Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 5/25/2007

Question
I take Sonogram, Lexapro, Wellbutrin and Ambien. This is all to combat bipolar disorder, depression, and insomnia. The ambien helps me sleep for sure. But I am not sure about all of the other stuff?  I have suffered from major constipation for 15 years and have finally found the answer through colonics.  The holistic doctor is telling me that seratonin is made in the gut and because my gut has not been working for so long (and now finally is) I should at the least reduce my dosages.  Ultimately get off of everything. I want to get off the medicine because I don't like it and this lady has really helped me. But at the same time I do believe in modern medicine and do have faith also in my psychiatrist.. I think.
Signed,
Confused and scared

Answer
Hi, Maria . . .

Serotonin is made in many parts of the body. Some is made in the gut, some in the blood and some in the brain. The serotonin from the gut is not able to get into the brain because of something called the "blood-brain barrier." You can read about the blood-brain barrier at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood-brain_barrier

In any case, a better functioning colon may improve constipation, but is unlikely to have any effect on bipolar symptoms. I hope you will have a long talk with your psychiatrist about the potential dangers of stopping your psychiatric medications.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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