Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome occurs when a person takes medications that increase the amount of the chemical serotonin in the body
Serotonin syndrome occurs when you increase the dose of such a drug or add a new drug to your regimen. Some illegal drugs and food supplements have also been linked to the syndrome
Serotonin is a chemical substance produced in the body for the normal functioning of nerve cells in the brain. Excess serotonin causes symptoms that can be mild (palpitations, diarrhea) or severe (muscle stiffness, fever, and palpitations). Without medical intervention, severe serotonin syndrome is fatal
Mild forms of the disease usually resolve within 1 day of stopping the medication that caused the symptoms. Serotonin-blocking drugs may also be effective
A high content of serotonin in the body causes the symptoms of the syndrome
Under normal conditions, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) produce serotonin, which controls attention, behavior and body temperature.
Other nerve cells in the body, mostly in the intestines, also produce serotonin In these other areas, serotonin regulates digestion, blood flow, and breathing
Although it is possible to cause serotonin syndrome after taking only one medication in susceptible patients, the condition usually develops when a person takes several medications together.
For example, serotonin syndrome may develop when an antidepressant medication is taken with a migraine medication.
Another cause of serotonin syndrome may be the intentional overdose of antidepressants
Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause serotonin syndrome, especially antidepressants. Illegal drugs and nutritional supplements have also been linked to the condition Such drugs and supplements include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Saraphem), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants such as trazodone, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), antidepressants, and tobacco dependence medications
Serotonin syndrome usually develops within a few hours of taking a new drug or increasing the dose of the drug:
- Agility and restlessness
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
- Dilated pupils of the eyes
- Disordered muscle coordination or Symptoms:
- High fever
- Palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you suspect serotonin If symptoms worsen rapidly, seek immediate medical attention
