Due to being increasingly displeased with the difficulty in finding such informa

tion to the average user, I have compiled a well cited guide on determining if y
ou may have TOO MUCH SEROTONIN.
One VERY important thing to remember, is that excessive serotonin production is
NOT the only way to have high serotonin, and often...excessive serotonin is due
decreased breakdown of serotonin and it's metabolites. This can occur when using
SSRI's along with other medications or supplements that impact the breakdown of
serotonin, such as MAO-A inhibitors (ST.John's Wort), Syrian Rue, Nutmeg etc
With nutmeg, it is
ittle of the whole
utmeg excessively,
and turkey - then

unlikely you will get enough of a toxic effect from using a l

spice, HOWEVER, if you are using teaspoon after teaspoon of n
then EATING other foods that increase serotonin, like bananas
you have an increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

KEEP IN MIND, that the symptoms related to serotonin syndrome represent a SEVERE
excess of serotonin which often requires immediate care / CRISIS management.
TOO MUCH serotonin is describing a PERSISTENT, but NOT SEROTONIN-SYNDROME qualif
ied excess. Therefore, this article is NOT describing serotonin syndrome, but to
o much serotonin* over time - where it relates to borderline health issues.
This article is ideal for those who suspect out of balance serotonin, but not so
much serotonin that it becomes toxic as in an acute CRISIS.
Some symptoms of high serotonin mirror those of low glutamate- NMDA function.
SENSORY EFFECTS
Over-Sensitivity to sounds, especially loud noises. Excessive jumpiness or even
anxiety in response to sudden sounds or movements(1) (2).
Visual distortions, height / depth alteration, hallucinations(3) (4).
Words may appear out of place, or your perception of what you are reading may be
entirely different. { e.g reading the third line thinking its the second} (5)
Sensitivity changes to light, sedation or no response to darkness(6) (7) (8) (9)
.
Lack of pain sensation, or HYPO Algesia, some individuals with high serotonin di
splay such a lack in pain perception/sensitivity that it mirrors the effects of
those under the influence of PCP. Pain asymbolia can be misdiagnosed as high ser
otonin(10) (11).
Tinnitus, ringing in ears(12)(13).
Vertigo. Dizziness. Room spinning(14) (15).
BEHAVIORAL / MENTAL EFFECTS
Delirium. Usually including abnormal forms of panic or worry along with various
disperceptions(16)(17)
Depersonalization. Feeling out of place, out of body, or that events or surround
ings are surreal(18)(19).
Frequent or occasional episodes of psychosis, paranoia, pathology changes, and o
bsessional behavior(20)(21).
Religious delusions and religious over-engagement. (some cult leaders are hypoth
esized to have elevated, but not toxic levels of serotonin)(22).
Unexplained agitation or inner restlessness(23).
Dystonia, tic-like behaviors, punding; repetitive behaviors(24) (25)(26) (27).
Frequent crying episodes in children, unwarranted panic or extreme anxiety(28).
Low/Absent Libido(29)
Emotional Anhedonia / Apathy / Blunt AFFECT (30) (31) (32) (33) (34)
Jittery, nervous hands, tremors, impatient(35) (36) (37).
Depression , despair, lack of motivation(38) (39).
Reading/Comprehension deficits(40).
Feeling as though people are reading your thoughts. (Low glutamate sign due to h
igh serotonin)