4. Sleeping Medications
If you rely on sleep medication to fall asleep at night, you may be at a higher risk of developing serotonin syndrome. This depends on the type of sleeping aid that you are using as there are some sleep medications that work differently than others.
Once again, serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It works by reducing brain activity. In addition, it converts to melatonin, which is the sleep hormone. Melatonin is the perfect target for sleep aids as it is what is naturally produced by the body in order to help you sleep.
If you are taking a sleeping aid contains melatonin or if you are simply taking a melatonin supplement, it can mess with your hormones and the function of your body. Taking melatonin can help you sleep and may be used for short term as a way to help you get some much-needed rest, but if you take it long term and notice the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, it is important to discuss the use with your doctor.