Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an excess of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to a dangerous increase in nerve cell activity. Serotonin syndrome can occur as a result of taking certain medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or taking a combination of medications that increase serotonin levels. Symptoms include agitation, confusion, muscle rigidity and hyperreflexia, hypertension, dysrhythmias, diaphoresis, and tachypnea. Treatment may include discontinuing the culprit drug, supportive management, and providing cyproheptadine.