Tag: Serotonin

L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid primarily found in green tea leaves and is known for its calming properties. While widely regarded as safe, its precise interaction with the brain's neurochemistry is complex, leading many to ask: does L-theanine mess with serotonin?

Chronic pain affects approximately 30% of the global population. To cope, the human body uses a complex internal pharmacy of chemicals, and understanding **what is the neurotransmitter that reduces pain** is crucial for unlocking natural and pharmacological pain relief.

Research using functional magnetic resonance imaging ($ ext{fMRI}$) has revealed that psychedelics cause significant, widespread changes in the brain's functional connectivity. This exploration into what do psychedelics do for the brain is unlocking new insights into consciousness and therapeutic potential.

According to extensive research, the antidepressant sertraline can significantly alter sleep architecture, notably suppressing Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and influencing the deeper sleep stages. These changes can lead to a variety of sleep disturbances, particularly during the initial phase of treatment.

Research indicates that the average weight gain on sertraline is modest, often reported around 3-6 pounds over a two-year period, though individual experiences vary significantly. Understanding **how much weight can sertraline make you gain** involves looking at various contributing factors beyond the medication itself.

Studies show that approximately 40-60% of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) experience a clinically significant improvement from a trial with a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). So, what is the success rate of SSRI for OCD in practice?

In 2019, an estimated 5.5 million or more people in the U.S. reported using hallucinogens [1.3.1]. A drug that alters perception, also known as a hallucinogen, is a substance that changes a person's thoughts, feelings, and perception of reality [1.2.2, 1.2.3].

According to studies, as many as 94% of people with major depressive disorder report experiencing some form of cognitive dysfunction, often described as “brain fog”. If you're on medication and wondering, "Can antidepressants make you spaced out?" the answer is that it is a common side effect, especially when starting a new treatment.

According to a survey published in *Annals of General Psychiatry*, nearly half of people taking antidepressants report experiencing emotional blunting, a side effect that can dull feelings. This phenomenon can affect those taking sertraline (Zoloft), causing a sense of emotional numbness that affects both positive and negative emotions.

Over 11% of Americans over the age of 12 take an antidepressant medication [1.4.5]. For many, this includes sertraline, but the question remains: **how does sertraline change your brain?** This medication primarily works by altering the levels of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter for mood regulation [1.2.2, 1.2.4].