{"id":5051,"date":"2019-03-18T05:01:16","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T05:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5051"},"modified":"2020-05-26T05:33:08","modified_gmt":"2020-05-26T05:33:08","slug":"12-causes-of-serotonin-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/12-causes-of-serotonin-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Serotonin Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Serotonin syndrome is a condition that is caused by an overabundance of the substance serotonin. Serotonin, in turn, is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is often referred to as the \u2018happiness hormone\u2019. It is so-called because it makes us feel good, reduces the sensation of pain, and is often used as a \u2018reward\u2019 in the brain to encourage survival-centric behaviors such as sex, eating, exercising, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While serotonin is a very positive chemical in general, like all things it can be damaging when you have too much. An over-abundance of serotonin can lead to a number of damaging symptoms which include such things as anxiety, sweating, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, headaches, confusion, and lethargy, dilated pupils, rapid heart rate and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what causes serotonin syndrome? If you spot a friend or family member with these symptoms, where area they likely to have come from? If you are experiencing them yourself, what do you need to change? Let\u2019s dig in and take a look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Antidepressants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A number of antidepressants are well known to cause serotonin syndrome. That\u2019s because a lot of antidepressants work primarily by trying to increase the levels of serotonin in a person\u2019s system. This is a logical strategy, seeing as serotonin is widely considered to be the \u2018feel-good hormone\u2019. It, therefore, follows that a decrease in serotonin might cause depression and that increasing it might improve <\/em>depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best-known types of antidepressants to this end is the category known as SSRIs. SSRIs are \u2018Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors\u2019. This means that they work by preventing the brain from \u2018cleaning up\u2019 excess serotonin so that more will remain freely moving in the brain. As you can imagine, this leads to an abundance of serotonin that can very quickly build up to cause serotonin syndrome with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Anti-Anxiety Drugs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, a number of anxiolytics, also known as anti-anxiety drugs, can also increase the likelihood of developing serotonin syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is that serotonin is also what is known as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. That means that it suppresses brain activity and reduces the firing of neurons. This is an important benefit for those with anxiety, as anxiety is often characterized by an over-abundance of brain activity as the person thinks about all the things that could go wrong etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With anti-anxiety medication, substances like serotonin and GABBA are often increased, in order to shut down the brain and put the individual into a calmer state. This can also lead to grogginess and other issues, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

L-Tryptophan is a supplemental nutrient that can be bought from a number of different health stores. Tryptophan is significant because it is actually a precursor to serotonin. That is to say that the brain naturally uses tryptophan in order to build <\/em>serotonin. The more tryptophan in your system, the greater your capacity to produce serotonin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, many people will buy l-tryptophan in order to manage their own moods. Some will even use it as a \u2018nootropic\u2019 or \u2018smart drug\u2019. That is to say, that they try to enhance their own cognitive performance through the use of the drug, in order to make themselves perform better in social settings or even in work situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The danger is that it is possible to create too much serotonin this way \u2013 which many users aren\u2019t even aware of is a possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A similar substance that it is also possible to overdose on is 5-HTP. This stands for 5 hydroxytryptophan which is, in turn, a precursor to tryptophan itself. 5-HTP is often used in a similar manner as a social aid but can be purchased in parts of the world where tryptophan is not available for legal reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Those that rely on sleep medication in order to doze off might be at greater risk of developing serotonin syndrome. This will depend on the nature of the sleeping aid however, as some sleep pills work differently from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again though, serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that works to reduce brain activity. At the same time, it also converts into melatonin, which is known as the sleep hormone. In other words, this is another substance that can help individuals in getting to sleep, which makes it a perfect target for many sleeping aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

There are a number of different types of drugs and medications that can cause serotonin syndrome as we have seen. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) also belong on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are drugs that are used to treat a number of different mood disorders, as well as Parkinson\u2019s disease. They work by preventing the production of monoamine oxidase which is responsible for breaking down numerous other substances and neurotransmitters in the body and brain, including \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 serotonin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result, of course, is that more serotonin becomes available to the brain \u2013 but if this goes too far, then you begin to see those unwanted and potentially dangerous symptoms of serotonin syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Many people will assume when noticing the symptoms of serotonin syndrome in a loved one, that this person has been abusing drugs in some form. While this may be true, as we have already seen, it can also actually occur as a result of using many far more innocuous drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example is an anti-nausea medication. Examples include the likes of metoclopramide which can be used to treat not only nausea, but also heartburn, and indigestion. There have only been two reported cases of this substance causing serotonin syndrome, but it is a logical result considering that this and many other anti-nausea medications actually work by interacting with serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thing to remember here is that many interactions occur throughout the body when using something like serotonin. Hormones don\u2019t just \u2018one role\u2019 despite names like \u2018happiness hormone\u2019 \u2013 in fact, they regulate a huge number of complex and interdependent systems. Serotonin also controls appetite, for instance, sending satiety signals to the brain via the neurotransmitter leptin, as a response to high blood sugar and the resulting increase in insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Opioids are generally used in a medical setting for pain relief. However, they can also be used in a recreational setting and are subject to a lot of abuse. Opioid abuse is actually on the rise in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opioids in some cases will work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in a manner similar to SSRIs. This makes sense for pain medication, considering that serotonin is a \u2018natural painkiller\u2019 (which is why we feel pain more severely when we are unhappy). Opioids also work no the opioid receptors and can also be used for a range of other purposes \u2013 including suppressing coughs and even reducing constipation! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

While it is easy to identify a potential culprit that might have caused serotonin syndrome, the reality is that more often it is caused by a number of different drugs that have unfavorable interactions. Someone may be using medication while following the directions carefully, but not realize that another drug or supplement is actually affecting the way it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you are using the normally \u2018harmless\u2019 health supplement 5-HTP in combination with medicinal use of MAOIs, then you might cause the problem. Here, the 5-HTP will be increasing serotonin production by a relatively small amount, but meanwhile, the MAOIs will be preventing it from being broken down through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While either of these drugs might have been perfectly safe on its own, it is the combination of both together that can become dangerous. This is sometimes referred to as the \u2018cheese effect\u2019. It can take up to four weeks for the enzyme to be replaced too, so even if the medications don\u2019t overlap, there can still be unexpected interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many more drugs and supplements that can also increase your likelihood of serotonin syndrome. For these reasons, it is always absolutely essential that you consult with your physician before beginning any course of medication, and that you declare any and all supplements you might be taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

There are several illegal drugs that are associated with causing serotonin syndrome. These drugs have been around for a very long time and because they are illegal they are not regulated by the government. This makes drugs even more dangerous. Some of the more common illegal drugs that have been found to cause serotonin syndrome include LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy. All of these illegal drugs have been known to increase levels of serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This increase gives people the high feeling that they are seeking. When they come down their bodies will simply want to reach that point once again. This is how addiction occurs. Using any of these drugs can come with serious complications. Aside from addiction, there is a chance of taking drugs that are laced with other drugs, which can cause an overdose. Any interaction with these drugs can cause unwanted complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Many people choose to take herbal supplements as a way to improve their health. There are a few issues concerning many herbal supplements that are available on the market. One concern is the fact that most herbal supplements that are readily available are not regulated. This means that the manufacturer can add things to the supplements that simply are not safe. In addition, there are certain herbal supplements that have been associated with causing serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the common herbal supplements that many people choose to take include St. John\u2019s wort and ginseng. Most of the time these herbal supplements are relatively safe. However, there is a risk of developing certain issues when taking them including serotonin syndrome. It is important to always discuss the use of herbal supplements with your doctor before you begin taking them. It is also important to make sure that you are getting the supplements from a reputable source. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Cough and Cold Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you develop a cough 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. 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

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

There are several symptoms that can cause a person to experience serotonin syndrome. As mentioned, this condition occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. Some people with serotonin overload will experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include muscle spasms and overactive reflexes. A person may experience a high body temperature, shivering, sweating, tremors, confusion, clumsiness, and other changes in their mental capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of serotonin syndrome can be very mild to life-threatening. In some extreme cases, the temperature of the body can become quite high and the muscles may begin to break down. This can cause a person to go into shock. One of the main issues with serotonin syndrome is that it can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are similar to other viral and bacterial infections. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and share all of the medications you have taken in order to ensure a proper diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

One of the risk factors for developing serotonin syndrome is taking a new medication. A person who just starts taking one of the medications that are listed above or if the dose of this type of medication has recently been increased, has a higher risk of developing serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have recently started taking one of the medications on this list or if you use illegal drugs or even some of the over counter medications that are listed, and you start to have some of the symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome, it is important to discuss this with your doctor right away. Most of the time a person will develop the symptoms of serotonin syndrome within 24 hours after beginning or increasing one of the serotonergic medications. In many cases, the symptoms will show up within just six hours of the increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

In certain cases, it may just be the way a person\u2019s body is able to metabolize serotonin that causes them to develop serotonin syndrome. The truth of the matter is that there are some people who simply produce excess serotonin and cannot metabolize it fast enough. When there is too much serotonin in the body it can cause the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. While your body may metabolize serotonin more slowly, it may not cause you to experience any issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if your body does metabolize serotonin slowly and you are put on a medication to increase serotonin, there can be many issues that arise from it. Unfortunately, you may not know about this until you take one of these medications. Adding these medications to your regimen or simply changing medications can cause a person to experience the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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