HealthAugust 15, 2026

serotonergic

ser-oh-tuh-NER-jik

Definition

Relating to or affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin, typically referring to medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Etymology

Derived from 'serotonin' (a compound formed from serum and the tone/tension of blood vessels) and the suffix '-ergic' (denoting a physical or functional response to a specific substance).

In the news

The author notes that while serotonergic medications are useful for many psychiatric conditions, they can be harmful when treating postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum psychosis misdiagnosis can delay urgent care

Read the full article ↗

KevinMD.com

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