I was hoping someone would come along with the science lesson!
Serotonin is a brain chemical that is linked to feelings of calm well-being. Sometimes the brain cant' use what we have, or we under produce it and feel depressed. The SSRI's(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) will let the neurons accept the serotonin better.
Or something like that.
But, for most of us here, that is just the beginning. Serotonin and other neurotransmitters are part of a complex relationship that includes many of the other chemicals in our bodies: hormones, etc. So estrogen levels, pituitary and thyroid levels, insulin- YEP- insulin, is related to our production and use of serotonin.
So, the constellation of symptoms that those of us who do well on LC have, are all interrelated. Dropping estrogen? YUP! Hypogycemia? Yup! And many other metabolic problems.
I think the best info about serotonin I ve read would be in Potatoes, Not Prozac, or The Schwarzbein Principle. They really describe how diet is related to our feelings, going further than just how sugar makes you feel better. So try one of those books. The website
www.radiantrecovery.com have a section at the bottom called brain chemistry 101, for more exciting reading!
So take your Wellbutrim, but keep your blood sugar even, get adequate sleep, and relax. (I'd add exercise, but you know how I hate to give credit to exercise for anything!
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This feels like a very brief answer, but it's something to read more on. I would check out the Protein Power Lifespan, I seem to remember something there, but Im not sure.
dottie