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Can Serotonin help?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 12/15/2005 11:45 AM (GMT -8)
My grandma told me she has a cousin who had the same "problems" I have.  Cousin's doc put her on Serotonin and it cleared her right up... as long as she remembers to take it.  When she forgets she gets all messed up again.

I am on Zelnorm and I know it "acts like serotonin" (according to Zelnorm.com).  But I am no where close to being normal.

Has anyone heard of taking Serotonin for IBS, or has anyone taken it (not Zelnorm, but the hormone itself)?

Thanks!

Posted 12/16/2005 7:04 AM (GMT -8)
Isn't serotonin the chemical you make when you sleep properly? And there's some link between sunlight and sleeping. I wonder if light therapy would help some people who only need a mild amount of help?
Posted 12/16/2005 7:29 AM (GMT -8)
All I know is that serotonin is what makes our bowels work properly. I would like to know why none of the docs I've seen have ever mentioned it. Especially because Zelnorm is supposed to work "like serotonin." Why not just give us the serotonin instead then???
Posted 12/16/2005 7:34 AM (GMT -8)
Serotonin is also what is produced in our brain and a deficiency causes depression and other things. Too much serotonin can be a problem also. I believe that I have read that more and more research is going into this and we may see meds in the future however clinical trials, etc. take forever. This was noticed after many doctors were noticing improved symptoms in people taking antidepressants.
Posted 12/16/2005 7:35 AM (GMT -8)
I forgot to mention that the type of IBS is an important factor. Increased serotonin can cause symptoms to be worse in people with diarrhea prodominant IBS.
Posted 12/16/2005 7:49 AM (GMT -8)
What happens then with people who have both IBS-C & D?

Dang, IBS really sucks.... I feel bad for all of us.
Posted 12/16/2005 7:52 AM (GMT -8)
Okay sorry, I finally understood your question. Serotonin is a chemical that is produced by the brain, supplementation would not be possible. There are serotonin producting supplements however. Your grandma's cousin probably takes something to stimulate her natural serotonin production. SSRI's (antidepressants) do not contain serotonin however chemicals to stimulate the serotonin production in your brain. You may see gimics for serotonin supplements however this is just that.
Posted 12/16/2005 8:05 AM (GMT -8)
Got it, thanks for the clarification Des. :-)
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