Posted by bleauberry on December 1, 2011, at 15:35:56
In reply to Very low serotonin levels in urine testing, posted by KarenRB53 on November 26, 2011, at 12:39:28
From what I have seen, this test is not helpful. For example, low serotonin metabolites in the urine does not mean low serotonin in the brain. The test gives us no clue as to where the serotonin is or what is happening with it. keep in mind it has never been proved or duplicated that low serotonin equals depression. In some people that is in fact their problem, and that is demonstrated when they respond robustly and rapidly to either tryptophan or 5htp. I think that would be a good test actually before prescribing someone a ssri.
Maybe there isn't much serotonin in the urine because it's all in the brain at the synapses, trapped their by celexa? It's also trapped all throughout the body, because celexa and serotonin receptors are everywhere not just the brain, but of course it is tied up and of course won't be in the urine.
I had that same test. My serotonin was almost absent. I however responded horribly to any serotonin strategies. Through trial and error I found out that my chemistries that were actually deficient were my norepinephrine and dopamine, despite they looked fine on the test.
I'm not saying the test is right or wrong or good or bad. I'm just saying I think the way it is interpreted is wrong and that the results of the test are not comprehensive enough to draw any conclusions, which all would be purely hypothesis and experiment anyway.
> My doctor did a metabolic urine test on me and the results showed next to no serotonin. He suggested I start eating a diet high in foods that are high in serotonin. I do take Celexa 20mg daily but he did say I have to increase my body levels of serotonin. Can anyone help me with this? Any input greatly appreciated.
>
> Karen
poster:bleauberry
thread:1003659
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111120/msgs/1004080.html