Serious Warning Signs of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a condition that occurs when certain medications cause too-high amounts of serotonin to build up in the body. It sometimes happens when individuals increase medication doses or add a new medication to an existing regimen. There are also some dietary supplements and illegal drugs that can cause serotonin syndrome. Serotonin is necessary for the function of the brain and nerve cells. However, too much of this chemical leads to a range of symptoms that, when severe, can lead to death if left untreated. Mild forms of the syndrome might dissipate on their own within a day after the individual stops the symptom-causing medications. Patients might also need to take serotonin-blocking drugs.

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Muscle Rigidity And Twitching

If an individual is going to develop serotonin syndrome, the symptoms tend to occur several hours after the first dose of a new drug or increased medication dosage. It's important for doctors and psychiatrists to be aware of symptoms to look for. They should also double check any new medications don't have potentially toxic interactions with other medicines the patient is already taking. While the risk of serotonin syndrome is relatively low if medication is carefully administered, patients taking serotonin-increasing drugs should be aware of the warning signs. It's important to self-monitor after new medication dosages. One of the most telling signs is unexplained muscle rigidity, loss of coordination in the muscles, or unexplained muscle twitches. If patients experience these muscular symptoms after a change in their medications, they should get in contact with their doctor right away. If the symptoms become more severe, seek emergency medical treatment.

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