Serotonin syndrome treatment

Serotonin syndrome

In order to understand what serotonin syndrome is, it might be helpful to explain first that serotonin is a chemical that is absolutely necessary for our brain and nerve cells to function properly, and our body produces it. On the other side, there are certain medications, dietary supplements, and even illegal drugs that can increase the amount of serotonin in our body if they are used in the dosage that exceeds the recommended, and this is never a good thing, because it will lead to the serotonin syndrome, which can even belife-threatening.

Also, it is important to mention that, for example, if antidepressants have caused the serotonin syndrome, in such cases, even weeks will have to pass before the condition is finally treated, because these medications tend to stay in the body system much longer than any others. Problems that may be experienced under such circumstances include fast heartbeat, nausea, headaches, changes in the blood pressure, and vomiting. Also, the person may begin to sweat more, the body temperature may become higher than normal, and he or she may even experience severe hallucinations and problems with muscles and coordination.

Treatment of serotonin syndrome

As for the treatment of serotonin syndrome, it is important to know that all the symptoms should go away approximately 24 hours after the use of medications has been stopped, but it is necessary to take the medication that will block the production of serotonin. Still, it does not mean that it is enough to quit taking the medicines if the symptoms occur, because some cases may be very severe and they may have fatal consequences if medical help is not provided. So, if the person loses consciousness, if fever is too high, or if seizures are experienced, those are all signs that indicate that immediate medical help and hospitalization are necessary. Even the cases in which the symptoms are not that serious should be reported to the doctor, just in case. However, the doctor is the one who will be able to estimate what kind of the treatment is required in each particular case, and whether the treatment is required at all. Depending on that, the doctor may choose between:

muscle relaxants, which help in keeping the seizures and stiffness of muscles under control;medications that block the production of serotonin;therapy with oxygen and/or intravenous fluids, which are helpful in cases of fever and dehydration;medications that will keep blood pressure and heart rate under control, particularly if they are increased.