Introduction:

Serotone in chemical language is also known as 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). This is a widely used drug to calm nerves, alleviate depressive mood symptoms, induce sleep, relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting, etc. A lot of research has been performed on this nutritional supplement and a lot of reading material is available on websites as well as articles have been written in medical journals on its efficacy.

What Causes Reduced Levels of Serotonin In The Body?

There are a lot of reasons that lead to decreased serotonin levels in the brain. The factors that lead to such includes high stress levels, poor nutrition, prescription drugs that can cause alteration in production of serotonin levels by the nerves and in the longer run just render them disable where they cannot produce any serotonin at all. Hormonal imbalance is also a major cause in the lowering of serotonin levels.

How Does Serotone Work?

Serotone 5-HTP is absorbed through the gut and gradually works its way by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This then results in a calming effect, which allows an individual to relax. About 70% of Serotone does not get metabolized in the body and is thus excreted in an unmetabolized form.

Benefits of Serotone:

As mentioned above, Serotone is used for a number of conditions such as insomnia, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, depression, helps slow down the racing mind, muscle cramps, etc. A large number of patients who are receiving chemotherapy are prescribed Serotone because it is known as the most potent medicine to stabilize nausea and vomiting that is a common side effect in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Contraindications of Serotone:

There are certain conditions where an individual must not take Serotone. These include pregnancy, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, contraindications with certain drugs such as triptans, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, etc.

How To Detect If Serotonin Levels are Low?

Symptoms such as mood swings, depression, behavioral changes are some of the indicators that signal a change in the neurochemistry. The best way to determine low serotonin levels is to undergo blood tests to check the level of serotonin in blood. There are also endocrine tests that are performed to check whether their abnormally high or low secretions are directly affecting the serotonin levels.