Serotonin Drugs: Medications That Increase Serotonin

Key Points

• Serotonin drugs can cause side effects if multiple drugs are used simultaneously or if the prescribed dose is exceeded.
• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating various bodily functions and feelings.
• Some medications, supplements, and other substances can increase serotonin levels in the brain.
• Serotonin drug interactions can lead to a condition known as serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, increasing its availability.
• Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine, and escitalopram.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

• Inhibit the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Examples: venlafaxine, duloxetine, and desvenlafaxine.

Triptans

• Commonly used to treat migraine or cluster headaches.
• Affect serotonin receptors in the brain, thereby affecting serotonin levels.
• Examples: naratriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, and zolmitriptan.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

• Increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
• Examples: amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, and clomipramine.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Increase levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain.
• Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline.

Other Psychiatric Medications

• BuSpar (buspirone): Affects serotonin and dopamine, used for anxiety.
• Eskalith (lithium): Mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder, restores neurotransmitter balance.
• Desyrel (trazodone): Antidepressant that increases serotonin and has sedative effects.

Analgesics (Painkillers)

• Some painkillers can affect serotonin levels.
• Examples: codeine, fentanyl, and tramadol.

Antibiotic/Antiretroviral Medications

• Some antibiotics and antiretroviral medications may affect serotonin.
• Examples: linezolid and ritonavir.

Herbal Drugs/Dietary Supplements

• St. John's Wort: Herbal remedy that may increase serotonin levels.
• Ginseng: Root used as a herbal supplement, may interact with psychotropic medications.

Other Drugs That Affect Serotonin

• Amphetamines: Stimulants used to treat ADHD, can increase serotonin levels.
• Cocaine: Blocks the reuptake of serotonin, potentially risky when combined with other serotonin-increasing medications.
• LSD: Hallucinogenic drug that affects serotonin, combining with antidepressants can lead to serotonin toxicity.

Serotonin Drug Interactions

• Taking multiple serotonin-affecting medications can lead to serotonin syndrome.
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include blood pressure changes, coma, confusion, fever, increased heart rate, hallucinations, nausea, seizures, and more.