- SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels, have been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A study showed that administering Prozac (fluoxetine) to mice at high dosages induced symptoms of CFS, suggesting a link between excessive serotonin levels and the condition
- Symptom reversal was achieved with the serotonin inhibitor fenclonine
- Other serotonin inhibitors include Benadryl, the H2 blocker Pepcid (famotidine), aspirin, progesterone and GABA
- Branched-chain amino acids, tyrosine, phenylalanine and L-theanine can also help reduce serotonin levels
- GABA is a more effective solution for conditions typically treated with SSRIs, such as depression and anxiety, without the adverse effects associated with elevated serotonin
- Reducing intake of linoleic acid (LA), found in high amounts in seed oils and certain meats, is recommended if you have CFS, as excess LA impair your mitochondrial function and cellular energy production
Serotonin — also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT — is typically referred to as “the happiness hormone” and deficiency is thought to be the source of depression. That’s why depression is routinely treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that raise serotonin levels in your brain.
The problem is, serotonin is NOT responsible for depression, and raising your serotonin is the last thing you want to do, as it destroys empathy, love and wisdom. Elevated serotonin also impairs thyroid function, reduces your metabolism, and contributes to premature aging by increasing reductive stress.
SSRIs Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
SSRIs have also been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), otherwise known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or ME/CFS. As reported by bioenergetic medicine researcher Georgi Dinkov,1 elevated extracellular 5-HT has been shown to cause most of the CFS symptoms, including debilitating physical and mental fatigue.