Serotonin Agonist Mechanisms of Action, Side Effects & Drug List

A Serotonin agonist is a compound that enhances the activation of Serotonin receptor cells in the brain. This neurotransmitter is associated with positive moods, relaxation, and satiety.

Adequate levels of Serotonin help protect against depressed moods, but when levels are low, you may find yourself growing moodier, more anxious, and irritable. You may experience additional symptoms like headaches.

Agonists may be used in situations where prolonged Serotonin deficiency results in mood disorders and other symptoms.

In normal circumstances, Serotonin is released into our central and peripheral nervous system, where it acts as a chemical messenger by binding to specific receptors.

Serotonin can only activate receptors on serotonergic cells or neurons in the brain. If there is not enough of this neurotransmitter to perform its necessary function, symptoms of deficiency can occur. Serotonin agonists help to increase stimulation of these receptors, even when there is not enough Serotonin available.

They are usually supplements or drugs that combine with serotonergic receptors to produce the same physiological response as if the neurotransmitter itself were present.

Serotonin Boosters

Mood Supplements

Mood

Sleep

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Varies depending on supplement

Safety:

Varies depending on supplement

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What do Serotonin Agonists do?

The body produces nearly a dozen Serotonin receptor agonists, all of which are capable of enhancing activation of the serotonergic system.

There are also numerous drugs and natural supplements that can be used to perform the same function. Below are some of the main types of agonists:

• 5-HT 1A agonists such as those found in SSRIs are used in antidepressants.
• 5-HT 1B and 5-HT 1D agonists, such as those found in sumatriptan, are used to treat migraines.
• 5-HT 2C agonists are often found in weight-loss drugs.

Each of these agonists target a specific type of Serotonin receptor cell which will be linked to a specific pathway. Depending on the agonist used, different components of the serotonergic system will be activated. This allows for targeting of certain neural functions.

For example, weight loss drugs will use agonists that trigger the Serotonin receptors involved in controlling appetite. Anti-depressant drugs like SSRIs will selectively activate brain circuits involved in mood. Finally, Serotonin agonist drugs that work for migraines and headaches will be designed to only target receptors relevant to those pathways.

Of these, SSRIs are the most frequently prescribed, with over 40 million Americans having used them in the past 3 decades. Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of prescription drugs that prevent this neurotransmitter from being absorbed back into your neurons once it is released.

SSRIs increase the movement of Serotonin to receptor cells, enhancing stimulation of these receptors. While SSRIs are considered safe for most when used under doctor care, there can be side effects and changes in mood, libido and weight when used for long periods of time.

upplements that Increase Serotonin Production

Another type of compound that can increase serotonergic activity is a Serotonin precursor. These supplements and drugs work simply to raise levels of this chemical in the brain and body. The result is non-selective activation of Serotonin receptors.

In other words, these supplements do not target specific sets of receptors. Rather, they universally increase levels of Serotonin so that all receptors are more likely to be activated.

An internal biochemical process is involved in manufacturing Serotonin. L-Tryptophan – an amino acid – is broken down in the liver to make 5-HTP. This chemical is then decarboxylated to form 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), which we more commonly refer to as Serotonin.

Tryptophan is one of 22 amino acids and one of 9 essential aminos which our bodies cannot make. You will find this compound in chicken, turkey, red meat, turnip and collard greens, soy beans, tofu, dairy products, and seeds and nuts.

While we typically derive the Tryptophan we need to start this chemical process from foods, it is also possible to use dietary supplements to supply our bodies with the resources it needs. Only 7% of the Tryptophan we consume is available to be converted into Serotonin, and half of that amount typically gets directed towards producing vitamin B3 (niacin).

Thus, raising Tryptophan food intake is often not sufficient for significantly increasing Serotonin levels. Some people take Tryptophan supplements to help increase Serotonin levels. Others use 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) supplements. Since these supplements are closer to Serotonin in the biochemical chain, they can be more effective at quickly boosting levels within the brain.

How Does Serotonin Work?

Serotonin has an important influence on eating habits, the quality and depth of sleep, memory, attention spans, and even sexual functions. Clinical studies have also associated decreased levels with depression.

What does Serotonin do in the brain? It makes sure that signals between synapses on neurons function at optimal levels. Serotonin regulates these signals, keeps us calm, and helps to reduce stress. It helps us filter out some of the noisy and distracting messages in our brain so that only the important messages get through.

The implications of this are significant for mood. For example, every year millions of people around the world experience symptoms of SAD – seasonal affective disorder.

SAD is directly linked to a decrease in Serotonin production in the brain, due to low sunlight in the winter months. Humans need sunlight to help our bodies synthesize Vitamin D, which is involved in the release of Serotonin from our neurons.

Serotonin agonists and Serotonin boosters like 5-HTP have been used to minimize the seasonal decline in serotonergic activity to combat the depression and low moods that are associated with SAD.

Where to Get Serotonin Agonists

To learn more about Serotonin agonists, speak to your doctor. Only a qualified healthcare professional that knows your medical history will be able to assist you in determining whether these drugs are right for you.

Not everyone will need to use these pharmaceutical agents to normalize serotonergic activity. There are a number of natural therapies that can be adopted to improve your brain chemistry.

You can find 5-HTP supplements to boost Serotonin on the shelves of any natural food store. You can also support higher levels by eating a healthy and nutritious diet with foods rich in L-Tryptophan.

Sources of L-Tryptophan in foods includes bananas, wild fish, dark chocolate, and legumes. There are limits to how effective dietary changes can be for increasing Serotonin due to the low availability of L-Tryptophan for production of this chemical.

Remember that dietary changes will take longer to be noticeable and may not cause significant changes. However, it is important to first address your diet before taking supplements or drugs.

Side Effects

SSRIs and other Serotonin receptor agonists have risks of side effects, especially when used improperly. Follow all label instructions regarding usage and dosage. Talk to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with depression or cardiovascular issues, especially if you’re already taking prescription medication for these conditions.

Too much Serotonin in the body can lead to a condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This is a potentially life-threatening reaction that affects the central nervous system.

Supplements like 5-HTP can also cause side effects including abdominal pain, agitation, aggressiveness, anorexia, anxiety, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and more. Serious side effects are rare, but can occur when combined with other drugs or used in excess dosages. A safe dosage typically falls between 50 mg to 300 mg per day.

Take this supplement with food to reduce risk of nausea. Serotonin boosters like 5-HTP are designed for short term (two to three months) use, but not longer.

Talk to your doctor or health practitioner about the use of Serotonin agonists, and supplements and foods that raise levels of this neurotransmitter. If you want to lose weight, improve sleep patterns and feel better, addressing Serotonin levels in the brain may help when done safely.

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