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Serotonin toxicity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Sobia Nasim ,
Faraz Jabbar ,
Asfar Afridi  and
Brendan D Kelly
Sobia Nasim
Affiliation:
Connolly Norman House, 224 North Circular Road, Dublin 7, Ireland
Faraz Jabbar
Affiliation:
Connolly Norman House, 224 North Circular Road, Dublin 7, Ireland
Asfar Afridi
Affiliation:
Stewarts Hospital Services, Palmerston, Dublin, Ireland
Brendan D Kelly*
Affiliation:
Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 62/63 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
*
*Correspondence Email: brendankelly35@gmail.com
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Abstract

Serotonin toxicity is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with a range of psychotropic medications, co-administration of specific combinations of agents and overdose of certain drugs. It is associated with a wide diversity of clinical signs and symptoms, including cognitive, autonomic and somatic effects, as well as serious complications, including possible death. Diagnosis is often challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Differential diagnosis includes syndromes such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Management depends on the causal agent and urgency of clinical presentation. Treatment may involve discontinuing the causal agent and providing supportive measures, or emergency intervention to preserve vital functions (airway, breathing, circulation), amongst other measures. Further research is needed to clarify the incidence of serotonin toxicity, issues related to differential diagnosis, optimal management of the condition, and treatment of mood problems following serotonin toxicity.

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Type
CPD
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , June 2011 , pp. i - iv
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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