Serotonin syndrome is an increase in Serotonin activity in the central nervous system, caused by improper use of certain medications, which can affect the body’s brain, muscles and organs, which can lead to death.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts on the brain, important for the proper functioning of the body, as it regulates mood, sleep, appetite, heart rate, body temperature and cognitive functions. However, high doses of Serotonin can deregulate the functioning of the body and cause serious symptoms. See more Serotonin features.
- Treatment of Serotonin Syndrome should be done in the hospital as soon as possible by administering serum into the vein.
- Stopping the drug that causes the seizure.
- And using medications to relieve symptoms.
Anxiety, irritability, muscle spasms, confusion and hallucinations, tremors and chills, nausea and diarrhea, increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased reflexes, pupil dilation are the most common symptoms.
In more severe and untreated cases, Serotonin Syndrome can cause more severe symptoms, such as irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma and death.
Serotonin Syndrome is caused by improper use of medications that increase Serotonin levels in the body. Thus, increasing the dose of Serotonin-boosting drugs, combining these drugs with others that enhance their action, or using these drugs simultaneously with drugs, can lead to the onset of this syndrome.
Some of the drugs that increase Serotonin in the body are
In addition, some natural supplements, such as Tryptophan, St. John’s wort (millepertuis) and ginseng, when combined with antidepressants, can also induce Serotonin Syndrome.
Treatment of Serotonin Syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms. In moderate to severe cases, this should be done as soon as possible, in the hospital, where the person is monitored and may receive serum in the vein and medications to treat symptoms, such as fever, restlessness and muscle spasms, for example. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to take medications that block the action of Serotonin.
In addition, the medications the person is taking should be checked and readjusted by the doctor, as well as the prescribed doses.