Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin Syndrome

The condition in which there is elevated level of serotonin in the body due to any secondary cause. Serotonin is the brain hormone which is used by nerve cells and brain to perform their functions. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from mild to severe depend upon the quantity of serotonin in the body and the body response toward the elevated level of serotonin.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Serotonin syndrome include:

Causes

There are many medicines which cause serotonin syndrome includes:

  • Lithium used as a mood stabilizer
  • Opioid pain killers
  • Anti-depressants
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
  • Medications of migraine also cause this syndrome
  • Anti-nausea medicine
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Diagnosis

There is no specific test for this condition but your doctor after taking history will recommend the certain tests to rule out the other causes, tests include:

  • Blood test to check the hormone level
  • Urinary analysis
  • Chest x-ray to rule out any malignancy
  • Check any paraneoplastic growth
Treatment

Treatment options include:

  • Intravenous fluid to recovered the dehydration
  • Serotonin antagonist to block the action of serotonin
  • Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle stiffness
  • Medicine for hypertension
  • Oxygen to control hypoxia
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