What is serotonin and why should one be interested in patients with migraine?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemicals that transmit messages to the nerve), most often with diseases such as depression. However, this is a very powerful neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for far more than just a state of mind. Instead, serotonin controls many body functions and senses the most important processes such as circulation, respiration, sleep, pain and fear.
Today too well known that serotonin also appear to affect migraine (along with other neurotransmitters.) The relationship between serotonin and migraine was discovered when doctors found that patients who suffer from depression and migraine often better conditions, while taking antidepressants. In fact, anti-depressants are now often used as a drug for migraine prevention.
Anti-depressant drugs are not only affects serotonin in migraine arsenal suffering. One of the most common families of migraine abortive (ends a migraine attack in the early stages), drugs - triptans - and herbal remedies such as St. John's wort also affect serotonin levels. Due to the large number of drugs a sufferer of migraine, serotonin connection could without thinking, it is important to know how to prevent and detect an overdose of serotonin.
What is the Serotonin Syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome is essentially an overdose of serotonin. Too much serotonin in your system can seriously affect the natural processes such as respiration and blood circulation. For this reason, it is important to always follow the prescription drugs, if the headache - especially when the drugs most consumed. Never take more than the prescribed dose, even if you do not feel any kind of physical effect.
Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome:
Restlessness or confusion.
Dilated pupils.
Increased heart rate, sweating and tremors.
Trembling and loss of normal muscle control.
The symptoms of a potentially life-threatening serotonin overdose
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
irregular heartbeat
If you suspect you have taken too much medication and experience no symptoms to look for this an overdose of serotonin, a doctor immediately.
