in hobbies and interests? 0 1 2 3

How often do you feel overwhelmed with ideas to manage? 0 1 2 3

How often do you have feelings of inner rage (anger)? 0 1 2 3

How often do you have feelings of paranoia? 0 1 2 3

How often do you feel sad or down for no reason? 0 1 2 3

How often do you feel like you are not enjoying life? 0 1 2 3

How often do you feel you lack artistic appreciation? 0 1 2 3

How often do you feel depressed in overcast weather? 0 1 2 3

How much are you losing your enthusiasm for your favorite activities? 0 1 2 3

How much are you losing enjoyment for your favorite foods? 0 1 2 3

How much are you losing your enjoyment of friendships and relationships? 0 1 2 3

How often do you have difficulty falling into deep restful sleep? 0 1 2 3

How often do you have feelings of dependency on others? 0 1 2 3

How often do you feel more susceptible to pain? 0 1 2 3

How often do you have feelings of unprovoked anger? 0 1 2 3

How much are you losing interest in life? 0 1 2 3