Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms

Accumulation of too much serotonin in the body leads to the onset of serotonin syndrome symptoms that could be potentially lethal. Typically, a combination of drugs could cause this condition. Mild syndrome like the symptoms of anger could be caused by individual drug overdose but severe symptoms are usually a result of a cocktail of medications.

Serotonin Syndrome Information

Acute serotonin syndrome signs could also result from usage of cocaine and other street drugs. Treatment can become complicated especially due to unmanageable serotonin syndrome symptoms withdrawal effects. Intensive treatment at the hospital is required to combat serotonin syndrome symptoms, signs and effects. Unpleasant signs that has to be immediately dealt with include twitching muscles, loss of muscle coordination, restlessness, agitation, goose bumps, shivering, excessive sweating, headache, diarrhea, dilated pupils, confusion, high blood pressure and rapid heart rate.

Severe Symptoms Must Be Considered As Medical Emergency

If you encounter any of the above serotonin syndrome symptoms, it is necessary to contact your doctor immediately before the condition progresses and worsens. If you neglect the initial symptoms which eventually lead to severe serotonin syndrome signs, you must treat it as a medical emergency. Some of the acute symptoms include irregular heartbeat, seizures, high fever and unconsciousness. Do not stop the medication responsible for your condition on your own as you may not be able to deal with the serotonin symptoms withdrawal effects. Depending on the duration of time the medication stays in the body, serotonin syndrome symptoms, signs remain in the body. Most of the milder symptoms disappear within 24 hours of starting treatment. If caused by antidepressant overdose, symptoms may take a week to subside.

Treating Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms

If you feel that the symptoms of serotonin overdose is mild, it is enough if you pay a visit to your doctor and stop the medication which is causing the issue immediately. If your doctor feels that the symptoms you exhibit are a matter of concern, you may be recommended hospitalization. You may have to stay for many hours or even a few days to ensure that you do not suffer too much from serotonin symptoms withdrawal. Intensive hospital treatment will be recommended for those suffering from severe symptoms.

Treatment Options For Serotonin Syndrome Signs

Doctors will usually bring symptoms such as muscle stiffness, seizures and agitation under control by prescribing Lorazepam or Diazepam. IV fluids may be used to treat fever and dehydration while oxygen masks will help maintain the blood oxygen levels. Serotonin production will be brought under control with medications such as atypical depression treatment if other treatments are not very effective. To reduce high blood pressure or high heart rate, doctors may prescribe nitroprusside or esmolol.  If you suffer from high fever, you may be prescribed with medications, breathing machine and tube to bring your serotonin symptoms, signs under control.

If you suspect that you are suffering from an overdose of serotonin either due to introduction of new medication or due to combination of another medicine with your existing drug, contact your doctor immediately for help.