Natural Serotonin: Alternatives to Anti-Depressant Drugs such
as Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, etc.
One out of every 10 Americans has been on an SSRI drug (Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Celexa,
Lexapro, Luvox and Paxil to name a few) for depression. Serotonin, the primary
neurotransmitter influenced by this class of drug, has many influences on mood as
well as pain, sleep and intensity of cravings. Deficiencies in serotonin can lead to
depression, anxiety, low pain thresholds, sleep disorders, sugar cravings and weight gain.
How does Serotonin affect the brain and prevent depression?
When you eat protein, an amino acid called tryptophan will absorb into the
brain to be processed into serotonin. If sufficient nutrients (Iron, SAMe,
Magnesium, and certain B-vitamins) are available, tryptophan will be
converted into a substance called 5-HTP. If an activated form of vitamin B6 (P5P) is
present, 5-HTP will be converted into the feel good chemical known as serotonin.
Certain brain cells will release serotonin in order to communicate with a neighboring brain cell
(target cell). When the serotonin is released into the space between the cells (the synapse),
some of it is bound to the target cell, therefore transmitting the message. A small amount of
serotonin is lost in the urine, and the rest (80%) is re-absorbed by the original cell to be
reused. When there is normal re-absorption (re-uptake) of the serotonin, feedback will tell the
first cell that appropriate amounts of serotonin has reached the target cell, and that no more
serotonin production is required. When plenty of serotonin is available, a small amount is
converted into another important chemical called melatonin, which helps one achieve deep,
restful sleep.
How do Prozac-like drugs work?
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reutake Inhibitor) drugs such as Prozac,
Effexor, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, etc. block the re-absorption of the
serotonin that does not bind to the target cell, forcing the serotonin to stay
in the synapse for a longer period of time in hopes that more serotonin
may bind to the target cell. Some serotonin will be bound but much more
than normal will be eliminated through the urine.
Are there side effects of Prozac and other SSRI drugs?
There are some problems that are associated with the use of these drugs and if you read the
first three paragraphs again, you can probably figure them out.
Eventually, the body becomes both serotonin depleted and serotonin resistant, meaning it
doesn’t make much serotonin and it does not respond well to what little serotonin it does make.
Further, there is no excess serotonin to be converted into melatonin which can lead to
insomnia. Based on this knowledge, it is not surprising that suicide rates are actually higher
after a depressed person has been on SSRI medication.
These drugs were designed for short term use and were never tested for or intended to be
used long term. Sadly the long term use of SSRI type drugs has become common place.
Unfortunately the long term side effects are now being discovered in the large population of
patients using them for extended lengths.
The side effects now attributed to these drugs include sexual dysfunction, tics, parkinsonian
tremors, agitation, muscle spasm, weight gain, insomnia and increased rates of suicide
(especially in young people). Many of these side effects are due to the long term
depletion of serotonin and down regulation of another neurotransmitter called
dopamine. With extended usage, some of these side effects can become permanent even
after SSRI use has been ceased!
So what does natural therapy have to offer?
Serotonin and all other neurotransmitters are made from amino acids (in this case
tryptophan) which are the building blocks of protein. In order to produce enough
serotonin in the cell, you must ingest enough tryptophan in the diet. Poultry and
vegetables are good sources. In order for tryptophan to be converted into serotonin,
there are some chemical conversions that need to occur which require a whole host of
nutrient co-factors. Tryptophan is first converted to 5-HTP before it is converted to
Serotonin. We often use supplemental 5-HTP and P5P with great success because it
supplies the natural building blocks for serotonin production.
Another area that can be addressed naturally is the sensitivity of the serotonin receptors
on the target cell. This is rarely discussed but it is just as important as serotonin
production. Combinations of PS, GPC, Inositol, ALC and Omega 3 fatty acids have been
shown to be beneficial in making the receptors more responsive by improving the
structural and functional makeup of the target cell, improving its ability to accept
serotonin. These nutrients are the natural components of the cell and receptor itself so
this type of therapy is very safe and effective. (Always be careful when selecting an
Omega 3 supplement. I only use pharmaceutical grade fish, flax and borage oils which
are proven to be free of rancidity and pollutants such as mercury and PCB's.)
This natural approach supplies the raw material for appropriate serotonin production,
allows for appropriate feedback, allows for proper re-absorption of excess serotonin, and
improves the sensitivity of the target cell without any of the side effects of SSRI drugs.
In some cases SSRI drugs can be beneficial for people with severe mood disorders, but
too often they can make the problems worse. I believe natural supplementation, along
with dietary changes and lifestyle modifications should always be used first or in addition
to medication. Your body was built to use natural substances so when we appropriately
replace them and remove any toxins that could be contributing to the problem, the body
will likely become healthy enough to function on its own. This method is a very safe,
effective and low cost way of giving you the best chance possible to overcome mood
disturbances (like depression), cravings, sleep disorders and pain syndromes over the
long term.
Make an appointment with Dr. Webster today to discuss natural therapies for
depression and other mood disorders.
972-735-0707
as Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, etc.
One out of every 10 Americans has been on an SSRI drug (Prozac, Effexor, Zoloft, Celexa,
Lexapro, Luvox and Paxil to name a few) for depression. Serotonin, the primary
neurotransmitter influenced by this class of drug, has many influences on mood as
well as pain, sleep and intensity of cravings. Deficiencies in serotonin can lead to
depression, anxiety, low pain thresholds, sleep disorders, sugar cravings and weight gain.
How does Serotonin affect the brain and prevent depression?
When you eat protein, an amino acid called tryptophan will absorb into the
brain to be processed into serotonin. If sufficient nutrients (Iron, SAMe,
Magnesium, and certain B-vitamins) are available, tryptophan will be
converted into a substance called 5-HTP. If an activated form of vitamin B6 (P5P) is
present, 5-HTP will be converted into the feel good chemical known as serotonin.
Certain brain cells will release serotonin in order to communicate with a neighboring brain cell
(target cell). When the serotonin is released into the space between the cells (the synapse),
some of it is bound to the target cell, therefore transmitting the message. A small amount of
serotonin is lost in the urine, and the rest (80%) is re-absorbed by the original cell to be
reused. When there is normal re-absorption (re-uptake) of the serotonin, feedback will tell the
first cell that appropriate amounts of serotonin has reached the target cell, and that no more
serotonin production is required. When plenty of serotonin is available, a small amount is
converted into another important chemical called melatonin, which helps one achieve deep,
restful sleep.
How do Prozac-like drugs work?
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reutake Inhibitor) drugs such as Prozac,
Effexor, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, etc. block the re-absorption of the
serotonin that does not bind to the target cell, forcing the serotonin to stay
in the synapse for a longer period of time in hopes that more serotonin
may bind to the target cell. Some serotonin will be bound but much more
than normal will be eliminated through the urine.
Are there side effects of Prozac and other SSRI drugs?
There are some problems that are associated with the use of these drugs and if you read the
first three paragraphs again, you can probably figure them out.
- First, If the drug is blocking the re-uptake of serotonin, there is a larger amount being
excreted in the urine. This is very wasteful, especially if the person was low in serotonin
to begin with. These drugs actually deplete the body of it's own serotonin stores
which can be very dangerous since those taking the drug were often low in
serotonin to begin with! - Second, if the receptors on the target cell were resistant to serotonin to begin with,
abnormally high amounts of serotonin will only make the receptors more resistant
to serotonin. Higher doses of the drug, or a different drug may then be required to
achieve the desired effect which means increased risk of side effects. - Third, since the feedback loop is blocked, the first cell thinks that the target cell
did not receive enough serotonin. The first cell must then try to release even more
serotonin, further depleting its serotonin reserves and increasing resistance of the
target cell.
Eventually, the body becomes both serotonin depleted and serotonin resistant, meaning it
doesn’t make much serotonin and it does not respond well to what little serotonin it does make.
Further, there is no excess serotonin to be converted into melatonin which can lead to
insomnia. Based on this knowledge, it is not surprising that suicide rates are actually higher
after a depressed person has been on SSRI medication.
These drugs were designed for short term use and were never tested for or intended to be
used long term. Sadly the long term use of SSRI type drugs has become common place.
Unfortunately the long term side effects are now being discovered in the large population of
patients using them for extended lengths.
The side effects now attributed to these drugs include sexual dysfunction, tics, parkinsonian
tremors, agitation, muscle spasm, weight gain, insomnia and increased rates of suicide
(especially in young people). Many of these side effects are due to the long term
depletion of serotonin and down regulation of another neurotransmitter called
dopamine. With extended usage, some of these side effects can become permanent even
after SSRI use has been ceased!
So what does natural therapy have to offer?
Serotonin and all other neurotransmitters are made from amino acids (in this case
tryptophan) which are the building blocks of protein. In order to produce enough
serotonin in the cell, you must ingest enough tryptophan in the diet. Poultry and
vegetables are good sources. In order for tryptophan to be converted into serotonin,
there are some chemical conversions that need to occur which require a whole host of
nutrient co-factors. Tryptophan is first converted to 5-HTP before it is converted to
Serotonin. We often use supplemental 5-HTP and P5P with great success because it
supplies the natural building blocks for serotonin production.
Another area that can be addressed naturally is the sensitivity of the serotonin receptors
on the target cell. This is rarely discussed but it is just as important as serotonin
production. Combinations of PS, GPC, Inositol, ALC and Omega 3 fatty acids have been
shown to be beneficial in making the receptors more responsive by improving the
structural and functional makeup of the target cell, improving its ability to accept
serotonin. These nutrients are the natural components of the cell and receptor itself so
this type of therapy is very safe and effective. (Always be careful when selecting an
Omega 3 supplement. I only use pharmaceutical grade fish, flax and borage oils which
are proven to be free of rancidity and pollutants such as mercury and PCB's.)
This natural approach supplies the raw material for appropriate serotonin production,
allows for appropriate feedback, allows for proper re-absorption of excess serotonin, and
improves the sensitivity of the target cell without any of the side effects of SSRI drugs.
In some cases SSRI drugs can be beneficial for people with severe mood disorders, but
too often they can make the problems worse. I believe natural supplementation, along
with dietary changes and lifestyle modifications should always be used first or in addition
to medication. Your body was built to use natural substances so when we appropriately
replace them and remove any toxins that could be contributing to the problem, the body
will likely become healthy enough to function on its own. This method is a very safe,
effective and low cost way of giving you the best chance possible to overcome mood
disturbances (like depression), cravings, sleep disorders and pain syndromes over the
long term.
Make an appointment with Dr. Webster today to discuss natural therapies for
depression and other mood disorders.
972-735-0707
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