Serotonin Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Brain Mia Garnsey

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressant drugs, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first-line of treatment for symptoms of serotonin deficiency, such as anxiety and depression.

SSRIs help your body utilize serotonin more effectively, but they don’t have any effect on the production of the hormone. Studies show that only a portion of the serotonin that your brain releases is used by the body. Some serotonin returns to the cell that it came from. SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, leaving some available for body use.

Examples of SSRIs commonly used include:

Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)

Conclusion

Serotonin deficiency is known to have a wide variety of effects on both your physical and mental health. Although scientists are yet to understand the association between serotonin and its symptoms. It would help to contact your doctor immediately if you think you might have serotonin deficiency.

Reference:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355167

[2] https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-kr/home/blood-disorders/blood-clotting-process/how-blood-clots

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/

[5] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21206-fatigue

[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968

Mia Garnsey February 8, 2024

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