A mood neurotransmitter, serotonin is linked to a person's emotions and is also used by the brain to function. When there is an imbalance of serotonin in the brain, it can cause serious medical problems. If the brain has less than normal levels of serotonin, depression and other mood disorders can occur. If the brain has too much serotonin, it can result in serotonin syndrome, a disorder that can cause death if not treated. Medications and certain supplements can alter serotonin levels, but should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
Reuptake Inhibitors
Reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant that targets certain neurotransmitters. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) only affect serotonin, preventing the neurotransmitter from being recycled; the antidepressant increases the amount of serotonin that the brain can use. Another group of reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Both of these reuptake inhibitor antidepressants are given orally.
Serotonin-Production Blocking Agents
The Mayo Clinic states that if a patient has serotonin syndrome, a serotonin-production blocking agent is used to halt serotonin production. One example of a serotonin-production blocking agent used for serotonin syndrome is cyproheptadine, which RxList states is also an antihistamine. Cyproheptadine is available in pill form. When a patient is given cyproheptadine, she is monitored closely so serotonin levels do not drop too low.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid that cannot be made by the body, so it needs to be ingested. The George Mateljan Foundation states that tryptophan is found in foods like red meat, tuna, shellfish, dairy products, nuts, seeds, soy and bananas. Kristi Monson, Pharm.D. and Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., authors of the eMedTV article "Benefits of Tryptophan," state that tryptophan is also available as a supplement. Once the body receives tryptophan, it coverts the amino acid into serotonin, thus increasing the levels in the brain. However, the authors warn that if a patient takes too many tryptophan supplements, he can develop serotonin syndrome.
