Serotonic® Info

Basic Facts
Effects
Indications
Composition
Dosage
Side Effects/Contraindications
Instructions

BASIC FACTS

Depression, which is characterized by feelings of hopelessness and unhappiness, has many causes. It may be the reaction to stress, hormonal imbalances, biochemical imbalances and, of course, also to traumatizing events.

Almost everyone has already experienced light depression which quickly goes away. In most of the cases it does not require therapy. However, if the depressive moods become overwhelming and return again and again, they have to be professionally treated by specialists.

In many cases of depression the biochemical-hormonal processes in the brain are disturbed. Numerous clinical studies have shown that there is a strong connection between depressive disturbances and certain biochemical messenger substances in the brain, the so-called neurotransmitters. If the ratio of these messenger substances as e.g. dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin is well balanced, a feeling of well-being is experienced.

If this balance is disturbed, e.g. if a deficiency in one of these neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin) or an overproduction of another (e.g. noradrenalin) develops, one can become melancholic, irritated, fearful, insecure or depressive.

The substances contained in Serotonic^® serve to balance the complicated system of the neurotransmitters in the brain and to combat mood swings.

EFFECTS

The combination and dosage of the various substances contained in Serotonic^® followed the standard values established in numerous studies.

5 HTP (5-hydroxytryptophane) is transformed in the body into serotonin and is an important substance for the normal brain and nerve functions. Apart from many other functions, serotonin plays an important role in sleep disturbances, mood swings, sensitivity to pain and as an inflammation mediator. Various studies on 5 HTP suggest that depression, states of anxiety, sleeplessness, migraine and even overweight are just different symptoms of the same illness – a deficiency in the neutrotransmitter serotonin (5 HT).

A low serotonin level leads to an increase in impulsive behavior, aggressions, eating disorders, depression, alcohol abuse and proneness to suicide.

DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is a mix of the essential amino acid L-phenylalanine and the mirror-symmetrical form D-phenylalanine. DLPA (or the D- or L-form alone) has been used to treat depression for a long time, already, and also as a therapy for chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid which is considered the most important parent substance of various catecholamines (dopamine, adrenalin, noradrenalin). Furthermore, DLPA is transformed in the brain into phenylethylamine, a messenger substance that occurs naturally in the brain and raises the mood.

St. John’s wort is one of the oldest known remedies for the treatment of depression. Hypericin, the main active ingredient of St. John’s wort, has a brightening effect on the mood, influences the brain metabolism and plays a great role in the transmission of stimuli by the nerves.

More recent studies have shown that the extracts of St. John’s wort develop their antidepressive effects via an inhibition of the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenalin and dopamine. Many modern antidepressants also have this mechanism of action, however with frequent side effects.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxin) is the key vitamin in the synthesis of amino acids and therefore necessary for the formation of proteins and some hormones. Vitamin B6 is also used by the body to produce serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, and influences the production of many further neurotransmitters. Therefore, pyridoxin is an essential part of the food, which plays a major role in the regulation of mental processes and probably also greatly influences the emotional condition. Numerous investigations have shown that people suffering from depression had a significant vitamin B6 deficiency.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is required to release energy from carbohydrates, in the course of which process also fat is formed. Furthermore, niacin also regulates the cholesterol level. The body produces the required niacin from tryptophane. In case of a vitamin B3 deficiency, the body requires too much tryptophane, which in turn occasions a low serotonin level and may be accompanied by depressive moods.

Calcium is the mineral most frequently found in the body and can amount to up to two percent of the body weight. Apart from its known functions such as the building up of bones and teeth, calcium also participates in the production and release of the neurotransmitters.

Magnesium is required to form bones, proteins and fatty acids as well as for the activation of the B-vitamins, for muscle relaxation and blood coagulation. It is also the basic building block for the formation of ATP – the «fuel», which makes the cells «run». Many hormones also need magnesium for their release.

Furthermore, magnesium is of decisive importance for the regeneration of the cells in the body having the highest energy requirement, and therefore also for the brain cells. People suffering from the chronic fatigue syndrome, a disease characterized by great tiredness, weariness and lack of drive, often had low magnesium levels. If, however, magnesium was administered, the symptoms could often be improved. Also depression frequently go hand in hand with a deficiency in magnesium.

INDICATIONS

Serotonic^® is suited for the treatment of depressive moods, feelings of anxiety and excitation. The balance of the neurotransmitters in the brain is restored, which counteracts mood swings. One feels more vital and active and can also better cope with stress because the basic mood becomes more positive.

COMPOSITION

One capsule of Serotonic^® contains:
5 HTP	50 mg
L-phenylalanine	50 mg
Vitamin B6	10 mg
Niacin	10 mg
Niacinamide	35 mg
St. John’s wort extract (hypericin)	50 mg
Magnesium	50 mg
Calcium	75 mg

in pure pharmaceutical quality.

DOSAGE

In normal cases take 1 to 4 capsules a day with plenty of fluid before going to bed.

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS

As yet no essential side effects have been reported. At higher dosages, constituents of St. John’s wort may increase UV sensitivity, and therefore fair-skinned individuals should avoid intensive exposure to the sun while taking the preparation. Serotonic^® must not be taken before driving a car or operating machines.

INSTRUCTIONS

Pregnant or lactating women or persons who are under constant medical care or take antidepressants on a regular basis should consult a doctor before using the preparation. In general, self-medication is not recommended, and in no case should depression or a depressive mood be treated on one’s own authority without having previously obtained an exact diagnosis by a specialist.

This product is available at pharmacies or via Pharmatrans Inc.

For information about prices and packing sizes click here.