What makes serotonin levels drop

Mike Dow, Psy. D, Ph. D tells Bustle. Not everyone is an outdoorsy person, but spending too much time cooped up indoors can cause your serotonin levels to drop, as sunlight is an important source of the neurotransmitter. Lack of sunlight can cause difficulties concentrating , moodiness, and loss of interest in daily activities, according to WebMD. Your diet plays a role in how you feel, and certain nutrient deficiencies can cause your serotonin levels to drop, including too few carbohydrates, not enough fermented foods, and a lack of B vitamins.

Although drinking caffeine can give you that much-needed boost of energy, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Skipping out on a good night's sleep can do more than just make you feel tired — it can damper your serotonin production.

Some last in the system for just a few hours, while others last for many hours in the system. Not usually prescribed for daily anxiety. Can be very habit-forming, addictive. If taking long-term, must discontinue slowly or seizures can occur. Can cause confusion, increase risk of falling, and result in short-term memory difficulty.

Benzodiazepines include:. Side effects may include:. Benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence, even after a short period of use. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines may lead to:. More severe risks of benzodiazepines may include:. Beta-blockers reduce the effects of norepinephrine, a stimulating chemical in the body. They work well for reducing anxiety in certain people. Commonly used for high blood pressure and heart conditions but help for anxiety in certain situations.

Not habit-forming. Not appropriate for those with low-resting heart rates. Possible side effects include: cold hands and feet, depression, extreme tiredness, low blood pressures or heart rate, shortness of breath, sleep problems, headaches, weight gain. People with asthma should avoid beta-blockers. People with diabetes should take them with caution. May treat short- or long-term anxiety. Works more slowly than benzodiazepines. Causes fewer side effects than some anxiety meds.

Much lower risk of dependency than some anxiety meds. The side effects of buspirone may include: blurry vision, diarrhea , dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, muscle pains, nausea, poor concentration, restlessness or nervousness, sleep problems, sweating, weakness. Find a provider that works well with you and has time to explore the root cause. At Hearthside Medicine, we are accepting new patients and take most insurance or offer a cash-pay option. It may take time to find the right treatment plan for your needs.

If a person notices any side effects from their medication, they should speak to their provider or pharmacist. To alleviate side effects, your provider may adjust the dosage slowly or recommend another medication or form of therapy. If taking herbal medicine or supplements with your prescription, please discuss with a provider who is knowledgeable about possible interactions. It is essential never to stop taking medication without medical supervision as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Serotonin is also a key player in mood, anxiety, fear and a general sense of well-being. Imbalances in serotonin, particularly relative to norepinephrine and dopamine, are common causes of certain types of depression. Serotonin deficiency is a common contributor to mood problems. Some feel it is an epidemic in the United States.

Serotonin is key to our feelings of happiness and very important for our emotions because it helps defend against both anxiety and depression. Many of the current biochemical theories of depression focus on the biogenic amines, which are a group of chemical compounds important in neurotransmission—most importantly norepinephrine, serotonin and, to a lesser extent, dopamine, acetylcholine and epinephrine. You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood, low energy, negative thoughts, feel tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have a reduced interest in sex.

Other serotonin-related disorders include:. Neurotransmitter testing, Questionnaires, and blood testing can help determine if you might have a serotonin deficiency. Certain tests can determine if you have normal levels of the precursors and co-factor vitamins and minerals needed for the brain to produce serotonin. Additionally, hormones such as Adrenal, Thyroid, and Estrogen levels can affect serotonin levels, and may explain why some women have premenstrual and menopausal mood problems.

They help to keep more of the serotonin your brain is making in circulation. Some studies, in fact, indicate that over time they may actually accelerate your turnover of serotonin, thereby making your serotonin deficiency worse.

They are used for a wide variety of symptoms such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, PTSD, obsessions, and compulsions. Again, such agents do not help you build more neurotransmitters. Find out more about the serotonin and norepinephrine supplements we have available!

Nutrient therapies such as Targeted Amino Acid Therapy naturally increase the levels of neurotransmitters that a person has been found to be deficient in.

Numerous clinical trials have studied the efficacy of 5-HTP for treating depression. Herbal remedies, such as St. Some work in a similar way to the SSRI antidepressants.

Eat at least three meals per day. Skipping meals promotes high stress and low energy. Eat protein with every meal. Eat complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. Avoid sugar, junk food, white pasta, white rice, white bread, cookies and cake.