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What is serotonin syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome most often occurs when two drugs that affect the body's level of serotonin are taken together at the same time. The drugs cause too much serotonin to be released or to remain in the brain area.
Read more on www.nlm.nih.gov
Also known as hyperserotonemia, serotonergic syndrome, Serotonin Syndromes
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serotonin syndrome information from trusted sources:
Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentialyl life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body. It can occur when you increase the dose of such a drug or add a new drug to the ones you take already. Certain illicit drugs and dietary supplements also can cause serotonin syndrome. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
5-Hydroxy Tryptamine
To help diagnose a serotonin-secreting carcinoid tumor Read more on
www.labtestsonline.org
SSRIs
In the treatment of depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the level in the brain of a substance called serotonin. Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Clinical depression is not just grief or sadness. It is an illness that can challenge the person's ability to perform even routine daily activities. At its worst, depression may lead the person to contemplate or commit suicide. Depression represents a burden for the person and his or her family. Sometimes that burden can seem overwhelming. Several different types of mood disorders exist. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Effexor XR
Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Epidemiological studies of the case-control and cohort design that have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have also shown that concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate this risk of bleeding. Altered anticoagulant effects, including increased bleeding, have been reported when SSRIs and SNRIs are... Read more on
www.druglib.com
Serotonin syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction that may occur following therapeutic drug use, inadvertent interactions between ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Jul 26, 2006 ... Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that is caused by elevated serotonin concentrations in the body. Read more on
bipolar.about.com
Pediatric Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Toxicity ...
Apr 15, 2010 ... Serotonin syndrome, characterized by mental status changes, neuromuscular dysfunction, and autonomic instability, is thought to be secondary ... Read more on
emedicine.medscape.com
Serotonin Syndrome
Feb 19, 2009 ... A description of the causes, symptoms and treatment of serotonin syndrome, a dangerous buildup of serotonin in the central nervous system. Read more on
depression.about.com
Contents
Complications
Serotonin syndrome generally doesn't cause any problems once serotonin levels are back to normal. But if left untreated, severe serotonin syndrome can lead to unconsciousness and death.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Exams and Tests
The diagnosis is usually made by asking questions about your medical history, including the types of drugs you take.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Medical advice
Call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Outlook (Prognosis)
Patients may get slowly worse and can become severely ill if not quickly treated. Untreated serotonin syndrome can be deadly. However, with treatment, symptoms can usually go away in less than 24 hours.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Uncontrolled muscle spasms can cause severe muscle breakdown. The products produced when the muscles break down are released into your blood and eventually go through the kidneys. This can cause severe kidney damage if not recognized and treated appropriately. With appropriate treatment, the condition is reversible.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Preparing for your appointment
Because serotonin syndrome can be a life-threatening condition, seek emergency treatment right away if you have worsening or severe symptoms.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
Always tell all of your healthcare providers what medicines you take. Patients who take triptans with SSRIs or SNRIs should be closely followed, especially right after starting a medicine or increasing its dosage.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Risk factors
Some people are more susceptible to the drugs and supplements that cause serotonin syndrome than are others, but the condition can occur in anyone.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Symptoms
Symptoms occur within minutes to hours, and may include:Agitation or restlessness; Diarrhea; Fast heart beat; Hallucinations; Increased body temperature; Loss of coordination; Nausea; Overactive reflexes; Rapid changes in blood pressure; Vomiting
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Tests and diagnosis
No single test can confirm a serotonin syndrome diagnosis. Your doctor will diagnose the condition by ruling out other possibilities.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Treatments and drugs
Treatment of serotonin syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com