There still exist no known norms for serotonin levels, as these vary widely among individuals.
Hydroxyzine decreases serotonin levels as it a serotonin antagonist.
Ecstasy is mostly know for increasing Serotonin levels in the synapse which it does the most. It also increases levels of dopamine, monoamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin is associated with your mood/emotions, sleep and appetite. Antidepressant drugs ussually target and increase serotonin levels as people who are depressed have low serotonin levels. This is why ecstasy makes you happy and loving when you take it. Dopamine is what allows us to expierence pleasure or pain, This is why it is sometimes called the reward center of our brain. Low dopamine levels lead to addiction. As far as I know monomine and norpinephrine are closely related to serotonin and are also related to your mood and depression.
Low serotonin levels, for one. Drugs such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram are called SSRI's--Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and keep your serotonin levels at normal levels.Also, low norepinephrine levels can be a problem. Drugs such as venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine and duloxetine are called SNRI's --Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, and help to keep both your serotonin and norepinephrine levels at normal levels.Dopamine is one the chemical messagers responsible for the "pleasure seeking" behaviors of humans. Low concentrations of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which controls the emotions of "drive" and daily activities, may not be at the normal levels needed for optimum mental health. These neurotransmitters conduct chemical reactions between "lock & key" type of neuroreceptors. Once the fit is perfect (as in effective amounts of chemicals transmitted), mood and behavior improve.Mental depression is believed to be related to the low activity of one or more neurotransmitters in the brain.Although it is not understood exactly how most SSRIs work, they are designed to increase the level of serotonin in the brain.
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Serum serotonin levels can be obtained (as ordered by a physician or nurse practitioner or physician assistant). However, serum serotonin levels do not possess much utililty since they vary widely - some people having low levels despite being on significant doses of setonergic medications, and other people have high levels despite being on very low doses.
serotonin
You have it backward I believe. When serotonin is lower, people have more risk to experience depression.
When 5-HTP increases serotonin levels in the brain, it may indirectly influence dopamine levels as well. Serotonin and dopamine are interrelated neurotransmitters, with some studies suggesting that alterations in one can affect the other. However, the precise relationship between 5-HTP, serotonin, and dopamine is complex and not fully understood.
Exercise (very important!), get plenty of sleep, sunshine, and eat a balanced diet. Some fruits and veggies can help boost serotonin levels.