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What Causes Low Serotonin Levels?
Question: My 19 yr old daughter has been taking lexapro 10mg for severe depression linked to IBS for 6 months. Her blood rest results just came back and her serotonin levels are even lower than six months ago. <0,10ml as opposed to <0,39ml.
Is this normal given that she is under anti depressants. Apart from that, Her mood is perfectly fine and she doesnt seem depressed any longer. Why does her blood test show that the serotonin is so low?
Is this normal given that she is under anti depressants. Apart from that, Her mood is perfectly fine and she doesnt seem depressed any longer. Why does her blood test show that the serotonin is so low?
Brief Answer:
Could be due to decreased production.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings from Dr Divakara P.
Thanks for posting your query.
Low serotonin levels are quite common in people suffering from depression. It is not sure whether depression is the cause or the result of low serotonin.
The possible explanation for low serotonin are
1. Reduced production of serotonin from brain.
2. Reduced availability of a amino acid Tryptophan from which Serotonin is made.
3. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 , which is required in conversion of Tryptophan to Serotonin.
Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarification feel free to ask.
Regards.
Could be due to decreased production.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings from Dr Divakara P.
Thanks for posting your query.
Low serotonin levels are quite common in people suffering from depression. It is not sure whether depression is the cause or the result of low serotonin.
The possible explanation for low serotonin are
1. Reduced production of serotonin from brain.
2. Reduced availability of a amino acid Tryptophan from which Serotonin is made.
3. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 , which is required in conversion of Tryptophan to Serotonin.
Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarification feel free to ask.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
But when one is taking lexapro for 6 months, surely the serotonin levels should rise and NOT lower?
Brief Answer:
Action is at brain cells not in blood.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Lexapro does increase Serotonin levels but it does this at the level of Brain cells and not in blood . Hence it may not show high levels in the blood .
Regards.
Action is at brain cells not in blood.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Lexapro does increase Serotonin levels but it does this at the level of Brain cells and not in blood . Hence it may not show high levels in the blood .
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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