Serotonin Syndrome

lsyorke, RN · Oct 26, 2005

I've taken care of patients with this and also talk to alot of survivors of it. What would you like to know?

meta4 · Oct 26, 2005

I have never heard of this syndrome. Which medications cause this?

thanks:)

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 26, 2005

Just wondering if anyone her has worked with a patient who was suffering from serotonin syndrome, a condition with multiple debilitating symptoms caused by giving certain medications together. I recently read about it in the New England Journal of Medicine and was interested to hear from nurses who have assisted patients in their recovery. I am not a student, just a curious faculty member! Thanks in advance, Crab23

Hello, crab23, :nurse:

Yes, I have had a couple of patients in my practice with this syndrome. One death.

scampi710 · Oct 26, 2005

Please post all information on this. Are the symptoms similar to Parkinson's?

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 26, 2005

Please post all information on this. Are the symptoms similar to Parkinson's?

Hello, scampi710,:balloons:

Many of the s/s are similar to those of Parkinson's. The individual may have tremors, incoordination, agitation. In fact, Parkinson's is one of the differential dx when considering the syndrome.

I have never heard of this syndrome. Which medications cause this?
thanks:)

Hello, meta4, :nurse:

Usually meds such as MAOI's, SSRI's, and, tricyclics. Any drug that can increase the serotonin CNS levels using 2 or more mechanisms of methadology can precipitate this syndrome.

lsyorke, RN · Oct 27, 2005

We've seen more lately with the trend of using more that one antidepressant. ie. Zoloft and Wellbutrin at the same time. Or an ssri with St. Johns Wort.