Serotonin syndrome.
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Journal: 2014/June - Ochsner Journal
ISSN: 1524-5012
PUBMED: 24358002
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening syndrome that is precipitated by the use of serotonergic drugs and overactivation of both the peripheral and central postsynaptic 5HT-1A and, most notably, 5HT-2A receptors. This syndrome consists of a combination of mental status changes, neuromuscular hyperactivity, and autonomic hyperactivity. Serotonin syndrome can occur via the therapeutic use of serotonergic drugs alone, an intentional overdose of serotonergic drugs, or classically, as a result of a complex drug interaction between two serotonergic drugs that work by different mechanisms. A multitude of drug combinations can result in serotonin syndrome.
METHODS
This review describes the presentation and management of serotonin syndrome and discusses the drugs and interactions that can precipitate this syndrome with the goal of making physicians more alert and aware of this potentially fatal yet preventable syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS
Many commonly used medications have proven to be the culprits of serotonin syndrome. Proper education and awareness about serotonin syndrome will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and promote the institution of the appropriate treatment that may prevent significant morbidity and mortality.
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Ochsner J 13(4): 533-540
PMID: 24358002

Serotonin Syndrome

Department of Anesthesiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA
Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Address correspondence toAlan David Kaye, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, 1542 Tulane Ave., Room 656, New Orleans, LA 70112, Tel: (504) 568-2319, Fax: (504) 568-2317, Email: ude.cshusl@eyaka
Copyright © Academic Division of Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Abstract

Background

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening syndrome that is precipitated by the use of serotonergic drugs and overactivation of both the peripheral and central postsynaptic 5HT-1A and, most notably, 5HT-2A receptors. This syndrome consists of a combination of mental status changes, neuromuscular hyperactivity, and autonomic hyperactivity. Serotonin syndrome can occur via the therapeutic use of serotonergic drugs alone, an intentional overdose of serotonergic drugs, or classically, as a result of a complex drug interaction between two serotonergic drugs that work by different mechanisms. A multitude of drug combinations can result in serotonin syndrome.

Methods

This review describes the presentation and management of serotonin syndrome and discusses the drugs and interactions that can precipitate this syndrome with the goal of making physicians more alert and aware of this potentially fatal yet preventable syndrome.

Conclusion

Many commonly used medications have proven to be the culprits of serotonin syndrome. Proper education and awareness about serotonin syndrome will improve the accuracy of diagnosis and promote the institution of the appropriate treatment that may prevent significant morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Drug toxicity, serotonin syndrome
Abstract

Footnotes

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the subject matter of this article.

Footnotes

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

References

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