Neurotransmitters

Definition of Neurotransmitters:

Chemicals in the brain that aid in the transmission of nerve impulses.  Various Neurotransmitters are responsible for different functions including controlling mood and muscle movement and inhibiting or causing the sensation of pain.

Also: Neurotransmitter

Topics Related to Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine

...related topic
“A neurotransmitter widely distributed in body tissues with a primary function of mediating synaptic activity of the nervous system and skeletal muscles.”

Acetylcholinesterase

...related topic
Neurotransmitter enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine, affecting functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system.”
Diagnose your symptoms now!
  • check your overall health status
  • understand what's happening to your body
  • have a doctor review your case (optional)

More topics Related to Neurotransmitters

Adrenal Medulla

...related topic
“The inner part of the adrenals, derived embryonically from spinal nerve precursors, they secrete epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine; used locally as neurotransmitters, sensitive receptors can be mobilized totally by the adrenal medullas.”

Alcohol-related Problems

...our question about Forgetfulness / short-term memory failure
“Alcoholics as well as the elderly suffer gradual loss of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter.  The brain compensates for this change by heightening the sensitivity of the receptors carrying memory messages, but because of the acetylcholine shortage, the transmission cannot be...”

Alzheimer's Disease

...the condition
“...Studies indicate that Alzheimer's patients have a deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in particular areas of the brain...”
...recommendation Acupuncture
“...There is solid evidence that acupuncture increases certain neurotransmitters in the brain and can actually stimulate nerve regeneration...”

Anxiety

...the condition
“...Anxiety disorders, like depression, may run in families and be linked to an imbalance in neurotransmitters.  Anxiety symptoms are often relieved when the depression is successfully treated...”
...recommendation Inositol
“Inositol works by regulating the action of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter, within the nerve cells.”
...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“Tryptophan (or 5-HTP), the precursor of the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter serotonin, also has relaxing and calming effects...”

Asthma

...relationship to Vitamin B6 Requirement
“...Pyridoxine may also be of direct benefit to asthmatic patients, since it is a key cofactor in the synthesis of all the major neurotransmitters.”

Calcium-2AEP

...as a treatment
“...He invented Calcium EAP, which is also a neurotransmitter which may have something to do with its effectiveness in treating MS...”

Catecholamine

...related topic
“Any of various amines (as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones and/or neurotransmitters.”

Chemical Avoidance

...as a treatment
“...MSG is an excitory neurotransmitter which is why it commonly causes hyperactivity in children...”

Choline

...related topic
“...Precursor to acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter in the brain...”

Cluster Headaches

...the condition
“...They may work by blocking the release of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that stimulate nerve cells) involved in causing pain.”

Depression

...relationship to Vitamin B-Complex Requirement
“...The B-vitamins are crucial in the direct synthesis of the brain neurotransmitters.  Low levels of thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6) are often found in clinically depressed individuals...”
...relationship to Manganese Requirement
“...A deficiency may contribute to depression stemming from low levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.”
...relationship to Estrogens Low
“Low estrogen levels trigger the brain to release MAO, an enzyme in the brain which breaks down and destroys the neurotransmitter, serotonin...”
...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is frequently imbalanced in cases of depression...”
...recommendation Aspartame (Nutrasweet) Avoidance
“...Researchers have pointed out that increases in phenylalanine levels in the brain leads to a decreased level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which leads to a variety of emotional disorders...”
...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“...These nutrients play an indirect but critical role in the formation of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, and deficiencies – which are linked to high levels of homocysteine – are linked with mood disorders...”

DMAE Requirement

...the condition
“...It is thought to be the precursor for acetylcholine which conducts nerve impulses within the brain (a neurotransmitter).  The theory is that by increasing the production of acetylcholine, DMAE can help improve memory and learning as well as perhaps reducing memory loss in older adults...”

Elevated Homocysteine Levels

...relationship to Depression
“...The methyl group provided by normal homocysteine metabolism is necessary for the production of depression-relieving neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine...”

Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)

...the condition
“...Especially important is the neurotransmitter acetylcholine...”

Excessive Sweating

...the condition
“...At the ends of these nerves, the body releases special chemicals called neurotransmitters, which carry the electrical signal from the nerves onto the cells near the nerve endings...”

Excessive Yawning

...the condition
“...Excessive yawning is also associated with opiate withdrawal and the consumption of a variety of drugs that affect neurotransmitters, such as drugs prescribed for Parkinson's disease or depression...”

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

...as a treatment
“...GABA, or Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid, is a non-protein amino acid, that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.  GABA can be synthesized by the human body from the two amino acids precursors, glutamate and succinate, both of which are generated via an intact Krebs cycle...”

GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)

...as a treatment
“...Researchers have suggested that GHB acts as a neurotransmitter, but the mechanism of action producing the clinical effects is unknown.”

Glycine

...as a treatment
“...Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter thought to work much like GABA...”
...related topic
“The simplest amino acid which is a constituent of normal protein and an inhibitory neurotransmitter, used as a dietary supplement...”

Inositol

...as a treatment
“...Proper action of several brain neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and serotonin, require inositol...”
Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)

More topics Related to Neurotransmitters

Kava

...as a treatment
“...Kavalactones pass through the blood-brain barrier and can alter the action of other neurotransmitters.  A sedative and analgesic, kava helps induce sleep in low doses but in high doses it may cause stupor...”

Lecithin / Choline

...as a treatment
“...Choline is also a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and is often added to products designed to improve memory or depression...”

Magnesium Malate

...as a treatment
“...of the body's energy production systems), energy transport and storage, the breakdown of fatty acids, DNA metabolism, and hormone regulation, the activation of B vitamins, proper nerve function and neurotransmitter activity, and the formation and maintenance of protein, fatty acids and bone...”

Monoamine Oxidase

...related topic
“...MAO inhibitors are antidepressants that block the action of MAO, thus raising the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin – which have significant effects on mood and behavior.”

Myasthenia Gravis

...the condition
“...Normally when impulses travel down the nerve, the nerve endings release a neurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine...”

Night Eating Syndrome

...the condition
“...These foods are believed to increase the amount of tryptophan available for conversion to serotonin, the calming neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes an overall sense of well-being and, in turn, converts to melatonin...”

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

...the condition
“...OCD may also involve abnormal functioning (low levels) of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain...”

Panic Attacks

...recommendation Inositol
“...Inositol works by regulating the action of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter, within the nerve cells...”

Phenylalanine

...related topic
“...As neurotransmitters, these substances are believed to influence mood, appetite control and memory...”

Phosphytidalserine

...as a treatment
“...Functions of PS include: increasing acetylcholine release and synthesis, increasing metabolism of glucose in the brain, enhancing enzymes involved in the release of neurotransmitters, modulating proper fluidity of cell membranes and preventing the aging of neurons...”

Poor Memory

...recommendation Lecithin / Choline
“...Studies have shown that this substance acts as a catalyst in the release of neurotransmitters that control memory storage...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“Vitamin B6 is necessary for optimal brain development and is an essential coenzyme for neurotransmitter synthesis...”

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS A (Anxiety)

...the condition
“...The causes of estrogen-progesterone imbalance include inadequate neurotransmitter synthesis, low serotonin, adrenal fatigue and cortisol dysregulation...”

Protein Deficiency

...the condition
“...The symptoms of protein deficiency can therefore take many different forms, including ... "Brain fog" (Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are needed for mental focus, and are produced from amino acids – the building blocks of protein...”

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

...as a treatment
“...It does this by its action on various hormones and neurotransmitters.  Serotonin, adrenalin, melatonin and dopamine are but a few of these substances that are produced because of SAMe and its effect on methylation...”

Schizophrenia

...the condition
“...Serotonin imbalance Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that transmits messages from one nerve to another...”

Seizure Disorder

...recommendation L-Taurine
“Taurine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, its main use being to help treat epilepsy and other excitable brain states...”

Serotonin

...related topic
“A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals...”

Test Histamine Levels

...as a treatment
“Histamine is a chemical (neurotransmitter) responsible for numerous symptoms of allergic reaction...”

TMG (Trimethylglycine)

...as a treatment
“...Liver detoxification; Brain neurotransmitter production; Lowering homocysteine levels naturally: Thereby lowers risk of heart and vascular disease...”

Trichotillomania

...the condition
“...Also, treatment with medications that have similar effects on serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter, may benefit both trichotillomania and OCD...”

Tryptophan

...related topic
“...Natural relaxant and sleep aid due to its precursor role in serotonin (a neurotransmitter) synthesis...”

Tryptophan / 5HTP

...as a treatment
“...In humans, 5-HTP is the immediate nutrient precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin...”

Tryptophan Need

...the condition
“...It is used by the human body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is important for normal nerve and brain function...”
...our question about Blacking out from alcohol
“Tryptophan (or 5-HTP), the precursor of the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter serotonin, also has relaxing and calming effects...”

Tyrosine

...related topic
“...May be important for neurotransmitter synthesis and mood regulation...”

Vinpocetine

...as a treatment
“...Vinpocetine has been used orally for many years in Europe to enhance memory and mental function by ... Raising brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin...”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

...as a treatment
“...P5P is crucial in a number of different metabolic activities including glucose production, niacin formation, lipid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, hormone modulation and more...”

Vitamin B-Complex Requirement

...the condition
“...B12 is linked to the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that assists memory and learning...”

Weight Loss

...as a treatment
“...Most of these drugs decrease appetite by affecting levels of the brain neurotransmitters catecholamine, serotonin and/or noradrenaline – brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite...”
Report by The Analyst™
Click to see sample report
Health problems rarely occur in isolation or for obvious reasons

Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system.  Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.

Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.

We use cookies for traffic analysis, advertising, and to provide the best user experience