what is serotonin symdrome?

what is serotonin symdrome?

[crystalhanzelka]

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction that may occur following therapeutic drug use, inadvertent interactions between drugs, overdose of particular drugs, or the recreational use of certain drugs. The terms serotonin toxicity or serotonin toxidrome are more accurate as they reflect the fact that it is a form of poisoning.[1][2] Rarely it may also be called serotonin storm, hyperserotonemia, or serotonergic syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome is a consequence of excess serotonergic activity at central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral serotonin receptors. This excess serotonin activity produces a spectrum of specific symptoms including cognitive, autonomic, and somatic effects. The symptoms may range from barely perceptible to fatal.[3] Numerous drugs and drug combinations have been reported to produce serotonin syndrome.

Diagnosis of serotonin syndrome includes observing the symptoms produced and a thorough investigation of the patient's history. The syndrome has a characteristic picture but can be mistaken for other illneses in some patients, particularly those with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Treatment consists of discontinuing medications which may contribute and in moderate to severe cases administering a serotonin antagonist. An important adjunct treatment includes controlling agitation with benzodiazepine sedation. The high profile case of Libby Zion, who died from serotonin syndrome, resulted in changes to graduate medical education in the United States.


Here is a link to the rest of the article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seratonin_syndrome

[frutrated63]

Having recently suffered from serotonin syndrome of the severe type I must add that this is a disease that is not anything to play around with.  While I take an MAO Inhibitor for an antidepressant and have for over a decade now, I never thought that the medications that I have been on for years would cause me any problems.  But they did.  Because I take the MAO Inhibitor I am accustomed to being EXTREMELY CAREFUL with ANY and EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth and on my skin to avoid life threatening interactions.  I did not think I would have to worry about increasing my medications to deal with greif issues.  Something that I had to do.  If I were not already in the hospital, I would not be alive right now to write this post.  Please if you are concerned, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If they do not listen, go to another doctor and make them listen.  This does not mean you are dealing with it, but they need to verify it.  And...they can do blood work to check it out.  It's not that hard. Don't play around.