Serotonin is a hormone that affects well-being, mood, appetite, and sleep. It is found naturally in the brain and digestive tract, and in plants. Antidepressants target serotonin, but too much can be toxic. Serotonin syndrome can occur when SSRIs are used in combination with MAOIs.
Serotonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the human brain; it is also found in the digestive tract and platelets of some animals, including humans. It is also found in a variety of plant sources, including greens, fruits and even mushrooms. Classified as a neurotransmitter, it is important in the transmission of nerve impulses. It is also described as a vasoconstrictor, which is a substance that can cause blood vessels to narrow. The amino acid tryptophan is credited with the production of serotonin in the body.
This hormone can be considered a “happy” hormone, as it greatly influences an overall sense of well-being. It also helps regulate moods, temper anxiety and relieve depression. It is also credited as a natural sleep aid. It also plays an important role in regulating things like aggression, appetite, and sexuality. It also helps regulate body temperature and metabolism, and plays a role in stimulating vomiting.
Because serotonin is so important in regulating mood and feelings of well-being, it’s often targeted in drugs used to influence mood, such as antidepressants. A class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Marplan and Nardil, work to prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters, allowing them to build up in the brain and relieve depression. Unfortunately, these drugs have many serious side effects and tend to react dangerously with other types of drugs.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Celexa, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac, are also used to combat depression, but they have fewer side effects and tend to respond better than other medications. However, not all antidepressants work to increase serotonin in the brain. Some, such as tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, actually work against the reuptake of neurotransmitters.
Despite its contributions to well-being, too much of this neurotransmitter can be a bad thing. When extremely high levels are in the body, it is toxic and the results of excess can be fatal. These extremely high levels are referred to as serotonin syndrome. However, such high levels would be difficult to achieve with single antidepressant use, even in the event of an overdose. However, they may be possible if an SSRI has been used in combination with an MAOI drug. Interestingly, serotonin syndrome is not always fatal; it can occur in milder, non-toxic forms; for example, the drug ecstasy can cause the symptoms of the syndrome, but the levels rarely reach toxicity.
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