SSRI Medications. Certain antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), block the reabsorption, or reuptake, of serotonin. This leaves more serotonin available in the brain, and this is thought to alleviate the symptoms of depression. SSRIs approved by the FDA for treating depression include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline. Side effects include nausea, sexual dysfunction, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, agitation, rash, nervousness, weight gain, drowsiness and insomnia.
Considerations. Abnormalities in serotonin levels may affect more than just mood. According to “The Chemistry of the Brain” on the Michigan State University website, migraines may be partially caused by extreme fluctuations in serotonin levels. If you are a migraine sufferer, you may notice that certain triggers, such as food or activity, cause you to develop a migraine. These triggers may cause a spasm in the arteries at the base of your brain and cause platelets to clump together and release serotonin. Before a migraine, the rise in serotonin causes the blood vessels in your head to constrict and lowers your tolerance for pain. The level of serotonin in your brain subsequently drops, causing the constricted blood vessels to suddenly become larger than normal and resulting in a rush of blood to the brain and the throbbing pain characteristic of migraines.