Posted by SLS on June 11, 2006, at 8:26:39
In reply to Serotonin Syndrome Reaction, posted by Karen44 on June 10, 2006, at 23:20:26
> Could someone explain what this is, what causes it, and what are the symptoms. Thanks.
Serotonin syndrome is a serious and potentially fatal reaction that sometimes occurs when combining drugs that potentiate serotonin neurotransmission. It can even happen with one drug. The greatest risk is probably when combinating a MAOI with a SRI. One must be careful whenever two serotonergic drugs are given simultaneously. Even adding lithium to a SSRI can precipitate an episode.Having said all of that scary stuff, serotonin syndrome is a very infrequent event when combining drugs except for MAOIs. Most cases are relatively mild.
Probably the most dangerous symptom is hyperpyrexia - a high fever. When body temperature gets too high, organs shut down. Other signs and symptoms include confusion, delerium, agitation, elevated heart-rate and blood pressure, nausea, muscle rigidity and involuntary movements, exaggerated reflexes, extreme restlessness, tremors, incoordination, sweating, and hyperventillation.
Some of the drugs used to treat serotonin syndrome include lorazepam (Ativan), propranolol (Inderal), and cyprohepadine (Periactin).
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:655417
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060610/msgs/655456.html