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Low serotonin levels have been linked to many physical and psychological symptoms, according to Healthline. However, scientists are unsure what actually causes serotonin deficiency.
For example, a meta-analysis show that the effect size for the effects of tryptophan depletion on mood in depressed people not taking antidepressants was large (Hedge's g = −1.9 (95% CIs −3.02 to −0.78) [3] Hence, a more accurate interpretation is that tryptophan depletion studies suggest a role for 5-HT in people vulnerable to depression ...
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin. It can be caused by certain drug interactions, as well as drinking alcohol while ...
Since serotonin deficiency has been recognized as a possible cause of depression, it has been suggested that consumption of tryptophan or 5-HTP may therefore improve depression symptoms by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. [135] 5-HTP and tryptophan are sold over the counter in North America, but requires a prescription in Europe.
The amino-acid L-tryptophan is also available OTC, and seems to be free of dependence or abuse liability. However, it is not as powerful as the traditional hypnotics. Because of the possible role of serotonin in sleep patterns, a new generation of 5-HT 2 antagonists are in current development as hypnotics. [13]
NHS figures show that the number of people in England taking antidepressants continues to rise, with 8.3m patients receiving them in 2021/22.
Low brain serotonin level is induced by administration of tryptophan-poor protein in a technique called acute tryptophan depletion. [68] Studies using this method have evaluated the effect of serotonin on mood and social behavior, finding that serotonin reduces aggression and increases agreeableness.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and are a widely used group of antidepressants. [31] With increased receptor selectivity compared to TCAs, undesired effects such as poor tolerability are avoided. [29] Serotonin is synthesized from an amino acid called L-tryptophan.