Serotonin Syndrome Causes

Serotonin is what is known as the feel-good hormone in the body. It is produced by the central nervous system, that not only affects your mood but also controls your attention span and body temperature. Serotonin also helps in regulating the digestion procedure when it is produced by the intestine. Apart from these functions, serotonin serves to moderate the blood flow, and breathing pattern. With so many functions to play, an imbalance in the production of this hormone can have severe aftereffects. Usually, low serotonin levels are the reason you may be feeling low, unhappy, disappointed, depressed or stressed. It can also have an effect on the other functions mentioned above. This means it is very essential for your body.

When you suffer from the serotonin syndrome, it means you have an overdose of this hormone, which can cause symptoms that may be dangerous and detrimental. You may take serotonin through medication, where an overdose of it can lead to this condition. There are many more causes of serotonin syndrome that have been mentioned here, along with the symptoms of this condition.

What Causes this Condition

In most cases of the serotonin syndrome, it has been caused by combining together several types of medication. For instance, when you are on antidepressants or serotonin supplements, if you take a medicine for migraines, it can immediately elevate serotonin levels in your body. The intake of two or more serotonergic drugs, can lead to a dramatic increase in serotonin levels, even though you may have been prescribed only the necessary amount required by your body. The types of drugs that can affect these levels are:

• Medication to cure nausea.
• Herbal supplements used to treat depression.
• A mood stabilizer called lithium.
• The consumption of illegal drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine.
• Antidepressants that are meant to increase serotonin production so you feel better. These depression medicines are also known as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs).
• Medication to cure migraine, as well as those for other pains and aches.
• Medication to cure tobacco addiction.
• Medication for coughs and colds.
• Other antibiotic medicines.

Sometimes, simply an overdose of any one particular medicine can also be one of the causes of the serotonin syndrome. There are also several foods that are meant to increase the production of serotonin in the body, known as serotonin foods. It is when these are combined with the medicines mentioned above, or when you happen to combine any of these medicines, are they likely to contribute to the development of this syndrome. There are many more medicines that can cause this condition and they are not limited to the ones enlisted here.

Symptoms

If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, the following symptoms may be evident:

• Diarrhea, Vomiting and Nausea
• Shivering and Goose bumps
• Hallucinations causing confusion
• Lack of Muscle Coordination
• Increased Reflexes
• Excessive Sweating
• Increased Heart Rate
• Dilated Pupils

If this syndrome becomes way too severe, they may be characterized by symptoms such as seizures, high fever, and unconsciousness along with the above-mentioned symptoms.

The serotonin syndrome is generally treatable simply by stopping the drugs that are causing the problem. However, even to do so, you must consult a doctor so he/she can identify the offending drugs and provide the appropriate treatment. Do not stop any medicine on your own; do it only under a doctor's instruction. In severe cases the patient may have to be admitted into the intensive care unit. Whatever symptoms you experience, immediately contact your doctor to have it diagnosed and treated. Moreover, simply by understanding the causes of serotonin syndrome, it can be prevented. Keep yourself informed about the function of any particular medicine before taking it. Discuss the possible risks of taking such drugs. If you have been prescribed, and are on a serotonergic drug, consult your doctor before taking any other type of medicine so as to prevent a negative reaction and the development of this syndrome.