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Serotonin has a wide variety of functions in the human body. People sometimes call it the happy chemical, because it contributes to well-being and happiness.
The
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and some also consider it a hormone. The body uses it to send messages between nerve cells.
It appears to play a role in mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion. As the precursor for melatonin, it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and the body clock.
Many investigations have looked at serotonin and what it does, but there is still a lot to learn.
In this article, we look at the role of serotonin in the body, uses of drugs that affect serotonin, side effects and symptoms of serotonin deficiency, and how to boost serotonin levels.

Serotonin is a
The intestines and the brain produce serotonin. It is also present in blood platelets and plays a role in the central nervous system (CNS).
Occurring throughout the body, it appears to influence a range of physical and psychological functions.
Serotonin is also present in animals, plants, and fungi. For this reason, some people have looked at food as a possible source of serotonin.
Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that the brain must produce any serotonin that it needs to use. Treatments for depression and other mental health issues do not supply serotonin directly but trigger reactions that can boost serotonin levels in the brain.
However, research suggests that sources of serotonin in other areas, such as the digestive system, may work independently of serotonin in the brain. This could have implications for the treatment and prevention of various physiological conditions, such as bone degeneration.
As a neurotransmitter, serotonin relays signals between nerve cells and regulates their intensity.
- bone metabolism
- cardiovascular health
- eye health
- blood clotting
- neurological disorders
However, the relationship between serotonin and many bodily functions remains unclear.
Scientists do not know precisely what causes depression, but one
Doctors commonly prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as antidepressants. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is one example.
Normally, the body reabsorbs a neurotransmitter after it has transmitted its neural impulse. SSRIs stop the body from reabsorbing serotonin, leaving higher levels of serotonin to circulate.
Many people find SSRIs help relieve their symptoms, although the link between depression and serotonin remains unclear.
One problem for researchers is that, while they can measure serotonin levels in the bloodstream, they cannot measure its levels in the brain.
As a result, they do not know whether serotonin levels in the bloodstream reflect those in the brain. It is also impossible to know whether SSRIs can really affect the brain.
Mouse studies have produced conflicting evidence. Some suggest that increasing serotonin levels can help reduce stress and depression, but others indicate that serotonin levels make
In 2015, one
Nevertheless, if scientists have not yet proven the serotonin theory of depression, SSRIs do appear to
Other disorders
Apart from depression, doctors may prescribe drugs that regulate serotonin levels to treat a number of
- bipolar disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- bulimia
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- panic disorders
- migraine
As with depression,
SSRIs increase serotonin levels by preventing the body from reabsorbing serotonin neurotransmitters. Serotonin levels remain high in the brain, and this may elevate a person’s mood.
SSRIs that have approval from the
- citalopram (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Prozac
- paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- vilazodone (Viibryd)
Learn more about SSRIs and other antidepressants here.
Adverse effects of SSRIs
SSRIs have some side effects, but these usually improve with time.
They include:
- nausea and vomiting
- restlessness and agitation
- indigestion
- diarrhea or constipation
- weight or appetite loss
- increased sweating
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- sleepiness or insomnia
- feeling shaky
- dry mouth
- headache
- low sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- suicidal thoughts
In some cases, there may also be:
- bruising or bleeding easily
- confusion
- body stiffness or shaking
- hallucinations
- difficulty urinating
Serotonin syndrome
Rarely, taking too much of a drug that boosts serotonin levels or combining two such drugs
Learn more about serotonin syndrome here.
SSRIs and suicide
A person who uses SSRIs for depression will not experience the benefits at once. At first, symptoms may worsen before improving. Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should seek help at once.
The FDA require all antidepressants to carry a black box warning about the danger of suicide during the initial stages of treatment, especially in people aged under 25 years.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
According to the
These are symptoms of depression, although scientists have not confirmed a link between low serotonin levels and depression.
NIDA note that when people use certain recreational drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy), the body releases large amounts of serotonin.
This can lead to serotonin depletion and a low mood, confusion, and other symptoms that last several days.
Animal studies have suggested that these drugs may damage the nerves that contain serotonin, with possible long-lasting adverse effects.
Some natural remedies
- practicing meditation
- having light treatment, already in use for seasonal affective disorder
- doing regular exercise
- consuming foods that are high in tryptophans
There is not enough evidence to confirm that these methods can boost serotonin levels, but, in moderation, they are unlikely to be harmful.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that occurs in some foods.
Foods that may contain tryptophan include:
- turkey
- eggs
- cheese
- soy products
- salmon
- talbina, a dish made from barley
The body uses tryptophan to
Bananas
In one study, a number of older people improved their scores on cognitive tests after taking tryptophan supplements for 12 weeks.
People should speak to a doctor before using any supplements, in case there is a risk of adverse effects. Supplements are available online.
Learn more about foods that may help boost serotonin levels here.
Serotonin and the gut-brain axis
There is a growing interest among
If so, serotonin could provide the crucial link. This suggests that diet and the gut microbiota
However, more research is needed to confirm whether this is possible.
Serotonin, or the happy chemical, appears to play a role in various physical and psychological functions.
SSRIs are drugs that affect serotonin levels. They can help manage the symptoms of depression, although experts are still unsure exactly how it works.
Anyone considering taking a drug or supplement that affects serotonin levels should consult their doctor first to ensure it is safe for them to use.