Serotonin Side Effects and Dangers of Overdose

Are you taking a mood elevating medication and concerned about possible Serotonin side effects?

Supplements and drugs to raise brain Serotonin levels are used to stabilize mood, alleviate anxiety and panic attacks, promote better sleep patterns, help you lose weight, and treat migraines.

Commonly known as the “feel good” hormone, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the pineal gland deep within the brain.

While many of the effects of increasing levels of this neurotransmitter are positive, there can be side effects and health dangers if Serotonin-boosting drugs are misused, overused, or taken by certain persons who are contraindicated.

What are the possible Serotonin side effects that can occur and what are some of the ways to avoid these adverse reactions? Natural supplements like 5-HTP are being proposed as alternatives to prescription drugs that may offer a lower risk of side effects.

It is important to speak to your doctor before taking any supplements to determine if they are appropriate for your health concerns. Serotonin side effects are possible when using Serotonin-boosting drugs or supplements, but can be minimized or eliminated with proper dosages and use.

Serotonin Boosters

Mood Supplements

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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:

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Serotonin Drugs for Depression

Psychotropic drugs designed to raise brain Serotonin levels, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), have positive implications in the treatment of depression and related mood disorders.

These drugs have been widely adopted because they were found to be far safer than Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and certain other types of antidepressant pills. Popular SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).

SSRIs are routinely used to treat various mental disorders, and their efficacy is determined by how well the drug decreases the presenting symptoms of a disorder, as well as the occurrence and severity of Serotonin side effects. SSRIs work by blocking reuptake of Serotonin into what is known as the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing availability post-synaptically.

Because more Serotonin is available at your neuronal synapses, it increases the likelihood that it will bind to receptors on your neurons. The net effect is increased activation of serotonergic receptors.

Serotonin Side Effects

SSRIs and other drugs that influence Serotonin systems in the brain can cause side effects in some cases. These negative outcomes are more likely when the drugs are not used properly or are combined with other Serotonin-boosting compounds like 5-HTP.

Possible Serotonin side effects include but are not limited to nausea, dizziness, delirium, disorientation, tremor, irregular heartbeat, headache, menstrual irregularity, weight gain or loss, loss of sex drive, sweating and skin rashes. In most cases, an adjustment of dosage or a change of prescription can alleviate unpleasant side effects. Speak to your doctor before adjusting your dosage.

Side effects associated with taking SSRIs are typically transient and minimal, with the exception of erectile dysfunction. Because there have been reported incidents of suicide thoughts and actions in adolescents treated with SSRIs, they are generally not recommended for use in young children and teenagers.

Although SSRIs are extremely popular and extensively prescribed, they have not been found to be any more effective in treating the symptoms of depression than any other type of prescription antidepressants.

In some patients, SSRIs can be very effective and are routinely recommend in treating a diverse range of mental and physical disorders. Their efficacy is measured by how well the drug works at decreasing the life-limiting symptoms of a disorder, as well as the absence of serotonin side effects.

When taking SSRI antidepressants it is important to be aware of potential adverse effects and to report any and all unusual reactions to your healthcare provider as they may be signs of serious or potentially life-threatening conditions.

Recent research studies implicate Paxil and Prozac, two of the most widely prescribed SSRI anti-depressant Serotonin-activating drugs as carcinogenic (cancer causing). Illicit drugs that impact Serotonin transmission include psilocin, LSD, phencyclidine, ketamine, and ecstasy.

Too Much Serotonin Side Effects

As noted, side effects are typically minimal when Serotonin boosting compounds are used properly. However there are cases where side effects from too much Serotonin in the body can occur. In the worst-case scenarios, an excessive amount of serotonergic activity can be lethal.

Usually, this is the result of an overdose caused by a person ingesting very high levels of Serotonin-boosting compounds or combining medications such as SSRIs with over-the-counter dietary supplements like 5-HTP.

A serious condition known as Serotonin Syndrome can occur from the ingestion of a single massive dose of a Serotonin-augmenting agent or a combination of such compounds. Excess levels of Serotonin in the system can cause Serotonin receptors to become over-stimulated. Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome include excessive sweating, irritation, fever, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal.

Low Serotonin Side Effects

While too much Serotonin in the brain can be a serious health problem, a lack of Serotonin can also cause serious side effects. A genetic propensity, excessive alcohol consumption, too much caffeine, a poor diet, a lack of physical activity, a lack of exposure to natural sunlight and chronic stress can all contribute to a Serotonin deficiency.

Production of this brain chemical is also dependent on the availability of the amino acid Tryptophan, a precursor to Serotonin production, and vitamin B6.

When our diet is lacking is essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, we run an increased risk of Serotonin deficiency. Supplements like 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan may help to bring levels back into a healthy range.

Research studies implicate Serotonin deficiency in diabetes, heart disease, strokes, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, low energy levels, sexual dysfunction, anger management issues, epilepsy, compulsive behavior, lack of impulse control, apathy, insomnia, anxiety, depression and weight gain.

A Serotonin deficiency may be the biggest obstacle to weight loss. When this chemical is depleted, hunger cravings increase, urging the body to crave carbohydrate-rich foods and beverages to quickly replenish levels. Carbs break down quickly into blood sugar and spike insulin levels. When insulin is elevated, fat cells are open, ready to gorge.

Raising Serotonin Levels Naturally

While SSRIs certainly have their place in managing mood and the complications of deficiency, many people seek natural ways to raise Serotonin levels. This may avoid some of the potential side effects of Serotonin common with prescription medications.

The best ways to naturally increase production of this neurotransmitter are to increase physical activity, adopt a nutrient-rich balanced diet, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and increase light exposure.

To support these efforts, adding the diet supplement 5-HTP, a chemical precursor of Serotonin production, has shown to be effective in aiding weight loss and improving mood. Serotonin side effects from supplements like 5-HTP  are often less then with prescription medication, both in severity and frequency.

When taken at appropriate dosages, most people can expect to experience no to mild side effects including nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Serotonin Syndrome is a concern if 5-HTP is taken at excessive dosage or combined with other Serotonin-boosting compounds. It is recommended to speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements like 5-HTP.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Raising Serotonin levels can have a huge impact on mood and well being and has proved useful in weight management. However, SSRIs should be only used as prescribed and always monitored by your physician.

Before taking dietary supplements like 5-HTP, tell your doctor about any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, or other dietary supplements you may be currently using to avoid possible adverse drug interactions and Serotonin side effects.

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