Panse, G., Bosman, M. J., Barry, M. J., Boecker, D. R., & Tarnopolsky, M. A. (1997). The effect of acute and chronic selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI) on exercise performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1093.

Some studies have implicated the neuro-transmitter, serotonin, as a cause of fatigue in exercise. Long-duration endurance exercise performance has been impaired with SSRIs. They have also been used to treat depression and chronic pain (fluoxetine --Prozac). Because of these features, they may be ergogenic in very high intensity exercise through pain modulation.

This study found the fatigue mechanism in high-intensity exercise did not appear to involve the serotonin pathway. The exercise responses of common physiological variables and performance were not affected by serotonin intake.

Implication. Serotonin does not appear to be an ergogenic aid for high-intensity exercise.

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