What Exactly Does Serotonin Do?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the pineal gland, the digestive tract, the central nervous system and blood platelets. The fact that serotonin is found in digestive tracts explains why it is usually difficult to eat when you are feeling sad. While it is widely known that serotonin affects happiness levels, experts are still unsure of how exactly the neurotransmitters work in that situation. It is only known that increased serotonin levels stave off depression. If someone is taking Zoloft or Prozac, they would be medicating with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and those increase brain levels in a positive way. Men and women have different serotonin levels, and research has shown that women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Serotonin levels change with the different seasons, because serotonin transporter protein is lower in the winter months. A person can have too much serotonin, and one of the causes for this is when two drugs that affect serotonin are taken at the same time, creating a dangerous and potentially life-threatening reaction. The symptoms for serotonin syndrome include agitation, restlessness, high blood pressure, hallucinations and overactive reflexes. If not properly treated these symptoms will only increase and the person will become severely ill. To treat your lack of serotonin without prescribed medication, you must contact a trusted counselor or therapist.