Serotonin Syndrome Effects

Serotonin syndrome caused by increased concentration of the chemical serotonin can be life threatening if not treated on time. In most people, this condition is caused by use of antidepressants or serotonergic drugs like SSRIs, MAOIs, Celexa and Tricyclics. Onset of this syndrome could also be due to other substances like cocaine, St. John’s wort, LSD, ecstasy, amphetamines, lithium and L-tryptophan. It is very important to keep your doctor informed about any drug you are currently taking before he prescribes psychiatric or non-psychiatric medications to ensure that serotonin levels in your blood stream is not affected leading to serotonin syndrome long term effects.

Serotonin Syndrome Information

Certain drugs taken individually or in combination with other medications lead to serotonin syndrome side effects as they affect the neurotransmitter serotonin in our systems. While certain drugs block reuptake, certain others block the nerve receptors. Many times this type of history will lead to reasons for a clinical assessment. Some medications or drug cocktails promote serotonin release while some others slow down serotonin breakdown thereby leading to a build-up.

Serotonin Syndrome After Effects

Serotonin syndrome after effects is found to be pronounced in patients suffering from vascular disease. In some, the process of serotonin metabolism is naturally slow. Before you take any antidepressant, it is a good idea to read the warning on the label and maybe test for melancholia. Almost all of them warn patients against changing between types of antidepressant drugs as two or more types of drugs in the system could lead to serotonin syndrome.

Symptoms of Serotonin Overdose

Some of the most common symptoms of this condition that could lead to serotonin syndrome long term effects include fast or slow pulse, paleness or flushing, jerky movements, muscle rigidity, anxiety, headache, fever, shivering, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, poor coordination, tremor, profuse sweating, restlessness and confusion.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is another condition symptoms of which could mimic serotonin disorder. It is very important for doctors to know all relevant medication history of the patient before offering treatment for serotonin syndrome side effects and symptoms.

Treatment To Combat Serotonin Syndrome After Effects

If you are diagnosed with this condition, your doctor will first of all ask you to discontinue all medications that could be the cause. Patients may be offered supportive treatment for related conditions like respiratory problems and prescribed Benzodiazepines to relieve muscular distress. When this is done, in most cases, serotonin syndrome symptoms subside and the patient recovers.

It is very important however to take medical help and not discontinue drugs on your own as this could lead to severe serotonin syndrome long term effects. Before the condition progresses and becomes potentially fatal, contact your doctor especially if the onset of symptoms was due to starting a new antidepressant.

Remember that all the above serotonin syndrome side effects and symptoms listed could also be a result of abrupt tapering or discontinuation of antidepressant drugs. Some of the symptoms common to both include impaired concentration, chills, poor coordination, shock-like sensations, headache and agitation. A good doctor will be able to differentiate between the two symptoms and ensure that the patient receives adequate treatment to combat serotonin syndrome after effects and recovers from the condition.