SEROTONIN LEVELS IN THE BRAIN AND SSRI'S

I looked up some information about the serotonin levels in the brain. You can tell what your levels are by a blood test. But who does those? I also found out that most serotonin is made in the gut. Found that interesting. Also found this article.

It's

 important to remember that SSRI drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Ect.... Do not raise the level of Serotonin in the brain. Rather they work by Inhibiting the reuptake of Serotonin that already exists in the brain, Thus resulting in a slightly higher build up of Serotonin to remain in stasis between the billions of receptors in the brain. this inhabition of reuptake allows for improved brain fuctioning as it relates to mood and well being because more Serotonin is left in stasis between the receptors of the brain that rely on this presense of Serotonin to properly fire. Think of it like a tiny bit of fuel in between two slightly spaced apart receptors. The receptors need this Serotonin as a kind of bridge to fire data back and forth. When the Serotonin is artifically (with meds) prevented from being absorbed by the brain, more of it can stay in the little places between the receptors to do what it does best, act as a bridge for firing data to different parts of the brain. 

To take any drug that is designed to increase the amount of Serotonin in the brain is very dangerous. These drugs do exist. For example the drug Ecstacy does this very well. 
The problem with taking a drug that directly pumps Extra Serotonin into the brain is that eventually your body will do what it does best..... It will stop naturally producing Serotonin because it is getting it artifically. For this to happen would be a nightmare scenario and could result in eventual brain damage. 

I also have a question for you. Do you think Agoraphobia is a mental illness? I will try and find out what the so called experts say about that next time we talk.

Another thing I would like you to think about is, those of us who have or had Agoraphobia have different personalities than before we had it. We can't really relate and talk to people who don't have it. After losing most of my symptoms with my new glasses I found myself talking and relating to people differently. I felt more like one of them and not an outsider. I had to get used to this feeling. It was really nice but different. Dr. Debbie calls it the New Normal. She sure hit the nail on the head with that one.

Next time I will try and answer the question are "Agoraphobics mentally ill."

Remember it's not in your head its in your eyes!

Yolanda