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Serotonin: Think twice before you buy

It’s important to consult a doctor before buying serotonin supplements over-the-counter and taking them to tackle stress

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We’re all consumed by stress in today’s age due to various reasons — be it career-wise, office politics, work deadlines, finance, marital issues, children, etc. And because of our tight schedules, commute and home responsibilities, most of us don’t manage to allot time to de-stress via meditation, yoga and/or exercise. Some of us who are net savvy and constantly look up ways to de-stress might have come across serotonin supplements. These can be purchased online and some come with a description of helping beat stress and mild anxiety. But think before you give into the temptation of self-medication on serotonin supplements, here’s what you need to know...

What are serotonin supplements?

“Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate one’s mood, appetite, sleep. It is the neurotransmitter most commonly associated with depression. Serotonin supplements like amino acids tryptophan, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) are available online which increase serotonin,” informs Dr Ashish Gambre, Psychiatrist, SRV Hospital. However, Dr Prasanna Patankar, Neurosurgeon, SRV Hospital, says that 40 per cent of those taking serotonin uptake inhibitor will have side-effects or will not have any effect of medicine and researchers (meta analysis) have proved that 68 per cent patients have a placebo effect.

Whom are they meant for?

These tablets are meant for variety of brain disorders like autism, sleep disorder, schizophrenia. Also, these supplements can be considered for individuals having mild anxiety and depression and those not tolerant to traditional antidepressants as they can help to a certain extent.

Side-effects

While there is no addiction to these supplements, common side effects include acidity and in rare cases, sexual dysfunction, says Dr Patankar. Dr Gambre warns, “It’s better to avoid serotonin supplements for individuals with no underlying depression or just to relieve daily stress. There can be side-effects so it’s better to consult a doctor as if taken with other medications that also increase serotonin may lead to Serotonin Syndrome.”

Psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Dr Anjali Chhabria says, “One shoe doesn’t fit all. It is important to meet your family doctor/psychiatrist and understand which supplement is suitable for your specific issues, and understand the relevant side-effects. Any medicine will have some side-effects. If the internet could treat illnesses, doctors would be redundant. As each person is different, it is beneficial to consult your doctor/psychiatrist before taking any such measures.”

Consult a professional first

Dr Patankar says that in today’s fast-paced life, individuals who do not have any underlying problems of depression or anxiety and who just have a hectic work schedule, juggling work and family, etc. can take low dose of serotonin but it should be decided by a doctor. There are different kinds of stress — exam stress, work stress, stress due to family problems, etc. these need to assessed by a doctor or a psychiatrist. Serotonin supplements also come in combination with antidepressants and mood enhancers and therefore, shouldn’t be taken without prescription or supervision of a doctor.

Other ways to lower cortisol and lower stress

While there may be minimal harm in taking these supplements, Indians normally prefer alternatives like yoga, meditation, talking to friends, Ayurveda and homeopathy which are popular across generations. They generally condemn the use of ‘allopathic medicines’, making supplements a less popular option, says Dr Chhabria, adding that “We have nothing against serotonin supplements personally, though in our experience, people generally try all these alternatives before seeking medication.”

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