{"id":19852,"date":"2020-02-05T06:24:43","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T06:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=19852"},"modified":"2021-10-15T04:58:45","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T04:58:45","slug":"14-causes-of-serotonin-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/14-causes-of-serotonin-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Serotonin Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Serotonin syndrome is caused when a person has an overabundance of serotonin in their system. Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is referred to as the \u201chappiness hormone.\u201d It gets this name because it is the hormone that makes us feel good, reduces feelings of pain, and also used as a reward to the brain in order to encourage behaviors that are survival centric such as eating, exercising, and having sex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serotonin is overall a very positive hormone. However, an overabundance can lead to many damaging symptoms such as sweating, disruption of sleep, anxiety, headaches, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, appetite changes, lethargy, and confusion. If you are experiencing symptoms of serotonin syndrome, or if you have a family member who is showing signs of serotonin syndrome, there may be a few reasons why and there are some things that you may need to change. Here are 14 causes of serotonin syndrome to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Anti-depressants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several antidepressants <\/a>that are known for causing serotonin syndrome. This is because many antidepressants are designed to increase the level of serotonin in your body. This strategy is logical as serotonin is known as the feel-good hormone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It stands to reason that a low amount of serotonin is one of the major causes of depression and therefore increasing it in the body could improve the symptoms of depression. SSRIs are a group of antidepressants that may cause serotonin syndrome. The reason for this is because this group of antidepressants is designed to prevent the brain from cleaning up the excess serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When excess serotonin is not cleaned up, it can lead to the hormone building up very quickly in the body. This may result in too much serotonin and result in serotonin syndrome developing. If you are experiencing symptoms of serotonin and currently take an antidepressant, you may want to discuss this with your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Anti-anxiety Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anxiolytics or antianxiety medications are another group of drugs that may increase your chances of developing serotonin syndrome. Serotonin also works as an inhibitory neurotransmitter<\/a>. This means that serotonin suppresses brain activity and reduces the firing of neurons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a very important benefit for those who suffer from anxiety, as anxiety is often characterized by an overabundance of brain activity as the person thinks about all the things that could go wrong etc. With anti-anxiety medication, substances like serotonin and GABA are often increased, in order to shut down the brain and put the individual into a calmer state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this may lead to grogginess as well as other health issues. Those who suffer from anxiety and take medication for it and begin to feel the symptoms of serotonin syndrome should discuss their symptoms with their doctor in order to find a medication that will work better for their condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. L-Tryptophan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Supplemental nutrients can be purchased at many health stores. One type of supplement that some people take is l-tryptophan. Tryptophan is an important nutrient as it is actually a precursor to the release of serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The brain produces tryptophan naturally as a way to build serotonin <\/a>amounts. The more tryptophan that you have, the larger the capacity you have to produce serotonin. Many people use l-tryptophan as a way to help manage their moods. Some people use it as a smart drug, this means they use it as a way to help them perform better in a social situation or during work situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The danger of this is that it can cause the body to produce too much serotonin. Many people do not even realize that this can happen. If you have been using l-tryptophan as a performance enhancer and continue to use it, you may end up with serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Sleeping Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are taking a sleeping aid contains melatonin <\/a>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, there are several types of medications that may cause serotonin syndrome. MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are also on the list of possible causes of serotonin syndrome. These are medications that are used to treat several types of mood disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also used for the treatment of Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a>. MAOIs work by preventing the production of monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase is responsible for breaking down numerous substances as well as neurotransmitters throughout the body and in the brain. This includes serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result of using an MAOI is that serotonin is more available to the brain. If this goes on for too long, you may start to see the unwanted and possibly dangerous symptoms of serotonin syndrome. If you are prescribed an MAOI for a mood disorder and start to experience the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, it is important to discuss these issues with your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Anti-Nausea Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are experiencing or witnessing the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, it may seem like they are abusing drugs in some way. This may be the case as we have seen, but serotonin syndrome can also result from using many regular drugs that you may not even realize are causing the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications used for anti-nausea are one of the innocuous drugs that may cause serotonin syndrome. One example is metoclopramide, which is often used as a treatment for heartburn<\/a>. While serotonin is known as the \u201chappy\u201d hormone, it is also in charge of other functions in the body. This includes controlling the appetite. It sends satiety signals to the brain through the neurotransmitter leptin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps to control high blood sugar by increasing insulin amounts. If you are using anti-nausea medications regularly, it could result in an overabundance of serotonin being produced, which in turn can cause the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Opioids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Typically, a person will be prescribed opioids <\/a>by a doctor to help with pain relief. However, opioids are also used recreationally and are often abused. Opioid abuse is on the rise in the United States. In some cases, opioids will block the reuptake of serotonin, similar to SSRIs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sense, serotonin is a natural painkiller, which is why pain is more severe when we are sad. In addition, opioids also work on the opioid receptors and are used for many other purposes as well. Some of the other ways that opioids are used are as a way to help suppress coughs and to help reduce constipation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have prescribed opioids as a result of chronic pain, it is important to use them only as directed as they can easily become addictive. Make sure to discuss your use of these medications with your physician as they can be quite dangerous if not used properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Drug Combinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is quite easy to identify a possible culprit that may have caused you to experience serotonin syndrome, but in reality, it is often a combination of several drugs that cause unfavorable interactions that lead to serotonin syndrome. Some people use medications exactly as the directions state, but do not realize that another medication or supplement that they are taking is actually affecting the way both of the medications work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you are taking l-tryptophan and combining an MAOI, you may be causing an issue in the body. In this situation, the l-tryptophan increases the production of serotonin by a small amount and then the MAOI will prevent it from being broken down. This can cause an abundance of serotonin. While both of these drugs are relatively safe on their own, the combination of each can be quite dangerous. This is why noting all medications <\/a>that you are taking and discussing with your doctor is so important.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Illegal Drugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a few drugs that are not legal that are associated with causing serotonin syndrome. Many of these drugs have been around for a long time and each of them is illegal. Since they are not legal, they are not regulated by the government, which makes them even more of a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the common illegal drugs that may cause serotonin syndrome include, cocaine<\/a>, LSD, ecstasy, and amphetamines. Each of these street drugs is known to increase the levels of serotonin. The increase in serotonin provides people with a high that they are looking for. When they come down from the high, their bodies want to get back to that point again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how addiction occurs. Using any of these illegal drugs is quite dangerous and can cause serious complications. In addition to possible addiction, there is always a chance that illegal drugs are laced with something else, which can cause an overdose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Herbal Supplements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Herbal supplements are marketed to people to make them think that they are improving their overall health. In most cases, herbal supplements are quite harmless and can improve your health overall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true if you are struggling to get enough of the important vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. However, there are a few problems with many of the herbal supplements that are available. One of the biggest concerns is that these supplements are not regulated. This means that the manufacturer of herbal supplements can add things into the supplements <\/a>that may or may not be safe for you to consume. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, there are some herbal supplements that are associated with causing serotonin syndrome. Some of the herbal supplements to be careful with include, ginseng, and St. John\u2019s wort. Most supplements are relatively safe, but there is still a chance that they may cause unwanted side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Cold Medicines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you develop a cough <\/a>or a cold, chances are that you turn to an over the counter medication to help alleviate some of the symptoms that you may be experiencing. Having a bad cold can be quite awful as you simply do not feel good and want something that will help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there are some over the counter medications that while they are very useful in helping with the common symptoms associated with a cold, also have been linked to causing a person to develop serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the common over the counter cough and cold medications that have been linked to serotonin syndrome include Delsym, which is often used by those who have a bad cough, and Robitussin DM, which is a medication that is often used to help alleviate all symptoms associated with a common cold. Any cough or cold medication that contains dextromethorphan is also associated with serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some symptoms that may cause a person to experience serotonin syndrome. As mentioned, the syndrome occurs when the body has too much serotonin. Serotonin overload can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the other symptoms include overactive reflexes and muscle spasms. Tremors<\/a>, sweating, shivering, clumsiness, confusion, and changes in their mental health may occur as well. The temperature may become very high and this can cause the muscles to start to break down. This may cause you to go into shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest issues with serotonin syndrome is that it may be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of it are very similar to many bacterial and viral infections. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and share all of the medications that you have been taking in order to ensure that you are properly diagnosed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Taking New Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taking new medications is another risk factor for developing serotonin syndrome. If you start to take another medication such as one of the medications listed above, or if you have had a recent increase in the amount of the medication that you are taking, you are more at risk of developing serotonin syndrome. If you use illegal drugs or take any of the medications on this list and you start to have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, it is important to make sure that you talk to your doctor right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serotonin syndrome can become quite dangerous and it is important to make sure that your doctor knows your symptoms and what medications you are taking in order to make sure that a proper diagnosis<\/a> is received. Often times, once a new medication is started or a dose is increased, a person will notice the symptoms in as little as 24 hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Serotonin Metabolization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, a person\u2019s body may not be able to metabolize serotonin properly. This may cause them to develop serotonin syndrome. The fact of the matter is, there are simply some individuals that overproduce serotonin and simply do not metabolize it as fast as it is being produced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have too much serotonin <\/a>in your body, you might experience the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. However, some people produce excess serotonin and do not experience any symptoms at all. If your body metabolizes serotonin slowly and you are put on a medication that increases the amount of serotonin, you may experience many different health issues and symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, you may not know this until you start taking one of these types of medications. Adding one of these medications to your regimen or simply changing one of your medications can have you experiencing the symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>