Serotonin Syndrome : Symptoms & Treatments

Serotonin syndrome is a medication reaction that can be fatal and is cause by having too much of it in your system. A neurotransmitter is a substance made by nerve cells in the brain and other parts of the body. Serotonin is one such molecule. It is typically brought on by using substances or medicines that lower serotonin levels. Moreover, the basic course of treatment is to stop taking the drug(s) or medication(s) causing syndrome.

How common is the syndrome?

The syndrome may develop in people who use certain prescription drugs. However, it may be over-the-counter medicines, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, and illicit drugs that alter serotonin levels in the body. However, it happen to people of any age.

What signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome are most typical?

The intensity of  syndrome symptoms varies from person to person. They might range from being minor to being lethal. Call your doctor or head straight to an urgent care centre or emergency room. However, if you’re taking a drug that affects serotonin and have any of the following symptoms.

Mild symptoms

• Nervousness
• Nauseous and vomit
• Dilated eyes

Moderate symptoms

• Irritability and restlessness
• Muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, involuntary muscle contractions, and twitching
• Shaking and perspiring
• Abnormal eye motions

Severe symptoms

• Confusion, delirium, and disorientation
• Quick heartbeat
• Elevated blood pressure
• Elevated core temperature
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fainting or falling asleep

What leads to serotonin syndrome?

The syndrome is hire on by an increase in serotonin levels in the body. Also, if you take multiple drugs that impact syndrome levels, this increase in serotonin may occur.

Medication known to raise serotonin levels has recently increase.

Unintentionally or on purpose, use too much of a single serotonin-related medicine.

Utilize some illicit substances, natural remedies, or over-the-counter medications that alter serotonin levels.

Treatments and Medications for Serotonin Syndrome

Antidepressants

The most often used drugs that alter serotonin levels are antidepressants. They are frequently combine with other serotonergic treatments for different ailments. It is when implicate in serotonin syndrome, such as triptans for migraines or opioid painkillers.

Examples of antidepressant drug classes and treatments that raise syndrome levels include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants:
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Serotonin modulators
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

How is the syndrome identified by doctors?

No tests exist to identify syndrome symptoms. The results of your physical examination, a study of your symptoms, and a history of any medications. It has an impact on your syndrome levels are typically use by your doctor to make the diagnosis. Informing your healthcare practitioner of all the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, dietary supplements, herbal items, and illicit drugs, will be helpful. (Not to worry. Moreover, the purpose of your healthcare practitioner is to assist you, not to judge you.)

To check the amounts of the medications you’re taking, your doctor may conduct blood and urine tests.

• Exams to determine how well your body is operating.
• Examinations to check for infection-related symptoms, such as a spinal tap.
• Additional examinations (such as a chest X-ray or CT scan). Also, if it requires, to rule out other conditions that could manifest similarly or to detect problems.

Treatment options for the syndrome

The severity of your symptoms will determine how you are treated:

Mild symptoms: If your symptoms are mild, you can typically get rid of them by stopping the medicine. However, you can adjust your dose within 24 to 72 hours.

Moderate symptoms: If you have moderate symptoms. You may also spend at least 24 hours being watch in the hospital to make sure your condition is getting better.

Severe symptoms: In the event that your symptoms are serious. Additionally, you may be admit to the Intensive care unit (ICU), where your body’s organ function can be carefully observe.