Happy Hormones, Depression and Addiction

What is serotonin and what does it do?

Serotonin is most commonly believed to be a neurotransmitter, although some consider it to be a hormone. It is produced in the intestines and the brain. It is also present in the blood platelets and the central nervous system (CNS).

Serotonin is created by a biochemical conversion process that combines tryptophan, a component of proteins, with tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor. Together, they form 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), or serotonin.

As a neurotransmitter, serotonin relays signals between nerve cells, or neurons, regulating their intensity.

It is believed to play a key role in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the general functioning of the body, and especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Studies have found links between serotonin and bone metabolism, breast milk production, liver regeneration, and cell division.

Serotonin influences most brain cells both directly and indirectly.

Bowel function: Most of the body’s serotonin is found in the GI tract, where it regulates bowel function and movements. It also plays a part in reducing the appetite while eating.

Mood: In the brain, serotonin impacts levels of mood, anxiety, and happiness. Illicit mood-altering drugs such as Ecstasy and LSD cause a significant rise in serotonin levels.

Clotting: Serotonin contributes to the formation of blood clots. It is released by platelets when there is a wound. The resulting vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, reduces blood flow and helps blood clots to form.

Nausea: If you eat something that is toxic or irritating, the gut produces more serotonin to increase transit time and expel the irritant in diarrhea. This also stimulates the nausea area in the brain, resulting in nausea.

Bone density: Some scientists have linked high levels of serotonin in the bones to an increase in osteoporosis, but others have challenged these results.

Sexual function: Serotonin appears to inhibit sexual activity. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) boost serotonin levels in people with depression, but between 20 and 70 percent of people who take them experience a range of symptoms related to sexual dysfunction.

It is not clear precisely what causes depression, but a key theory in the last 50 years is that it may involve an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones in the body.

Depression has been linked to low levels of serotonin, but whether this contributes to depression or results from it remains unclear.

SSRIs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. They are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft).

Normally, once a neurotransmitter has transmitted its neural impulse is reabsorbed into the body. SSRIs prevent the serotonin from being reabsorbed, leading to higher levels of serotonin in the synapses.

However, scientists are now questioning the role of serotonin or any single neurotransmitter in triggering depression.

 

 

Low levels of serotonin have been linked with:

• poor memory
• low mood

 

They may also lead to the following symptoms:

• craving for sweet or starchy foods
• difficulty sleeping
• low self-esteem
• anxiety
• aggression

FAKE HAPPINESS!

When people use recreational drugs, such as MDMA and ecstasy, large amounts of serotonin are released. This can lead to serotonin depletion and a low mood, confusion, and other symptoms that last several days.

Studies have also shown that these drugs may also damage the nerves that contain serotonin, with possible long-lasting adverse effects.

Recreational drugs: The use of recreational drugs, such as ecstasy and MDMA, leads to a high and sudden release of serotonin. If used with prescribed serotonergic drugs, this can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome, or serotonin toxicity, can happen if a person takes two serotonin-boosting drugs at the same time.

There is excessive stimulation of the CNS and peripheral serotonin receptors. It is usually the result of a drug interaction, but at least one medical condition can trigger it. 

Drug interactions: The use of prescribed medications, illegal drugs, or dietary supplements can lead to serotonin syndrome, for example, if a person is susceptible or if two drugs that affect serotonin levels are taken at the same time. Symptoms can appear 6 to 8 hours after taking the drug.

Serotonin syndrome leads to excessive nerve activity.

Signs and symptoms include:

• agitation and restlessness
• confusion
• increased heart rate and blood pressure
• pupil dilation
• diarrhea
• headaches
• shivering
• sweating
• loss of muscle co-ordination
• goosebumps
• muscle rigidity

Severe serotonin syndrome is life-threatening in 2 to 12 percent of cases.

Symptoms include a high fever, irregular heartbeat, seizures and unconsciousness.

The use of a single drug does not usually result in serotonin toxicity.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and attempting to restore normal serotonin levels.

Discontinuing the medication may be enough to stop the symptoms.

Severe serotonin syndrome may need hospital treatment. Medications can be given to relax or paralyze the muscles, control heart rate and blood pressure, and, in some cases, to block the production of serotonin.

Oxygen and intravenous fluids may be given to maintain normal levels of oxygen in the bloodstream and to treat fever and dehydration.

Lastly, don’t google symptoms and treatment. Go to your General Practitioner and take professional direction. Always be entirely honest with your medical treatment professional. It could save your life. 

Excerpts taken from Medical News Today