sunburnt22 Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 if you have low serotonin, and SSRIs don't raise it, but rather they change how your body uses its serotonin, then how do you raise your serotonin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvet Elvis Posted February 12, 2007 Share Posted February 12, 2007 Why do you think you have low serotonin? SSRIs do raise it at the places where it's important. precursors such as 5-HTP can do it, but they can also be fatal when combined with SSRIs. You can't both overfill the tub and plug the drain at the same time. Getting more serotonin to the right receptors is more important than just raising levels. If neurons are not absorbing it properly you just pee it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chimpmaster Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Why do you think you have low serotonin? SSRIs do raise it at the places where it's important. precursors such as 5-HTP can do it, but they can also be fatal when combined with SSRIs. You can't both overfill the tub and plug the drain at the same time. Getting more serotonin to the right receptors is more important than just raising levels. If neurons are not absorbing it properly you just pee it out. Im guessing that the question is about alternatives to ssri's, irrespective of the lack of technicality. St John's Wort is recognised as a decent alternative, though I dont advocate it and I suggest you get medical advice first. Whatever you do dont mix it with an ssri - that's a recipe for disaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Well... if your brain isn't producing enough serotonin in the first place, then what's the point of taking a drug to inhibit the reuptake of something that isn't there (or barely there)? I don't know if this is possible, I'm just speaking hypothetically here. At any rate... Remeron increases production of serotonin and norepinephrine. I've taken it many times with an SSRI and once with Cymbalta. But it was to treat insomnia and low BMI, not depression, so I was taking at least 1/4 of the therapeutic dose for depression. Though even at such a low dose, I'll swear to its antidepressant properties. Until it makes me gain 20 lbs in addition to the 10lbs I needed, that is. I'm on it now and just ate a half a package of Oreos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemini Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 5-HTP has worked well for me, though it has pushed me towards hypomania in the long run, and seems to have the same risks as an SSRI in this regard. Other things include a good diet and cardio exercise, which can boost production of all neurotransmitters. And high B-vitamins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvet Elvis Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 A B-complex and a multi with as much crap in it as you can find are both good ideas regardless of what else you're taking, yes. I'll put up amazon links for some supplements later, actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GroovyGwen Posted February 18, 2007 Share Posted February 18, 2007 A B-complex and a multi with as much crap in it as you can find are both good ideas regardless of what else you're taking, yes. I'll put up amazon links for some supplements later, actually. Centrum performance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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