scholarly journals Serotonin Toxicity: Implications for Clinical Practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Auston Rotheram ◽  
Wayne Harris ◽  
Colin Curtain ◽  
David Nihill
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reaction ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Serotonin Toxicity

Serotonin toxicity, or serotonin syndrome, is a potentially life threatening adverse reaction to the use of one or more serotonergic drugs. Patients presenting with low level obscure symptoms may have pathophysiology rooted in adverse dopamine and serotonergic poly-pharmacy reactions involving illegal, over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs. In this clinical information paper an overview of serotonin toxicity, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies will be offered. Cultivating a high index of suspicion for serotonin toxicity across a broad patient demographic is recommended

Serotonin Syndrome

2019 ◽  
pp. 467-471
Author(s):  
Kevin T. Gobeske ◽  
Eelco F. M. Wijdicks
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Neuromuscular System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Serotonin Toxicity

Serotonin syndrome affects the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the neuromuscular system and can have acute and potentially life-threatening manifestations. By definition, serotonin syndrome is associated with changes in serotonin exposure and thus might be described more accurately as serotonergic excess or serotonin toxicity. The central nervous system effects of serotonin involve regulation of attention, arousal, mood, learning, appetite, and temperature.

scholarly journals Serotonin Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Management, and Potential Future Directions

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117864691987392 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J Scotton ◽  
Lisa J Hill ◽  
Adrian C Williams ◽  
Nicholas M Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Tryptophan Hydroxylase ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Oxidase Inhibitor ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs

Serotonin syndrome (SS) (also referred to as serotonin toxicity) is a potentially life-threatening drug-induced toxidrome associated with increased serotonergic activity in both the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous systems (CNS). It is characterised by a dose-relevant spectrum of clinical findings related to the level of free serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]), or 5-HT receptor activation (predominantly the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A subtypes), which include neuromuscular abnormalities, autonomic hyperactivity, and mental state changes. Severe SS is only usually precipitated by the simultaneous initiation of 2 or more serotonergic drugs, but the syndrome can also occur after the initiation of a single serotonergic drug in a susceptible individual, the addition of a second or third agent to long-standing doses of a maintenance serotonergic drug, or after an overdose. The combination of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), in particular MAO-A inhibitors that preferentially inhibit the metabolism of 5-HT, with serotonergic drugs is especially dangerous, and may lead to the most severe form of the syndrome, and occasionally death. This review describes our current understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of SS, and summarises some of the drugs and interactions that may precipitate the condition. We also discuss the newer novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), a growing public health concern due to their increased availability and use, and their potential risk to evoke the syndrome. Finally, we discuss whether the inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), in particular the neuronal isoform (TPH2), may provide an opportunity to pharmacologically target central 5-HT synthesis, and so develop new treatments for severe, life-threatening SS.

scholarly journals Unprovoked serotonin syndrome-like presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A small case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 2050313X2110320
Author(s):  
Philip Keith ◽  
Marc Saint-Jour ◽  
Frank Pusey ◽  
Jeremy Hodges ◽  
Farid Jalali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
External Cooling ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Serotonin Toxicity

Clinicians and researchers have reported an array of neurological abnormalities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and while serotonin excess has been observed we are unaware of reports of central nervous system serotonin toxicity in COVID-19. We present two cases that resemble serotonin syndrome in COVID-19, but without identifiable inciting medications. A 54-year-old with multiple sclerosis and diabetes mellitus presented with altered mental status. His altered sensorium was attributed to diabetic ketoacidosis, but his condition quickly deteriorated with fever to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, rigidity in all extremities, inducible clonus, and hyperreflexia. He was intubated and was treated for possible meningitis and seizure. Neurologic workup was negative for acute pathology. Despite acetaminophen, his core temperature remained elevated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. He was treated with external cooling and cyproheptadine and within 48 h, his fever, rigidity, hyperreflexia, and clonus resolved. He was extubated and discharged home on day 14. A 72-year-old with hyperlipidemia was admitted with tremors, 4 days after testing positive for COVID-19. His symptoms rapidly worsened, and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on day 3 in extremis, febrile to 104.4 degrees Fahrenheit, heart rate of 180 beats per minute, and apparent whole body myoclonus. He was intubated and developed fever refractory to acetaminophen requiring external cooling. Extensive neurologic workup was negative. He received cyproheptadine and slowly improved. He was extubated and discharged to rehab on day 11. These cases represent a unique presentation in COVID-19 that must be considered and requires a high index of suspicion.

scholarly journals Incidence of Serotonin Syndrome in Patients Treated with Fentanyl on Serotonergic Agents

2015 ◽  
Vol 18;1 (1;1) ◽  
pp. E27-E30
Author(s):  
Padma Gulur
Keyword(s):  
Chart Review ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Inherent Limitation ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Academic Center ◽  
Key Words Fentanyl ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs ◽  
Serotonin Toxicity ◽  
Toxicity Criteria

Background: There has been a recent surge in the literature highlighting the association of fentanyl as precipitating serotonin syndrome in patients on a serotonergic agent. Objective: The purpose of our study was to understand the incidence of serotonin syndrome in patients who receive fentanyl while on serotonergic agents. Study Design: This retrospective analysis was conducted from 2012 to 2013 after approval from the Institutional Review Board. We searched for all patients that had received a serotonergic agent and were admitted to the hospital during the study period. Next, we split these patients into 2 groups by placing all patients who had received fentanyl and a serotonergic agent into one group. We then searched for any of the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria in the records of patients that had received both fentanyl and a serotonergic agent. Further, we searched for all patients with serotonin syndrome mentioned in their records. Setting: This study was conducted at a 900 bed tertiary care academic center. Results: Over the 2 year study period, 112,045 patients were on a serotonergic agent, and 4,538 of these patients were treated with both fentanyl and a serotonergic agent. A search for Hunter’s Criteria through the records of the patients receiving both fentanyl and a serotonergic agent revealed 23 patients had been documented with some of these symptoms. On detailed chart review, only 4 [95% CI 1 – 10] of these patients truly met Hunter’s Criteria for serotonin syndrome. We then searched all admissions for a diagnosis code of serotonin syndrome during the study period. Five additional cases of serotonin syndrome were found, but none of these patients were treated with fentanyl. Limitations: Some of the limitations of our study include that it represents a single institution, although it is a large academic center. An inherent limitation may be the under diagnosis of serotonin syndrome. Conclusion: The incidence of serotonin syndrome in patients who receive both fentanyl and a serotonergic agent is low. Key words: Fentanyl, serotonin syndrome, serotonergic drugs, opioids, SSRI, antidepressant

scholarly journals Tramadol, Pharmacology, Side Effects, and Serotonin Syndrome: A Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 18;4 (4;18) ◽  
pp. 395-400
Author(s):  
Alan David Kaye
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Potential Side Effect ◽  
Serotonergic Activity ◽  
Potential Abuse ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Physician Reviews ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs

Background: Serotonin syndrome is a mild to potentially life-threatening syndrome associated with excessive serotonergic activity within the central nervous system. Serotonin syndrome is associated with medication use, drug interactions, and overdose. While serotonin syndrome is often associated with the use of selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRI), an increasing number of reports are being presented involving the use of tramadol. Methods: This review article contains an overview of serotonin syndrome while specifically looking at tramadol’s pharmacology and risk factors for serotonin syndrome. With tramadol’s increasing popularity, the goal of this article is to make physicians more alert and aware of this potential side effect associated with tramadol. Conclusions: In conclusion, with the increasing incidence of serotonin syndrome, prescribing physicians should be aware of and educate their patients on the potential side effects of tramadol. It is important that the prescribing physician reviews patient medications for concurrent serotonergic drugs and monitors for potential abuse. Key words: Tramadol, serotonin syndrome, drug interactions, analgesics

scholarly journals A Review Article on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIS)

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 72-75
Author(s):  
Devi Meena ◽  
Subhash Subhash Chand ◽  
Deovrat Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Reaction ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Prescribing Trends ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Depression, tension and mental health have been ignored as a serious issue since ages. Depression can be fatal or life-threatening, if not treated to this problem. Antidepressants are also regularly used to treat many other conditions, such as social phobia, fibromyalgia, panic disorder, anxiety/anxiety depression, PTSD, OCD, PMDD, and menopause. The major antidepressant used in the study followed oral prescribing trends. A “serious adverse reaction means an adverse reaction which is fatal, life-threatening, disabling, incapacitating, or which results in or prolongs hospitalization.” Material method collect from Google, Wikipedia, Elsevier, PubMed, Google scholar, Sci-Hub etc. This is a meta-analysis study. Fluoxetine have the longest half-life, but Fluvoxamine have short half-life. SSRIs increase the serum concentrations of the latter two drugs, potentiating their effects and increasing the risk of toxicity. Fluoxetine and Paroxetine specifically, are known to cause a 5-fold increase in serum TCA concentration upon co-administration. By in the addition of combination therapy SSRIs associated many types of adverse drug reaction and some time it can cause serotonin syndrome also.  

Serotonin toxicity

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. i-iv ◽  
Author(s):  
Sobia Nasim ◽  
Faraz Jabbar ◽  
Asfar Afridi ◽  
Brendan D Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Causal Agent ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion ◽  
Serotonin Toxicity

Serotonin toxicity is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with a range of psychotropic medications, co-administration of specific combinations of agents and overdose of certain drugs. It is associated with a wide diversity of clinical signs and symptoms, including cognitive, autonomic and somatic effects, as well as serious complications, including possible death. Diagnosis is often challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Differential diagnosis includes syndromes such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Management depends on the causal agent and urgency of clinical presentation. Treatment may involve discontinuing the causal agent and providing supportive measures, or emergency intervention to preserve vital functions (airway, breathing, circulation), amongst other measures. Further research is needed to clarify the incidence of serotonin toxicity, issues related to differential diagnosis, optimal management of the condition, and treatment of mood problems following serotonin toxicity.

scholarly journals Serotonin Syndrome with Escitolapram and Concomitant Use of Cocaine: A Case Report

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. CCRep.S9540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamood Ur-Rehman Malik ◽  
Krishan Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Drug Abusers ◽  
Serotonergic Activity ◽  
Psychotropic Agents ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Autonomic Instability ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs

Introduction Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. It is characterized by mental status changes (eg, confusion, agitation, lethargy, coma), autonomic instability (eg, hyperthermia, tachycardia, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils), and neuromuscular hyperactivity (eg, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, rigidity, trismus). Serotonin syndrome classically occurs in patients receiving two or more serotonergic drugs, but it can occur with monotherapy. We report a case of a 20-year-old man who developed serotonin syndrome resulting from overdose of Escitolapram with concomitant use of cocaine. It is a very important area in medicine as serotonin syndrome should be suspected especially in drug abusers who are being treated with psychotropic agents for mental illnesses.

scholarly journals Clinical Relevance of Pharmacogenetics in Serotonin Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dehuti Pandya ◽  
My Tran ◽  
Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Additive Risk ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs ◽  
Higher Doses ◽  
Dose Change ◽  
Stimulation Of

Serotonin syndrome is a predictable life-threatening condition that is caused by serotonergic stimulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. A patient’s genetic profile can amplify exposure risk as many serotonergic drugs are metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, and these enzymes may be altered in functionality. We report a case of an elderly man who presented with serotonin syndrome after a dose change in valproic acid 5 weeks prior. His medication list consisted of low-dose serotonergic agents, which is unusual as most cases of serotonin syndrome involve higher doses. A review of his pharmacogenetic profile is presented to retrospectively evaluate the additive risk for serotonin syndrome and implications on resuming serotonergic agents.

Headache as a presenting feature in patients with serotonin syndrome: A case series

Cephalalgia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Prakash ◽  
Pooja Belani ◽  
Aditi Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Serotonin Syndrome ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Headache Disorders ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Serotonergic Drugs ◽  
Acute Headache

Introduction Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a drug-induced constellation of various clinical features that result from excess central serotonergic tone. The clinical features range from barely perceptible to life-threatening conditions. Cases We describe four patients with acute headache (four days to three weeks) who were receiving serotonergic drugs for other indications. There was a temporal relation between the administration of the serotonergic drugs and the development of the headaches. All four patients fulfilled the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria for SS. In parallel, two patients fulfilled the Sternbach’s criteria for SS. Discontinuation of the serotonergic drugs and the administration of cyprohepatadine led to complete improvement in three to seven days in all four patients. Discussion A review of the literature suggests that some overlaps exist in the pathophysiology between SS and headache disorders, including medication-overuse headache. The overlap is also in the management. The drugs found to be effective in SS (cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, etc.) are also known to have positive effects on some headache disorders. Conclusion Physicians should consider the diagnosis of SS in patients with new onset or worsening headache after the addition of serotonergic drugs, especially in the presence of objective signs on examination suggestive of the disorder such as tremor, fever, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis or tachycardia.

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