However, researchers believe that an imbalance of these neurotransmitters is a major factor in the development of depression.Ī dopamine imbalance can cause depression symptoms, such as apathy and feelings of hopelessness, while a serotonin imbalance can affect the processing of emotions. Can dopamine and serotonin also cause depression?ĭopamine and serotonin themselves may not cause depression. Serotonin can help increase happiness by alleviating depression and anxiety. People often call dopamine and serotonin the “happy hormones,” because they promote mental well-being.ĭopamine, also known as the “feel-good” hormone, is associated with the brain’s reward system and produces pleasant sensations.

Do dopamine and serotonin make a person happy? Serotonin medications - such as SSRIs, which increase the availability of serotonin in the brain - may help treat depression.īelow, we answer some common questions regarding dopamine and serotonin. Having low serotonin levels may increase a person’s risk of developing depression. Serotonin may cause depression in some cases, although multiple factors beyond biochemistry also contribute, such as: Researchers have linked low levels of serotonin with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

DopamineĪlthough dopamine alone may not directly cause depression, having low levels of dopamine may cause specific symptoms that health experts associate with the condition.

certain migraine medications, including almotriptan (Axert) and rizatriptan (Maxalt)Īccording to the FDA, opioid pain relievers can interact with serotonergic medications, which can lead to a buildup of serotonin or enhance its effects in the brain.īoth dopamine and serotonin can impact mental well-being.

tricyclic antidepressants, such as desipramine (Norpramin) and imipramine (Tofranil).

serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine (Effexor).

Aside from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), some of these include: In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided a list of serotonergic medications. This condition can occur after taking too much of a serotonergic medication or taking multiple serotonergic medications at the same time. Having too much serotonin can lead to a potentially life threatening medical condition called serotonin syndrome or serotonin toxicity.

digestive issues, such as acid reflux and constipation.

decreased facial expression, or hypomimia.difficulty eating, swallowing, speaking, and moving.tremors, spasms, and cramps in the muscles.This protein transports dopamine molecules across neuron membranes.Ī medical condition that health experts call dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome or infantile parkinsonism-dystonia occurs when mutations in the SLC6A3 gene affect how the dopamine transporter proteins function.ĭopamine transporter deficiency syndrome disrupts dopamine signaling, which impacts the body’s ability to regulate movement.įor this reason, dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome produces symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease, including: The SLC6A3 gene provides instructions for creating the dopamine transporter protein. Dopamineĭopamine deficiency may play a significant role in the following conditions and symptoms:ĭopamine also plays a role in motivation and reward-driven behaviors. The following sections cover these conditions in more detail. Imbalances can also result in distinct conditions that affect different bodily functions. Having abnormal levels of either dopamine or serotonin can lead to several different medical conditions.īoth neurotransmitters can affect mood disorders, such as depression. Which conditions have links to dopamine and serotonin?

Signal messenger group links