Serotonin syndrome

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Hyperserotonemia; Serotonergic syndrome

Patients with serotonin syndrome should stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for close observation.

Treatment may include:

• Withdrawal of medicines that caused the syndrome
• Fluids by IV
• Cyproheptadine (Periactin), a drug that blocks serotonin production
• Benzodiazepines (muscle relaxants), such as Valium or Ativan, will be used to decrease agitation, seizure-like movements, and muscle stiffness

In life-threatening cases, medicines that keep your muscles still (paralyze them) and a temporary breathing tube and breathing machine will be needed to prevent further muscle damage.

Patients may get slowly worse and can become severely ill if not quickly treated. Untreated serotonin syndrome can be deadly. However, with treatment, symptoms can usually go away in less than 24 hours.

Review Date: 08/01/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.