Health Glossary - For Everyone

Serotonin
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What is serotonin?

Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter used in the central nervous system to regulate various processes in the body:


Serotonin is known as the neurotransmitter that helps you feel happy!

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Important serotonin facts



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Why serotonin is important

Low serotonin levels are responsible for a whole range of mood disorders:


Anti-depressants are made to help the body re-use serotonin, thereby increasing serotonin levels and assisting with the mood disorders they are prescribed for.

High serotonin levels can be potentially dangerous and life-threatening condition. High serotonin levels are called "serotonin syndrome". It happens when there are really excess levels of serotonin in the central nervous system.

Serotonin syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors:

Serotonin syndrome must be medically diagnosed based upon a list of symptoms, as there is no test for this condition.

 

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Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 14 March 2010

 

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references

 

More information

To learn more, go to the following web sites


 

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

 

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