What is Serotonin

It is a common fact that various chemicals are synthesized in the human body, so as to carry out the different bodily functions smoothly. One such chemical is serotonin, which acts as a neurotransmitter and a vasoconstrictor. While, neurotransmitter aids the transmission of messages from the brain to the cells, a vasoconstrictor causes narrowing of blood vessels. This chemical is derived by the action of the amino acid called tryptophan. In the human body, serotonin is mainly found in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and the blood platelets.

Action of Serotonin

Studies show that almost 80% of serotonin in the body is located in the enterochromaffin cells found in the gastrointestinal tract. It plays an active role in regulating the intestinal movements. Once secreted by the enterochromaffin cells, serotonin comes out of the tissues and get stored in the blood platelets. During situations that trigger clotting of the platelets, serotonin is released. There it acts as a vasoconstrictor and prevents clotting of platelets. As compared to the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system has very low levels of serotonin, but here, this chemical is assigned with various important functions. It includes regulation of sleep, appetite, mood, contraction of muscles, etc.

Serotonin is also beneficial for memory, concentration, learning, etc. As it controls various bodily functions, the body maintains a normal serotonin level. Any increase or decrease in the serotonin levels may result in various symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Variations in Serotonin Levels

As mentioned above, the body tries to maintain a normal serotonin level and variations in this level may cause different symptoms. A drastic drop in serotonin levels can be caused by various factors like, stress, lack of physical activities, improper diet, etc. Serotonin deficiency in the body results in symptoms like, depression, mood disorders, fatigue, sleep disorders, etc. These symptoms may vary from one person to another.

High levels of serotonin can cause symptoms, that can be mild to moderate and even life-threatening. Such condition is termed serotonin syndrome. This condition is mainly caused by intake of drugs meant for increasing serotonin levels in the body. It can be due to intake of more than one drug (meant for enhancing serotonin levels) or by increasing the dosage of the drug, which the person is taking already or in case of a person, who is using serotonin drug for the first time. In some cases, the joint action of a prescribed medication, along with serotonin supplements or certain herbs, may also result in this condition. Serotonin syndrome symptoms could be mild like, nausea, shivering, tremors, sweating, restlessness, etc. or moderate like, high blood pressure, high body temperature, confusion, etc. These symptoms can be severe and life-threatening in some patients and include increase in heart rate, unconsciousness, heat stroke or hyperthermia, high body temperature, etc.

Now, you have a basic understanding about what is serotonin syndrome and serotonin deficiency. These conditions can cause symptoms that can lead to complications, and need to be treated. In some cases, immediate medical attention is required to avoid complications. So, if you are taking serotonin pills or supplements, etc. always be cautious of such symptoms. In short, you must not start these drugs or supplements without the consent of your doctor and if you are taking such things, as per the doctor's advice, then, never stop it on your own will. Even consumption of other drugs and supplements must be done after consulting your doctor.