Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells. It is an iatrogenic (i.e. caused by medical treatment) toxidrome. Serotonin syndrome is caused by increased serotonin in the central nervous system. It is the result of overstimulation of 5-HT1A receptors in central grey nuclei and the medulla and, perhaps, of overstimulation of 5-HT2 receptors. Serotonin syndrome is not a spontaneous drug reaction, it is a consequence of excess serotonergic activity at central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral serotonin receptors. Serotonin syndrome can occur when you take certain combinations of prescription medications that affect serotonin levels in your body.
Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from restlessness and rapid heartbeat to muscle rigidity and seizures. Severe case often have agitated delirium as well as muscular rigidity and high muscular tension. Temperature may rise to above 41.1C (105.98F) in life-threatening cases. Other
