| Neurotransmitter | Deficiency – Symptoms | Excess – Symptoms | Key Interactions | Real-World Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dopamine 🎯 | Apathy, lack of motivation, depression, inability to feel joy (anhedonia), poor decision-making | Mania, impulsivity, paranoia, risk-taking, insomnia, addiction | 🔁 Synergy with Noradrenaline (for motivation) 🛑 Antagonism with Serotonin (especially in addiction) ⚖️ Balanced by GABA (to calm overstimulation) | 🔹 Learning and reward 🔹 Gambling or shopping addiction 🔹 Risk-taking behavior 🔹 Low dopamine = procrastination, burnout |
| Serotonin 🌞 | Anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, irritability, PMS, insomnia | Emotional blunting, fatigue, apathy, low sex drive | 🛑 Antagonism with Dopamine (too much serotonin suppresses motivation) 🔁 Synergy with Melatonin (sleep) ⚖️ Balance with Noradrenaline (calm vs drive) | 🔹 Gratitude, nature walks 🔹 SSRIs in depression 🔹 Low serotonin = impulsive eating or rage 🔹 High serotonin = detachment, passivity |
| Noradrenaline ⚡ | Brain fog, low energy, poor attention, low blood pressure | Anxiety, hyper-vigilance, high blood pressure, aggression | 🔁 Synergy with Dopamine (alert focus) 🔁 with Adrenaline (stress response) ⚖️ Balanced by Serotonin (emotion regulation) | 🔹 Cold exposure = boost 🔹 Stress overload = excess 🔹 Low NE = procrastination 🔹 High NE = panic, perfectionism |
| Adrenaline 🔥 | Low response to stress, chronic fatigue, low alertness | Panic attacks, irritability, muscle tension, insomnia | 🔁 Synergy with Noradrenaline 🚪 Inhibited by GABA (calms fight-or-flight) 🛑 Antagonism with Oxytocin (trust is suppressed by fear) | 🔹 Public speaking 🔹 Road rage 🔹 Cold showers (short spike) 🔹 Panic when unregulated |
| Acetylcholine 🧠 | Brain fog, poor memory, dry skin, poor concentration | Overthinking, mental fatigue, muscle twitching | 🔁 Synergy with Glutamate (learning) ⚖️ Balanced by GABA (rest after input) 🚪 Blocked by anticholinergic drugs | 🔹 Deep reading and focused work 🔹 Supplements (Alpha-GPC) 🔹 Too little = forgetfulness 🔹 Too much = nervous tension |
| Glutamate ⚡🧠 | Slowed cognition, memory issues, low learning ability | Excitotoxicity, anxiety, migraines, restlessness | 🛑 Antagonism with GABA (balance excitation) 🔁 Synergy with Acetylcholine (neuroplasticity) 🚪 Inhibited by Magnesium (NMDA regulation) | 🔹 Learning new skills 🔹 Excess = overstimulation 🔹 Low glutamate = disinterest 🔹 High = tension, neuroinflammation |
| GABA 🧘 | Insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional reactivity | Sedation, numbness, mental sluggishness | ⚖️ Balanced with Glutamate 🛑 Antagonism with Adrenaline (prevents overreaction) 🔁 Synergy with Glycine (deep calm) | 🔹 Meditation, yoga 🔹 Supplements (L-theanine, magnesium) 🔹 Low GABA = panic, overthinking 🔹 High GABA = apathy |
| Glycine 🌙 | Poor sleep, tight muscles, low regeneration, fatigue | Muscle weakness, excessive sleepiness | 🔁 Synergy with GABA (inhibitory calming) 🛑 Modulates Glutamate (via NMDA receptors) 🚪 Supports REM and deep sleep cycles | 🔹 Bone broth, collagen 🔹 Night breathing practices 🔹 Glycine = muscle repair + dream support 🔹 Overuse = low energy |
| Oxytocin 💞 | Loneliness, difficulty bonding, lack of empathy | Over-attachment, neediness, emotional overwhelm | 🛑 Blocked by Adrenaline (stress inhibits trust) 🔁 Synergy with Serotonin (emotional safety) ⚖️ Balanced by Autonomy hormones (dopamine/testosterone) | 🔹 Eye contact, touch, affection 🔹 Group bonding, intimacy 🔹 Low oxytocin = social disconnection 🔹 High = clinging, overempathy |
| Melatonin 🌌 | Insomnia, late-night anxiety, circadian disruption | Daytime sleepiness, hormonal imbalance | 🔁 Synergy with Serotonin (converted into melatonin) 🚪 Suppressed by blue light (screens) ⚖️ Balanced with Cortisol (day/night rhythm) | 🔹 Sleep hygiene routines 🔹 Blue light blockers 🔹 Too little = chronic fatigue 🔹 Too much = lethargy |
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🔁 | Synergy – cooperative interaction, mutually supportive |
| 🛑 | Antagonism – opposing action, one inhibits the other |
| ⚖️ | Balance – natural push-pull relationship, dynamic homeostasis |
| 🚪 | Inhibition / Blockade – functionally blocks activity or receptor |
| Neuro Axis | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Glutamate ↔ GABA | Overstimulation vs calm — needs balance. Too much glutamate = anxiety; too much GABA = lethargy |
| Dopamine ↔ Serotonin | Drive vs contentment — overfocus on pleasure can suppress peace, and vice versa |
| Adrenaline ↔ GABA | Fear vs recovery — GABA shuts down panic; imbalance = panic disorder or numbness |
| Noradrenaline ↔ Serotonin | Energy vs calm — overdrive leads to anxiety unless serotonin stabilizes mood |
| Melatonin ↔ Cortisol | Sleep vs stress rhythm — cortisol should rise in morning, melatonin at night |