What it means
A neurotransmitterNOOR-oh-trans-mit-erA chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.neur/o nervetrans- acrossmitt send-er one that doesFull entry that affects mood, anxiety, sleep, appetite, pain and bowel movement. Low serotonin activity is linked to depressiondih-PRESH-unA mood disorder of lasting sadness or loss of interest that affects thinking, sleep, appetite and daily life.Full entry and anxietyang-ZY-uh-teeA feeling of worry, fear or unease about something that may happen, often with physical signs such as a racing heart.Full entry . Many drugs work on it, especially the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and fluoxetine. Too much serotonin activity, often from combining such drugs, causes serotonin syndrome.
For the nurse
Watch clients on more than one serotonin drug for serotonin syndrome: agitation, confusion, fast heart rate, sweating, fever, muscle twitching and stiffness. Report it right away.
At a glance
| Spanish | serotonina |
|---|---|
| Also written | 5-HT |
Related terms
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
antipsychotic
A drug used to treat psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
depression
A mood disorder of lasting sadness or loss of interest that affects thinking, sleep, appetite and daily life.
anxiety
A feeling of worry, fear or unease about something that may happen, often with physical signs such as a racing heart.
synapse
The tiny gap where a nerve cell passes a signal to another nerve cell, a muscle or a gland.