Can Serotonin help?

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!

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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???

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Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum

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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.

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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.

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_{Hugs, Des}

_{Co-Moderator ~ IBS Forum}

_{~My reality check bounced}

 

 

^{Please help Healing Well continue to help others by donating  https://www.healingwell.com/donate}