Can anyone explain to me what serotonin's part in digestion is? I've been doing some research and I don't quite understand it.For some reason when I take SSRI's I get more depressed, then I was put on Zelnorm and I just realized yesterday that it's primary function is to act upon the serotonin and it's receptors in the abdomen. I believe that this is what is causing my major, wild mood swings. I'm wishing I knew more about how these drugs affect my body and the chemical reactions that they cause because if I could, maybe I would start figuring out why I have these problems. Has anyone investigated their serotonin levels after they have been diagnosed with IBS? I'm wondering if my problem actually stems from a lack of being able to either metabolize or use serotonin properly anywhere in my body. Just a theory, but I'm open to people's ideas about it.
What exactly is serotonin's role in digestion?
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honugirl,too much serotonin in the brain can contribute to anxiety and depression.The right amount in the brain causes relaxation.The ssri effect brain serotonin, but have side effects on the gut.Zelnorm effects the serotonin in the gut, but not so much in the brain.Its also not so much the levels as it is the way it is being processed in the gut. IBS: Improving Diagnosis, Serotonin Signaling, and Implications for Treatmenthttp://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/71210261/m/808106561THE USE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWELhttp://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/71210261/m/771102661Molecular defects in mucosal serotonin content and decreased serotonin reuptake transporter in ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. http://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/43110261/m/833109271If you have some questions ask away.
In a sentence, serotonin makes the gut go. Serotonin gives rise to the mechanical aspect of gut function.Digestion is simply the breakdown of food nutrients by water. Enzymes speed this process up. So to make this happen, the gut must be filled up with water. In addition, the process requires signficant mixing. So gut works a lot like a washing machine.Serotonin is involved in making the gut fill with water and it is also involved making the gut muscles move and mix up the mixture of enzymes, food, and water.
Eric, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said too much serotonin can cause anxiety and depression. Bingo. That would explain why when I'm on SSRI's (which block the reuptake of serotonin, which in turn would cause more serotonin to be in my head) I get even more depressed. I have to think that because you take Zelnorm orally, it goes to all the parts of the body. If it's supposed to act on Serotonin in the gut, I can imagine that it's doing the same, maybe not on the same level, in my head. Well, time for an experiment. I'll just go off the Zelnorm (it's not really doing it's job to begin with) and see what happens. If I get happier, I'll know that it was the Zelnorm and that at least part of my problem stems from a serotonin issue. Thanks for the info on digestion Flux. That also makes me think about serotonin in other ways. More things to explore......... More theories to work on. I have to find an answer. I'm going to die if I don't.
honugirl, I believe you should talk to your doc about quiting the zelnorm.On the depression and the ssri's you might want to talk to him about different ones perhaps, some of the others may not cause that problem for you.On IBS and serotonin, another very important aspect about it is it is used as the signaling messenger for 'sensations' between the gut and the brain which is important in regards to pain. This is also more info you should read.http://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/71210261/m/369100861There is also something very important to understand in regards to this thread and what your talking about honugirl. Think about this for a bit."Try to imagine being profoundly relaxed and experiencing anxiety. It's probably hard for you to do. There's evidence that deep relaxation and fear are mutually exclusive: when you are experiencing one, you cannot truly experience the other. "
Thanks for the advice Eric. I've been on many, many of the anti-depressant, anti-convulsive medications: Effexor, Wellbutrin, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Buspar, Zoloft, Gabatril, Trazodone, and a bunch of others that I'd have to look in my chart to remember, all have given me the same effect, I get really, really depressed, have violent mood swings, and sometimes become agressive. I actually stopped taking the Zelnorm after my morning dose yesterday and feel much better today, albeit more tired.
Have you considered HT or CBT for your IBS? They are known to be effective and as a side effect reduce anxiety, among other things.Do you know much about these techniques for IBS?That is quite a few anti depressants you have tried.Glad your feeling better.
Its worth reading this.http://rdu.news14.com/shared/print/default.asp?ArID=52106
Hi Eric, thanks for all of the info. It's been really helpful. I've never really considered either one of those treatments. I'm wondering how I would find a qualified practitioner who has worked on people with IBS?I don't live in a major city, so getting access to a qualified provider in my area might be tough. Seattle would probably have quite a few to choose from, but is relatively far and hard to get to with traffic. I wonder if Vancouver, B.C. would be easier to find someone, I know it's easier to get too! I've only heard of CBT being used with children with behavior issues and for disorders such as autism and ADHD (which I have, which means that it may be really worth the effort to look into it) but never IBS. I wonder why none of my doctors have mentioned it yet?
honugirl, the use of CBT and HT for IBS is slowly getting to the majority of doctors for IBS. However, the Rome experts and the British society of gastroenterology already recommend the treatments for IBS.You might try to contact this center for a referral for CBT and IBS, as they study this aspect."Katon W, Sullivan M, Walker EDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-6560, USA. "On the HT for IBS that may be harder to find a therapist in your area. HT for IBS is usally quicker then CBT and works on a deeper level really.One option here that a lot of us have done is "Mike's Tapes." The cool thing about that is you can do this from home.This is info on that.http://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/72210261/m/10210344My personal experience with them.Ponderings of an IBSerhttp://ibsgroup.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/51510173/m/67910046There is also a cbt and IBS book.http://www.irritablebowel.net/BreakingtheBonds.htmThese are HT specialists for IBS in washington state."WASHINGTONHansvilleMarie Rhodes RN39095 Fontonot Cir NE Hansville WA 98340(360) 638-2816(360) 509-0411PullmanProfessor Arreed Barabasz, EdD, PhD, ABPPWashington State UniversityP.O. Box 642136Pullman, WA 99164-2136Phone: (208) 301-3811SeattleCarolyn Rodenberg, M.A.1530 N. 115th St., Suite 207Seattle, WA 98133Phone: (206) 367-3058SpokaneLinda Higley PhD12 E. Rowan L-3Spokane, WA 99207(509) 487-4200llhigley###comcast.nethttp://www.ibshypnosis.com/IBSclinicians.html
This link will helpYOU NEED TO REGISTER THERE BEFORE SEEING THE SITE.
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