Serotonin syndrome

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Definition

Serotonin syndrome is a condition characterized by dangerously high levels of serotonin — a chemical produced by nerve cells — in your body.

Serotonin syndrome can occur when you take certain combinations of prescription medications that affect serotonin levels in your body. For example, serotonin syndrome can occur if you take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for depression along with triptan medications to treat migraine. Serotonin syndrome can also occur if you take SSRIs with other drugs or supplements that affect serotonin levels, such as St. John's wort.

Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from restlessness and rapid heartbeat to muscle rigidity and seizures. These go away quickly with treatment, which may include discontinuing use of the medications causing the symptoms along with taking other drugs such as muscle relaxants and serotonin-production blocking agents. If not treated quickly, serotonin syndrome can become life-threatening.

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Symptoms