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Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has effects on a variety of functions, including sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. Serotonin also affects cardiovascular function, endocrine function, and the musculoskeletal system.
Inadequate supplies of Serotonin may have negative effects on mental health, sleep cycles, appetite control, and more. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, those who have depression typically also have low levels of Serotonin. [1] Some medications used in the treatment of depression are designed to increase Serotonin levels.
For those who want to increase Serotonin levels in order to improve their mood, deal with sleep problems, or promote weight loss, taking over-the-counter Serotonin boosters may provide a way to do so.
But it is important to note that actual Serotonin tablets would not work. Serotonin is not bioavailable in supplement form and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, where it needs to be active in order to affect mood.
But there are Serotonin-boosting supplements that may raise levels of this neurochemical naturally. While these supplements do not contain Serotonin, they do contain amino acids, vitamins, and Serotonin precursors that are needed for the brain to produce this neurotransmitter.
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Top Serotonin Boosters* ❯Serotonin Tablets
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Serotonin pills are used for a variety of problems, including sleep disorders, anxiety, migraines and depression.
Serotonin is considered the “happiness neurotransmitter” because it plays a role in supporting positive moods. When this chemical is released in the brain, we tend to feel relaxed, content, and satisfied.
Serotonin-boosting supplements have also been used for fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Another use for Serotonin tablets includes appetite suppression to promote weight loss. Some people also take these pills to help with teeth grinding or smoking cessation.
How Do Serotonin Supplements Work?
Serotonin supplements do not directly contain the chemical Serotonin, since it is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that if you were to ingest a pill composed of pure Serotonin, the ingredients would not be able to reach the brain and have an effect there.
Instead, supplements such as 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) and L-Tryptophan are used to increase natural Serotonin production within the brain.
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body cannot make on its own. It is found in many high protein foods including red meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, soy, beans, seeds, and nuts. Tryptophan from food or supplements is broken down into 5-HTP in the liver. The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain tissue. Once in the brain, the 5-HTP is then converted into Serotonin.
Consuming foods that contain L-Tryptophan can modestly increase Serotonin levels. However, 5-HTP is considered to be more effective for boosting levels of this neurotransmitter, as it is further along the metabolic pathway to Serotonin.
Benefits of Serotonin Tablets
Serotonin-boosting supplements that contain L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP have shown varying degrees of effectiveness.
5-HTP supplements are rated as Possibly Effective at improving symptoms of depression, according to the Natural Medicines Database. Research studies have shown that 5-HTP may be as effective as some conventional antidepressants at improving the symptoms of depression.
One study found that 5-HTP 150-400 mg daily had similar effects as fluoxetine (Prozac) 20-40 mg daily in reducing symptoms of depression. Similar results were seen when 5-HTP was compared to fluvoxamine (Luvox) and imipramine (Tofranil).
However, more research is still needed to determine if 5-HTP is effective for fibromyalgia, anxiety, headaches, obesity, and insomnia. At this time the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Supplements that have L-Tryptophan are rated as Possibly Effective at improving mood in those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and treating smoking cessation. More research is needed to determine how effective these supplements are for improving athletic performance and reducing symptoms of depression.
Additional studies are also needed to determine if Serotonin tablets for sleep are effective for treating sleep apnea and insomnia. Supplements with L-Tryptophan might help those with obstructive sleep apnea, but these do not seem to be effective for those with central sleep apnea.
While Tryptophan is used as a prescription drug for conditions such as depression in some countries, including Canada, at this time, the FDA has not approved Tryptophan as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any conditions.
How to Take Serotonin Pills
Where can people get serotonin tablets that work? These supplements are available from online retailers at sites such as Amazon and GNC.com, as well as local stores that carry a wide range of health supplements.
Look for supplements that contain L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP to boost Serotonin production in the brain. They may also have other ingredients, depending on their intended use, such as sleep problems or weight loss.
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the production of Serotonin. Getting enough of this vitamin may support improved levels of this neurotransmitter. Using a niacin supplement is also theorized to boost the availability of serotonin. Niacin is made in the body from L-Tryptophan as well.
Some medical researchers have theorized that if you use a niacin supplement, it may result in less L-Tryptophan being diverted to make niacin. This could theoretically support increased Serotonin synthesis.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Serotonin-boosting tablets depends mainly on the purpose they are being used for and the strength of the product being used. Age, medical conditions and other factors are also taken into consideration when determining a safe dosage.
For example, adults taking L-Tryptophan for mood problems can usually take between 8 to 12 grams per day in up to four divided doses, according to the Mayo Clinic. [2] However dosages above 6 g per day often do not appear to have additional benefits and may have a higher chance of side effects. It is recommended that dosages above 6 g should only be taken under doctor advice and supervision.
5-HTP dosages also vary widely based on the purpose of use. A standard starting dosage is often between 100-200 mg. For depression, dosages of between 150-300 in up to three divided doses per day have been used. For migraines, bewteen 300-600 mg per day has been used. Dosages above 500 mg per day may be dangerous and increase the risk of side effects. High dosages should only be taken under doctor advice and supervision.
Adults who are considering taking Serotonin supplements should consult with their doctor to determine the safest dosage. Children should only take Serotonin supplements under the care of a doctor to help reduce the risk of dangerous side effects.
Serotonin Tablet Side Effects and Interactions
Both 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan are generally well tolerated when used appropriately in healthy adults. Mild side effects that can occur with Serotonin supplements include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, dry mouth, headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness. Side effects and adverse reactions can be more serious in children.
More serious side effects can occur when using high dosages of 5-HTP or L-Tryptophan supplements, or if these supplements are taken together with other Serotonin-concentration altering compounds. An excess of Serotonin in the body can lead to the condition known as Serotonin Syndrome.
Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome include confusion, fever, excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, and impaired coordination. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal.
Serotonin supplements should not be taken with certain types of medications due to potentially dangerous interactions. Those who take sedatives should not take these supplements, since this combination can lead to excessive drowsiness.
Other medications that interact with Serotonin tablets include antidepressants like SSRIs and MAOIs, phenothiazines, tramadol, and dextromethorphan. Combining these medications with Serotonin tablets can cause heart problems, anxiety, and other effects, according to MedlinePlus. [3]
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
3 Comments
I suffer from tension headache can I take Serotenin supplement to relieve /cure my headache
5-HTP is serotonin, they’re the same chemical, so this article is best ignored as it hasn’t been at all fact-checked.
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for your comment. This is not accurate. 5-HTP is 5-Hydroxytryptophan, which is the precursor to Serotonin.
Serotonin is sometimes referred to as 5-HT or 5-hydroxytryptamine. They are easy to confuse, but they are two different chemicals. I hope that helps!