Recognition and Management of Serotonin Toxidrome in the Emergency Department—Case Based Review

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a clinical toxidrome with high variability in clinical practice. It develops due to increased serotonin levels in the central nervous system. With an underestimated frequency, SS can develop following an overdose, a therapeutic dose increase, or drug to drug interaction of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bianca Codrina Morarasu, Adorata Elena Coman, Cristina Bologa, Catalina Lionte, Ovidiu Rusalim Petris, Alexandr Ceasovschih, Victorita Sorodoc, Raluca Ecaterina Haliga, Gabriela Puha, Alexandra Stoica, Oana Sirbu, Mihai Constantin, Laurentiu Sorodoc
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-12-01
Series:Journal of Personalized Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/12/12/2069
Description
Summary:Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a clinical toxidrome with high variability in clinical practice. It develops due to increased serotonin levels in the central nervous system. With an underestimated frequency, SS can develop following an overdose, a therapeutic dose increase, or drug to drug interaction of at least one serotonergic agent. It can present with autonomic signs, neuromuscular changes and an altered mental status. However, history and clinical examination are key features to formulate the diagnosis. Treatment options consist of supportive measures, discontinuation of the offending agent and certain therapeutic agents previously reported to improve outcomes. Physicians have limited experience with SS, partially due to the lack of its identification in clinical practice. Therefore, we have integrated, in a narrative review, the case of a young male with SS following an atypical antipsychotic overdose superimposed on chronic treatment with agents previously known to produce SS.
ISSN:2075-4426