SEROTONIN

SYNDROME
Brianna McCarthy
AGENDA

What is it?

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Treatment and prevention

2
WHAT IS SEROTONIN
SYNDROME?

Serotonin syndrome, also known as serotonin

toxicity, is a life-threatening drug reaction caused
by high levels of serotonin in the brain.
 SYMPTOMS
Symptoms can occur anywhere from 1 hour after taking a medication to 24
hours. Symptoms range from mild to severe and if left untreated can cause
death.
These include:
• Agitation/ restlessness • Loss of muscle coordination
• Confusion • Tachycardia/ irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Dilated pupils • Seizures
• High BP • Tremors
• Headache • Loss of consciousness

• Shivering
CAUSES Serotonin syndrome is caused by an excessive amount of serotonin in the
body. Starting new medications or increasing the dosage of a current
medication can cause levels to rise.

This is more likely to occur while taking medications that contain

serotonin.

Some drugs and supplements that can cause serotonin

syndrome include:
• SSRI’s • Tricyclic antidepressants
• SNRI’s • Herbal supplements
• MAOI’s • Cough and cold meds
• Bupropion • Anti-nausea meds
• Pain meds (opioids) • Illicit drugs
• Anti- migraine meds • Linezolid (antibiotic)
• Lithium • Ritonavir (used for HIV)
RISK FACTORS

There are no predisposing risk factors to developing serotonin syndrome.

Conditions can occur in anyone taking illicit drugs, medications and or

supplements known to increase serotonin levels in the body.

People who begin antidepressants for the first time are at risk of developing
serotonin syndrome as the doctor may prescribe a dose that’s too high.
 Treatment Prevention

Treatment includes:
Muscle relaxants
Serotonin-production blocking agents
Heart rate and blood pressure meds
Oxygen and IV fluids
Ventilator and medications to paralyze the muscles
Treatment depends on severity of symptoms.
know what medications you're on and create a list for
your doctor
Understand the symptoms and report to your doctor
immediately if they occur
Do not increase your medications without doctors'
orders
THANK YOU!