How to Decrease Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is closely linked to mood control. Although an overly high serotonin level can cause heart trouble or even death, most individuals do not naturally produce enough serotonin to create these side effects. Toxic levels of serotonin can build up as a reaction to medicines. When selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or certain migraine medications, serotonin levels can rise too high, resulting in serotonin syndrome. If you suspect your medications are causing serotonin syndrome, speak to your health care provider immediately.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for symptoms that might indicate your serotonin levels are too high. These include heart palpitations, agitation, diarrhea, overactive reflexes, hallucinations, muscle spasms, confusion, fever and rapidly changing blood pressure. See your health care provider immediately if you experience any of these troubling symptoms.

• 2

  Allow your doctor to complete a range of tests to determine whether or not you truly have serotonin syndrome.

• 3

  Prepare for an overnight stay in the hospital. If you have serotonin syndrome, you will need to be closely observed and receive treatment. Possible treatments include the administration of benzodiazepines to reduce tremors, cyproheptadine to block serotonin production, an IV drip to maintain hydration and a discontinuation of the medications that caused the syndrome.

• 4

  Ask your doctor what sort of anti-depressants would be appropriate for you once you have recovered. After being prescribed a drug, be sure to learn as much as possible about it, including how it could react with other medications.