Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is created naturally by the body and is one of the chemicals responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep, thinking, memory and learning. There are medication options available to supply serotonin when the body does not create enough serotonin on its own. Prior to beginning any new medication regimen, it is recommended to discuss options with a physician to prevent toxic chemical levels of serotonin, also known as serotonin syndrome.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine was originally created for treating depression, but it is currently marketed only as a weight-loss medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, this medication increases serotonin activity in the brain to prevent over-eating. An additional benefit of this medication is increased mood, but there are several concerns of this medication that require ongoing monitoring by a physician. This medication is currently only approved for people who are very overweight and who are under medical supervision.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is in a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are drugs responsible for increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Fluoxetine is used for treating depressive disorders, eating disorders, some anxiety disorders and in combination with other medications in treating more complicated psychiatric disorders. Fluoxetine works by blocking the re-absorption of serotonin by other nerve cells in the brain that essentially take away the serotonin from the intended location in the brain. Through blocking the re-absorption, the fluoxetine allows a balanced level of serotonin to the remain in the brain, leading to improved mood and decreased feelings of depression.
Citalopram
Citalopram is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor used to treat depression, anxiety and body image disorders. Citalopram is a newer medication with less harmful drug interaction and side effects than the older antidepressant medications. Additionally, citalopram is being tested for use in treating symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy and premature ejaculation, which are aspects of disorders associated with imbalanced serotonin levels.
