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if a person has been treated for schizophrenia for about 4 years and the condition is stable,is there a blood test to determine the levels of serotonin and determine if its safe to lower treatment dosages?
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Spuds girl, that's an excellent question, and I learned something while researching this for you!
Because serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells, there is a blood test that can measure it. It's called the Serum Serotonin Levels test.
Here's an explanation of the test:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003562.htm
Be aware that your medications are probably interacting with and/or affecting your seratonin levels, and that if or when you and your doctor change your dose, those levels may change as well.
Is there a particular reason you are interested in lowering your treatment dosages? If you'd like to mention what meds you are on, we'd be happy to check into their effect on seratonin levels for you, or to forward your question on to one of our experts.
February 12, 2009 - 9:38amThis Comment
My son was just diagnosed with have Schizophrenia at the age of 19. He had been taking ecstasy and the after affects were seen as Schizophrenia. They have him on Invega 3mg and I'm very concerned that he might not have it! I'm not in denial but I am trying to look out for his best well being... can this blood test help me come to a conclusion? Please help!
April 19, 2009 - 7:20pmThis Comment