SEROTONIN FACTS
- Chemical neurotransmitter that passes signals between brain cells
- Can either enhance or slow the signal being passed
- Influences many brain related functions
- Mood and emotions
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Memory and learning
- Temperature regulation
- Sexual desire and function
CAUSES OF ALTERED LEVELS
- Inadequate production by brain cells
- Lack of receptor sites in the brain
- Shortage of tryptophan, an amino acid from which serotonin is made
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW LEVELS
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Impulsiveness
- Insomnia
- Low self-esteem
- Poor appetite
SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITOR (SSRI) TREATMENT
Actions
- Prevents the body from reabsorbing serotonin
- Because reuptake is blocked more is available for use in the brain
Medications
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Unusual dreams
- Lower sex drive
- Serotonin syndrome
- Read the website document Serotonin Syndrome for more information.
NOREPINEPHRINE FACTS
- Chemical neurotransmitter that passes signals between brain cells
- Naturally increases during times of intense stress
- Influences many brain related functions
- Mood and emotions
- Sleep
- Memory and learning
- Attention
- Pain response
CAUSES OF ALTERED LEVELS
- Chronic stress
- Poor nutrition
- Obesity
- Inefficient use of existing norepinephrine
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW LEVELS
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Apathy
- Lack of energy
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
SEROTONIN AND NOREPINEPRHINE REUPTAKE INHIBITOR (SNRI) TREATMENT
Action
- Prevents the body from reabsorbing both serotonin and norepinephrine
- Because reuptake is blocked more is available for use in the brain
- May be prescribed for chronic pain
Medications
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Euphoria
- Hyperactive behavior
- Panic attacks
- High blood pressure
- Serotonin syndrome
- Read the website document Serotonin Syndrome for more information.
