What Is Serotonin Syndrome?

Serotonin is a chemical produced by the body that enables brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with one another. Too little serotonin in the brain is thought to play a role in depression. Too much, however, can lead to excessive nerve cell activity, causing a potentially deadly collection of symptoms known as serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms often begin within hours of taking a new medication that affects serotonin levels or excessively increasing the dose of one you are already taking. Symptoms may include:

In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be life threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, you or someone with you should seek medical attention immediately:

Serotonin syndrome can occur if you are taking medications, particularly antidepressants that affect the body’s level of serotonin. The greatest risk of serotonin syndrome occurs if you are taking two or more drugs and/or supplements together that influence serotonin. The condition is more likely to occur when you first start a medicine or increase the dose.

The most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, which work by increasing serotonin, are the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).These include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox),  paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).

Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can raise serotonin levels alone or in combination to cause serotonin syndrome include:

Some illegal drugs, such as LSD and cocaine, and dietary supplements, including St. John’s wort and ginseng, can also lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with antidepressants that affect serotonin.

The FDA recently asked drug manufacturers to include warning labels on their products to let patients know about the potential risk of serotonin syndrome. If you are uncertain about drugs you take or have been prescribed, check the label or speak with your doctor. Don’t stop any medication before talking to your doctor.

There is no single test to diagnose serotonin syndrome. Your health care provider will ask about your medical history, including medication, supplement, and recreational drug use, and perform a physical exam. Other conditions may cause symptoms that are similar to serotonin syndrome. Lab tests to exclude other causes of symptoms may be ordered.

People with serotonin syndrome are typically hospitalized for observation and treatment of symptoms. For example, benzodiazepines are given to treat agitation and/or seizures. Intravenous fluids are given to maintain hydration. Removing the drug responsible for the serotonin syndrome is critical. Hydration by intravenous (IV) fluids) is also common. In severe cases, a medication called cyproheptadine (Periactin) that blocks serotonin production may be used.

SOURCES: 

American Headache Society: “What is Serotonin Syndrome and What Should You Know About It?”

National Cancer Institute: “Serotonin.”
OhioHealthOnline: “Serotonin Syndrome.”
MedlinePlus: “Serotonin Syndrome.”
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “New report finds little evidence to determine the usefulness of genetic tests in the treatment of depression.”
Boyer, E. New England Journal of Medicine, March 17, 2005.

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What Is Serotonin Syndrome?

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