What is serotonin syndrome and what causes it?
What Is Serotonin Syndrome? Serotonin syndrome is when your body has too much of a chemical called serotonin, usually because of a medication or combinations of medications. Your body makes serotonin to help your brain cells and other nervous system cells communicate with each other.
What are the risk factors for serotonin syndrome?
You're at increased risk of serotonin syndrome if:
- You recently started taking or increased the dose of a medication known to increase serotonin levels
- You take more than one drug known to increase serotonin levels
- You take herbal supplements known to increase serotonin levels
- You use an illicit drug known to increase serotonin levels
What are the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms. Signs that you are experiencing serotonin syndrome include: Mental status changes including anxiety, restlessness, delirium and disorientation; Neuromuscular problems including tremor, twitching, overactive reflexes, agitation and muscle rigidity
How to recognize serotonin syndrome?
How to Recognize Serotonin Syndrome. Despite inconsistencies among different sets of criteria, some diagnostic indicators are critical. The serotonin syndrome (SS) can result from overstimulation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors, as manifested by neuromuscular hyperexcitability (such as myoclonus, tremor, hyperreflexia).
How likely is serotonin syndrome?
Cases of serotonin syndrome resulting in hospitalization or death are rare. Most cases do not require medication intervention, but can be managed by stopping the drug or decreasing the dose. Mild toxicity appears to be rare but is likely under-reported, unrecognized, or confused with other syndromes.
How quickly does serotonin syndrome occur?
What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome? Serotonin syndrome symptoms develop quickly after taking the precipitating medicine—60% of cases occur within six hours. But symptoms may gradually get worse, becoming dangerous or life-threatening if not treated.
Is serotonin syndrome easy to get?
The onset of serotonin syndrome can happen quickly. A person may experience symptoms within a few hours of taking the medication that alters serotonin levels.
What triggers serotonin syndrome?
Medications usually cause serotonin syndrome, especially certain antidepressants. You might be at higher risk if you take two or more drugs and/or supplements that affect your serotonin levels. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants.
What does the beginning of serotonin syndrome feel like?
Serotonin is a chemical that the body produces naturally. It's needed for the nerve cells and brain to function. But too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever and seizures). Severe serotonin syndrome can cause death if not treated.
Does serotonin syndrome last forever?
Can Serotonin Syndrome Be Reversed? The symptoms of serotonin syndrome usually subside once you stop taking the medication causing the symptoms. Fortunately, there are generally no long-term or lasting complications of serotonin syndrome, though you should be conscious to avoid serotonin syndrome in the future.
Can caffeine cause serotonin syndrome?
Excessive coffee intake triggers serotonin syndrome by promoting 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) secretion. Patients with psychiatric diseases that necessitate treatment with SSRIs should be educated regarding caffeine consumption.
How can you prevent serotonin syndrome?
Lower the dose of the medication causing the increase in serotonin level to the lowest effective dose. Avoid prescribing two high-dose, serotonin-affecting medications. Change to different medication(s) that don't affect serotonin.
Will mild serotonin syndrome go away on its own?
Can serotonin syndrome go away naturally? If someone stops taking the serotonin-releasing medication, symptoms from mild serotonin syndrome will go away on their own after 24-72 hours. People with mild symptoms should stay in touch with their healthcare providers but in general they don't need any other treatment.
What are the signs of too much serotonin?
Signs of Too Much SerotoninConfusion.Increased reflexes.Restlessness.Hallucinations.Extreme agitation.Fluctuations in blood pressure.Increased heart rate.Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.More items...•
Does Benadryl help serotonin syndrome?
The prescription antihistamine, cyproheptadine, works as an antidote for excessive serotonin, but other antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), work differently. In fact, diphenhydramine slightly increases serotonin levels and could make the condition worse.
What drugs treat serotonin syndrome?
Treatment may include: Benzodiazepine medicines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) to decrease agitation, seizure-like movements, and muscle stiffness. Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production. Intravenous (through the vein) fluids.
How long does mild serotonin syndrome last?
Milder forms of serotonin syndrome usually go away within 24 to 72 hours of stopping medications that increase serotonin. You may need to take medications to block the effects of serotonin already in your system.
What does too much serotonin feel like?
Because serotonin is produced primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea are common. A person experiencing serotonin syndrome may also be confused, dizzy, or disoriented. In severe cases, an individual may develop hallucinations and seizures.
What are the signs of too much serotonin?
Signs of Too Much SerotoninConfusion.Increased reflexes.Restlessness.Hallucinations.Extreme agitation.Fluctuations in blood pressure.Increased heart rate.Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.More items...•
Can 25mg zoloft cause serotonin syndrome?
In rare cases, taking too much Zoloft can also cause serotonin syndrome, which results in dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
- Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction. It is caused by medications that build up high levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical that the body produces naturally. It's needed for the nerve cells and brain to function. But too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever an…
Prevention
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms usually occur within several hours of taking a new drug or increasing the dose of a drug you're already taking. Signs and symptoms include: 1. Agitation or restlessness 2. Insomnia 3. Confusion 4. Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure 5. Dilated pupils 6. Loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles 7. High blood pressure 8. Muscle rigi…