Serotonin Syndrome Patient Information

Serotonin syndrome is an umbrella term used to refer adverse reactions of the body, manifested after administration of therapeutic and/or recreational drugs and medications. It is a life-threatening medical complication and immediate therapeutic intervention is crucial in some cases. More facts about this condition are discussed in the following paragraphs.

What is Serotonin Syndrome?

Chemically, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with memory, appetite, sleep, heartbeat, digestion, depression, stress and other functions. This chemical plays a vital role in the body. However, serotonin level is considerably elevated after ingesting specific medications, resulting in an excess activity of the same. And the outcome is unusual bodily reactions. According to medical reports, it differs from idiosyncratic drug reaction that causes unpredictable body responses to a drug. It is possible to predict increased serotonin activity and the associated syndrome.

The Serotonin Syndrome

In majority of the patients, serotonin syndrome causes are related to intake of new drugs, overdose of drugs and interaction of medications. With reference to the causal reasons, it is assumed that the condition is more of a drug poisoning rather than a disease condition. Thus, the correct term for this medical complication should be serotonin toxicity or hyperserotonemia. Refer to the following points to have a better understanding of the serotonin syndrome:

Symptoms
In mild cases, the condition remains asymptomatic for the patients. Nevertheless, taking medications that lead to excess accumulation of serotonin may cause noticeable symptoms, in terms of cognitive problems, vital functions and voluntary muscles. Manifested symptoms are dilated pupils, sweating, shivering, goose bumps, restlessness, confusion, muscle twitching and abnormal heartbeat. Serotonin syndrome symptoms are manifested as a result of increased activity of the same neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Diagnosis
As of date, there is no effective diagnostic approach that confirms serotonin syndrome. Thus, serotonin syndrome diagnosis requires determining serotonin levels in the brain, thorough examination of the physical symptoms and analyzing the patient's medical history. Once in the hospital, the doctor will go through the current therapeutic medications and illicit drugs (if any) of the patient. Also, the doctor will refer to the list of drugs, combined intake of which leads to abnormal body responses. That way, the causes of serotonin syndrome can be predicated, which helps in prompt treatment of the condition.

Treatment
Treatment of serotonin syndrome is necessary in severe cases that are accompanied with symptoms like seizures, high fever and unconsciousness. The first and foremost step is to discontinue the medications, which are suspected to cause serotonin syndrome. This will help in managing the condition and reducing further complications. If the patient is rushed to the hospital immediately after ingesting excess dose of drugs (preferably within one hour), doctor may use activated charcoal to absorb maximum drugs from the gastrointestinal tract.

The treatment options for serotonin syndrome are entirely based on the serotonin levels and severity of the symptoms. Mild cases resolve with discontinuation of the medications; whereas serious conditions require further treatment and hospital stay. Based on the severity of the case, the doctor may recommend medications formulated with serotonin antagonists. Treatment also involves alleviating the manifested signs and symptoms of the patient. For people with hypertension complication, blood pressure medications are prescribed; while supplemental oxygen is used for others with breathing difficulties.

With this brief discussion on serotonin syndrome, I hope you have understood this condition which some are recognizing as the drug poisoning, in detail. In order to prevent such a life-threatening condition, an individual should refrain from taking excess dose of antidepressants and drugs that alter the neurotransmitter levels. Also, the patients should inform the doctor before administering a new medication in addition to the prescription drugs. In case of any risks, the physician will warn the patient and suggest safer medicines to prevent adverse drug reactions.