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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Roslynn on December 10, 2008, at 16:31:08
Hi everyone,
Sorry to be gross but my endocrinologist wants me to do a lab test that measures the amount of serotonin in your urine. This is to test for a condition unrelated to mental illness. I'm thinking I'm going to get a high result due to all my meds. How can such a test be accurate? I was not told to stop my meds.
I think the endocrinologist thinks SSRIs are the only drugs that affect serotonin and since I'm not on one, it won't skew the test. however I'm on an SNRI.
Any thoughts? Am I misunderstanding the difference btwn. brain serotonin and metabolic serotonin levels?
Thanks for any help!
Roslynn
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 10, 2008, at 17:37:42
In reply to have to do a test that measures serotonin, posted by Roslynn on December 10, 2008, at 16:31:08
Contrary to your expectation, the use of an antidepressant (fluoxetine/Prozac in this study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10227085) actually reduces serum/plasma serotonin concentrations. In any case, the serotonin concentrations remain in the normal range.
There are potentially serious consequences of having excessive circulating serotonin, as caused by e.g. a carcinoid tumour, so it's a good idea to rule that out. It's also an easy test to perform.
I hope everything works our well for you.
Regards,
Lar
Posted by Roslynn on December 10, 2008, at 17:48:47
In reply to Re: have to do a test that measures serotonin » Roslynn, posted by Larry Hoover on December 10, 2008, at 17:37:42
Thank you for the information!! Very helpful.
Roslynn
> Contrary to your expectation, the use of an antidepressant (fluoxetine/Prozac in this study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10227085) actually reduces serum/plasma serotonin concentrations. In any case, the serotonin concentrations remain in the normal range.
>
> There are potentially serious consequences of having excessive circulating serotonin, as caused by e.g. a carcinoid tumour, so it's a good idea to rule that out. It's also an easy test to perform.
>
> I hope everything works our well for you.
>
> Regards,
> Lar
Posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2008, at 20:26:19
In reply to Re: have to do a test that measures serotonin, posted by Roslynn on December 10, 2008, at 17:48:47
What condition do you see endo for as I see one for thyroid and had him test for cortisol levels as Mother had Addison's and at one time they thought I might have Cushings? Love Phillipa never heard of the serotonin thans Lar
Posted by bleauberry on December 10, 2008, at 20:40:02
In reply to have to do a test that measures serotonin, posted by Roslynn on December 10, 2008, at 16:31:08
The tests are probably meaningless for psychiatrict purposes. They don't show what is going on inside the brain. I am not schooled on endocrinology, so I don't know what he is looking for. But results I would guess should be skewed somewhat because of the snri. The serotonin metabolites I would guess would be low, because the serotonin is being bottled up. Serotonin itself may show low. High in the synapse, but low in urine. To help him be more accurate at his judgement you should remind him you are on the snri. Maybe it makes a diff to him, maybe not, but at least be sure it is on the table.
Posted by Roslynn on December 11, 2008, at 16:31:05
In reply to Re: have to do a test that measures serotonin » Roslynn, posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2008, at 20:26:19
Hi Phillipa,
This doctor is testing for carcinoid syndrome, meaning a tumor. I think. Based on my facial and chest flushing and nothing more, other than possibly my weight. I can't believe it. She has me scared to death.
Roslynn
> What condition do you see endo for as I see one for thyroid and had him test for cortisol levels as Mother had Addison's and at one time they thought I might have Cushings? Love Phillipa never heard of the serotonin thans Lar
Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2008, at 18:53:02
In reply to Re: have to do a test that measures serotonin » Phillipa, posted by Roslynn on December 11, 2008, at 16:31:05
Oh my I imagine you are scared I sure would be. Thanks Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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