Serotonin Drugs List – How they Increase Serotonin Levels

What are Serotonin drugs, and what is their purpose in the body?

Serotonin is known for its integral roles in balancing moods, facilitating sleep, and controlling our impulses.

If our brain does not make enough of this chemical, it can cause a number of disruptions in mental functions and throw off our mood.

Depression, anxiety, over-eating, headaches and irritability may all be linked to deficiency of Serotonin. For this reason, many of us are looking for ways to increase their levels. Serotonin drugs, foods, and supplements are all available to help achieve optimal levels.

In order to learn how to help maintain consistent Serotonin levels, it’s important to understand how it is manufactured and how it functions. Serotonin is a natural compound that has to be synthesized by our brains from several precursors.

More specifically, it takes some glucose for fuel, the amino acid L-Tryptophan, the enzyme Tryptophan hydroxylase, vitamins B6 and D.

This article will discuss how these Serotonin-boosting drugs work, as well as some natural alternative options to help raise Serotonin levels.

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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How is Serotonin Made?

Serotonin is made from the natural amino acid, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).

5-HTP is produced in the body from the breakdown of the amino acid L-Tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the nine amino acids that are classified as “essential”.

Essential amino acids are those which the human body cannot produce internally. They have to be gained through the foods, beverages, and supplements we ingest.

5-HTP is not found in any food sources, so we must consume L-Tryptophan foods or a dietary supplement to produce it. Tryptophan from food or supplements is broken down in the liver by Tryptophan hydroxylase into 5-HTP and other metabolites.

The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain. This amino acid can then be converted to Serotonin to be used by our neurons, provided that the required co-factors are present.

Sometimes production of Serotonin may be compromised either due to poor diet and exercise, genetics, stress, and other external factors including the season of the year (Seasonal Affective disorder is a form of depression caused by low light levels in the winter). In cases of severe and protracted deficiency, Serotonin drugs such as SSRIs or MAOIs may be prescribed by your doctor to increase levels.

Commonly Prescribed Serotonin Drugs

Some tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, and SSRIs have been clinically shown to help balance levels of Serotonin. The following is a guide to the effects of MAOIs and SSRIs, which are the two most commonly used treatment options.

Consider side effects and risks before taking any drugs or supplements to improve mood.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs have the longest history of use among antidepressant pharmaceuticals. They act to affect the bioavailability of various neurotransmitters, including Serotonin.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that is utilized to break down Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin from the brain. This is natural as part of the “biochemical recycling processing” that occurs within the brain.

But in some instances, it may be necessary to prevent this breakdown so that levels of Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine can be allowed to increase.

When MAOIs are taken, it inhibits the effects of MAO. This means existing Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin will not be broken down at the same rate, making inner-brain levels overall higher.

Despite the short-term effectiveness of these drugs, they are becoming less popular to prescribe to patients due to the high prevalence of side effects. Common adverse effects associated with taking MAOIs include:

• Diarrhea and/or constipation;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Dry mouth;
• Headaches;
• Skin outbreaks;
• Dizziness
• Disturbed sleep patterns;
• Muscle quakes;
• Low blood pressure;
• Weight gain;
• Urination issues;
• Tingling skin;
• Decreased or absent libido

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are another class of Serotonin drugs used to treat depression and general anxiety disorder. Generally considered safer to use than MAOIs, these drugs have been prescribed to as many as 40 million Americans since the late 1980s.

SSRIs act to stop the reuptake (reabsorption) of Serotonin that has been released from presynaptic Serotonin neurons. The Serotonin released is held within the synaptic cleft for a longer amount of time. This increases the frequency of the neurotransmitter binding with receptors, resulting in a “signal amplification” of serotonergic activity.

SSRIs are not addictive, have few drug interactions, and are regarded as safe for short-term use in most cases. While there are fewer serious side effects with SSRIs than with MAOIs, there is a high prevalence of mild side effects and some risk of dangerous side effects.

In 20-45% of cases, some form of sexual dysfunction is reported. A number of users report a “dulling of emotion” when using this form of Serotonin drug, though this is difficult to quantify in research studies. Additional side effects can include: fatigue; dry mouth; rash; drowsiness; headaches; agitation; nausea; diarrhea; weight loss or weight gain; insomnia; and increased perspiration.

There may also be withdrawal symptoms when the drugs are discontinued.

Exercise, Food, and Natural Supplements to Increase Serotonin

There are a number of natural interventions that you can adopt to enhance Serotonin production. In addition to eating a healthy diet with foods rich in L-Tryptophan, it is important to ingest foods that contain Vitamin D and B6. A multivitamin supplement may help.

Exercise has also been found to raise levels of Serotonin without drugs. Walking for 90 minutes has been shown to lift levels of this neurotransmitter by 100%.

Staying hydrated can also help; a dehydrated system is taxed in every way, making it difficult for the body to synthesize this and other important compounds.

Sometimes intake of Tryptophan in the diet is lacking, and some people naturally inefficiently utilize the Tryptophan they do consume. In cases like this, supplementation may be useful.

Tryptophan supplements exist, however many people prefer to take 5-HTP supplements directly. 5-HTP supplements are often considered to work more quickly than Tryptophan supplements and produce fewer side effects, since they are further along in the metabolic conversion pathway to Serotonin.

5-HTP supplements are commercially derived from seeds of a western African flowering plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. According to Julia Ross of The Nutritional Therapy Institute Clinic, taking 5-HTP can increase Serotonin by 540%. It raised levels more than antidepressant drugs Paxil, Prozac, and Luvox which are typically prescribed to correct Serotonin deficiencies.

As a natural supplement, 5-HTP may be more attractive to some consumers compared to traditional Serotonin-boosting drugs. However, it is important to discuss all of your treatment options with your doctor if you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders.

While prescription Serotonin drugs may be required for serious cases of depression, anxiety and other disorders, it is possible to make lifestyle changes or take supplements that can naturally improve your mood.

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