Juliet Cohen writes articles for Diseases. She also writes articles for Makeup and Hairstyles.
serotonin syndrome information | serotonin syndrome treatment tips | serotonin syndrome symptoms | get rid of serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells. It is an iatrogenic (i.e. caused by medical treatment) toxidrome. Serotonin syndrome is caused by increased serotonin in the central nervous system. It is the result of overstimulation of 5-HT1A receptors in central grey nuclei and the medulla and, perhaps, of overstimulation of 5-HT2 receptors. Serotonin syndrome is not a spontaneous drug reaction, it is a consequence of excess serotonergic activity at central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral serotonin receptors. Serotonin syndrome can occur when you take certain combinations of prescription medications that affect serotonin levels in your body.
Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from restlessness and rapid heartbeat to muscle rigidity and seizures. Severe case often have agitated delirium as well as muscular rigidity and high muscular tension. Temperature may rise to above 41.1°C (105.98°F) in life-threatening cases. Other abnormalities include metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, seizures, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Risk factors for the development of serotonin syndrome are unclear, but some trends are becoming apparent as more cases appear in the literature. Peripheral vascular disease and atherosclerosis may lead to severe vasospasm and hypertension in the presence of elevated serotonin levels. Another risk factor relates to drug metabolism rate.
Slow metabolizers of SSRIs (approximately 7% of the population) may produce higher than normal levels of these antidepressants in the blood. Serotonin syndrome can be life threatening. The most important treatment is to discontinue the offending agent. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), can help control agitation, seizure-like movements and muscle stiffness. Moderate cases should have all thermal and cardiorespiratory abnormalities corrected and can benefit from serotonin antagonists (i.e. cyproheptadine). Esmolol (Brevibloc) or nitroprusside (Nitropress) drugs to reduce an increased heart rate or high blood pressure. If other treatments aren't working cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production.
Serotonin Syndrome Treatment Tips
1. Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production.
2. Lorazepam and diazepam have been shown to be effective in treating serotonin syndrome.
3. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), can help control agitation.
4. Rigidity, seizures, and agitation are treated with benzodiazepines.
5. Esmolol or nitroprusside drugs to reduce an increased heart rate or high blood pressure.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Serotonin Syndrome Information
- Complete Information on Carcinoid Syndrome
- Tourettes Syndrome Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment
- Complete Information on Carcinoid Tumor
- Complete Information on Binswanger's Disease
- Endometriosis - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
- Pick Disease Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment
- Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder Facts



Losing Your Excess Weight Through an Amazon Acai Berry Weight Loss Plan
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009There is an effective fitness program in particular which could work well for almost any type of individual and that would be the acai berry fitness program or weight loss plan. This fitness program incorporates the natural ways of losing weight permanently and safely with the use of acai berry supplements to ensure best results and excellent health.
What Are the Symptoms and Remedies of Oral Thrush?
By: Gen Wright | 06/07/2009Oral thrush is a discomforting occurrence in the mouth. You may have never heard of it, but you are almost certainly aware of it.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
By: Ron Wesley | 05/07/2009Varicose veins (veins that have become enlarged and twisted) can happen to anyone. They occur in the legs and not only look ugly as they grow bigger, but also make movement uncomfortable.
Faster Way Of Recovery By Using The One Minute Cure For Cancer
By: john daniel | 05/07/2009Faster Way Of Recovery By Using The One Minute Cure For Cancer find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.
The Alternative Cancer Therapy
By: john daniel | 05/07/2009The Alternative Cancer Therapy find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.
Alternative Cancer Treatment Part 2
By: john daniel | 05/07/2009Alternative Cancer Treatment Part 2 find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.
Oxygen Therapy And Cancer
By: john daniel | 05/07/2009Oxygen Therapy And Cancer find out why this therapy is being suppressed in the U.S. while more than 15,000 European doctors have been using it to heal millions of patients – and how you can use it, too.
Making Money With Your Blog
By: Leopoldo Hopper | 03/07/2009Secrets Of Pay Per Click Blogging Click HereBlogging for profit is a goal many people hope to be able to obtain. This undertaking isn't out of reach for somebody with eagerness to work and who has understanding of blogging. Blogging for profit is one of the fastest growing income opportunities online and shows no sign of slowing down. It is a cheap method of advertising for corporations that is extraordinar...
Detailed Information on Necrotizing Enterocolitis
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & ConditionsNecrotizing enterocolitis is the death of intestinal tissue. The illness is most common among premature newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) occurs in approximately 25,000 babies per year.
Detailed Information on Measles
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative MedicineMeasles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious. Measles is a fatal disease that impacts vulnerable children around the world. Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus (paramyxovirus).
Detailed Information on Mastocytosis
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative MedicineMastocytosis is known as Urticaria Pigmentosa (UP). Mastocytosis is a disorder that may occur in both children and adults. Mastocytosis can arise in people of any age.
Detailed Information on Marfan Syndrome
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & ConditionsMarfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body.
Detailed Information on Malaria
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative MedicineMalaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, Plasmodium, which infects red blood cells. Infected mosquitoes spread it. People with malaria frequently experience fever, chills, and flu-like disease.
Detailed Information on Malakoplakia
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & ConditionsMalakoplakia is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disorder. Malakoplakia is inflammatory condition which makes its presence known as a papule, plaque or ulceration that generally affects the genitourinary tract.
Detailed Information on Maffucci Syndrome
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & ConditionsMaffucci syndrome is a really rare disorder. Maffucci syndrome is a disorder which affects the skin and skeleton, causing benign cartilage tumors, bone deformities, and dark hemangiomas to grow
Detailed Information on Nelson Syndrome
By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & ConditionsNelson's syndrome is a rare condition. Nelson syndrome is a disorder characterized by abnormal hormone secretion, extension of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), and the development of big and invasive growths known as adenomas.