Absolutely Healthy Living Center
500 Howe Avenue, Suite 201
Shelton, CT 06484
203.710.3937
Neurotransmitters
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, sensory perception, and learning.
Low Levels
Low mood
Sleep difficulties
Headache
Uncontrolled appetite
High Levels
Agitation
Headache
Mania
GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) is an amino acid which acts as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. High levels of GABA indicate excitatory overload because of the increased demand for GABA to balance the surplus excitatory neurotransmitter activity. Low levels of GABA are associated with adrenal distress and dysfunction.
Low Levels
Anxiety
Headache
Sleep difficulties
Cognitive impairment
High Levels
Excitatory overload
Glycine is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It regulates excitatory neurotransmission.
Low Levels
N/A
High Levels
Low mood
Anxiety
Stress-related disorders
5-HIAA is a breakdown product of serotonin. 5-HIAA levels, when viewed in conjunction with serotonin levels, may provide insight into how the body processes neurotransmitters.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that regulates the pleasure/reward cycle, cognition, motivation, emotional responses, sensitivity and processing of information, motor control, memory, attention, and focus.
Low Levels
Compulsions
Addictions
Cravings
Loss of motor control
Loss of satisfaction
High Levels
Anxiety
Hyperactivity
Sensory overload
Attention issues
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that regulates alertness, attention, focus, and is involved in the “fight or flight” response to stress.
Low Levels
Fatigue
Lack of focus
Lack of motivation
High Levels
Anxiety
Stress
Hyperactivity
Epinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that regulates attentiveness and mental focus. It also regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and lipolysis (fat metabolism) and is involved in the “fight or flight” response to stress.
Low Levels
Fatigue
Poor concentration
Poor recovery from illness
High Levels
Anxiety
Hyperactivity
Sleep difficulties
Glutamate is an amino acid which acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory.
High Levels
Anxiety
Problems focusing
Histamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that controls the sleep/wake cycle and inflammatory response (commonly associated with exposure to an allergen). It keeps the body awake and alert which is why antihistamines cause drowsiness & sleep. Histamine helps regulate norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine release.
Low Levels
Insomnia
Fatigue
Problems concentrating
Mental exhaustion
High Levels
Anxiety
Problems focusing
Hyperalgesia (pain amplification)
Neurological disorders
Low Levels
Fatigue
Fluctuating moods
Easily depressed under stress
High Levels
Depression
Headache
Allergic responses
Obsessive compulsive tendencies
PEA (Phenylethylamine) is an excitatory neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain from the amino acid phenylalanine. It regulates mental acuity, alertness, attention, motivation, energy, stamina and is important for focus and concentration. It increases the actions of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and serotonin.
Low Levels
Lack of focus
Lack of concentration
Depression
High Levels
Racing thoughts
Sleep problems
Anxiety
DOPAC is a breakdown product of dopamine. DOPAC levels, when viewed in conjunction with dopamine levels, may provide insight into how the body processes neurotransmitters.