Serotonin syndrome occurs from a combination of drugs, supplements or herbs that increase serotonin to unsafe levels. It can result in confusion, fever, involuntary muscle spasms, seizures or even death. Although somewhat rare, serotonin syndrome is a serious medical condition and anyone consuming products that alter serotonin levels should be aware of the symptoms. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment.<\/p>\n
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Serotonin is an important chemical found in the brain and other parts of the body. Serotonin helps to transmit messages that regulate bodily functions such as behavior, mood, body temperature, digestion, blood flow, and breathing. Many antidepressants work by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Serotonin syndrome occurs when someone has too much serotonin in their system – either from an overdose of one drug or as a result of combining multiple drugs that increase serotonin levels. This can be extremely dangerous and result in many serious complications ranging from mild (confusion, diarrhea, shivering) to severe (delirium, seizures, comas) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although some people may be more susceptible to serotonin syndrome and the severity may vary, anyone with elevated levels of serotonin will experience symptoms. Even one dose of a serotonin-altering drug can result in serotonin syndrome [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Warning<\/em><\/strong>: serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition and requires urgent medical treatment. If you\u2019ve used psychoactive drugs\/herbs\/supplements and noticed any of the symptoms described below, seek medical help ASAP.<\/em><\/p>\n Since serotonin activates many receptors throughout the body, an excess of it in the bloodstream can have a wide range of effects. These vary from mild to life-threatening [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Too much serotonin in the brain can cause [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n The effects on the heart and blood vessels include [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n By acting on the gut, excessive serotonin can lead to [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n It can also cause [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Life-threatening symptoms include [R<\/a>] :<\/p>\n The most indicative symptoms of serotonin syndrome can be repetitive, involuntary muscle contractions [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Symptoms generally begin 6 – 8 hours after taking medication that changes the levels of serotonin in the body and comes on quite intensely. If treated properly, mild symptoms generally disappear within 24 – 72 hours<\/strong>, but it can last up to 3 days. More severe cases require hospitalization and may take longer to recover [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The duration of serotonin syndrome symptoms is completely dependent on how long the offending drug stays in your system. There are generally no long-term effects once it\u2019s properly treated<\/strong>. However, if left untreated, severe serotonin syndrome can lead to death. After recovery, it\u2019s important to reassess all current medications to prevent serotonin syndrome from occurring again [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Interactions between multiple drugs and supplements that impact serotonin levels are the most common cause of serotonin syndrome. Make sure to consult your doctor and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.<\/em><\/p>\n An overdose of a single drug that increases serotonin levels or combining two drugs, even at correct doses, can potentially lead to serotonin syndrome.<\/p>\n Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine<\/a> reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are drugs commonly prescribed for depression<\/strong><\/a> and anxiety<\/strong>. They work by prolonging the activity of serotonin in the brain.<\/p>\n Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs most frequently implicated in serotonin syndrome include [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n<\/a>Symptoms<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>How Long Does It Last?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Long-Term Effects<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Serotonin Syndrome Causes<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>OTC and Prescription Drugs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>1) Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Drugs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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