What Is Serotonin Syndrome?
Our bodies rely on various chemicals that help to keep our bodies functioning smoothly. Some of them are made entirely in our bodies, while others are taken from the food that we eat. Regardless, it is important that we have them in our body, and it is important that they exist in the right levels.
Some medical conditions, however, can mean these chemicals are out of balance. This sometimes mean injuries and/or disease, while it can also sometimes be down to the use of certain medication. One such example of a chemical imbalance is serotonin syndrome, and it can be dangerous in some cases.
1. Serotonin
Serotonin is a type of chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter. This means that it helps with the sending of messages throughout the brain, and most of it in our body is found in our digestive system. It is also found in the nervous system, and also in the platelets that flow through our blood.
Serotonin is very important for us because it helps to perform a number of essential functions. This includes stabilizing our mood, helping us sleep or wake up, blood clotting, bowel movements, bone health, and our libido. If there was an issue with the chemicals in our body then it can have some very profound effects on our body.
2. Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a medical condition where the patient has higher than usual levels of serotonin in their body. The condition will often go away within a day or so once the underlying cause has been dealt with. In other cases, however, serotonin syndrome can literally be life-threatening.
Serotonin syndrome is caused by the use of certain medications. In some instances, all it takes is for the patient to stop taking the medication and the condition will clear up. The condition usually happens when a combination of different drugs is being used. It can sometimes involve drugs used for medical purposes, and it can also mean some recreational drugs.
3. Causes
Serotonin syndrome can be caused by combining certain migraine medications with antidepressants. Opioids combined with antidepressants can also result in some unwelcome results. Some of the drugs that can cause the condition can even be purchased over the counter without a prescription.
Some of the antidepressants responsible are used to help people to quit smoking. Some dietary supplements can contribute to the problem, and taking certain recreational drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, and LSD can cause it. It is always wise to seek medical advice if you are planning on using any combination of drugs at some point in the future.
4. Typical Symptoms
In most cases, the symptoms of serotonin syndrome will occur within just a few hours or so of the patient taking a new drug. The same can also happen if the dosage of a certain drug has been increased. When symptoms do start to show, then they will often include a feeling of restlessness and agitation.
Headaches are also quite common, and the patient can also become easily confused. They can start shivering, heavy sweating, and goose bumps may appear. The patient’s muscles can become rigid, they can start to twitch, and the patient can also begin to lose coordination. A high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, and heavy sweating are other possibilities.
5. Severe Symptoms
The symptoms mentioned are not usually dangerous, but they should still be enough to encourage the patient to seek medical advice. In some cases of serotonin syndrome, the symptoms will be far more severe and will present a very real threat to the patient’s life. These can also happen just hours after a change in dose, or the patient taking a new drug.
The condition is likely to be more serious if the patient is showing signs of an irregular heartbeat and a high fever. Seizures are another possibility, and the syndrome will cause some people to fall unconscious. The condition can be fatal so it should be taken very seriously indeed.
6. Who’s at Risk?
Any person that is taking certain medication can develop serotonin syndrome, but taking certain drugs in certain ways is going to put people at a higher risk. For example, people that use supplements that increase serotonin levels are going to make somebody more at risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
As mentioned, people that use more than one drug known to raise serotonin levels are at a greater risk. People also need to be particularly careful if they are increasing their dosage. People that use recreational drugs will also need to be more careful. It is always important to take the advice of doctors when it comes to medication, and certain supplements.
7. Complications
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, serotonin syndrome can cause some potentially life-threatening complications. Thus, it will need to be treated as soon as it has been diagnosed. If it is not treated in time then the patient might develop kidney failure. This, in turn, can cause the volume of toxins and other water in the patient’s blood to increase to dangerous levels.
Other complications include difficulty breathing, metabolic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and rhabdomyolysis. As mentioned, serotonin syndrome can also cause seizures. It can also result in a coma and, in the more severe cases, and it can be fatal.
8. Prevention
Avoiding taking more than one medication that increases serotonin levels is a sure way to prevent serotonin syndrome from occurring. This is not always practical, however, as the patient will sometimes be in need of certain medication. The decision will need to be made sometimes that the necessity of the medication outweighs the risks of using them.
If you have any history of reactions to medication then let your doctor know. Also, make sure other doctors know of any medication you are already using. If you do suspect you are having a reaction then you should let your doctor know straight away.
9. Diagnosis
It is not yet possible to diagnose serotonin syndrome directly. Instead, a number of tests will need to be performed to help eliminate other possible causes. They will likely begin by looking into your medical history, asking you about your symptoms and giving you a physical exam.
Tests will also be performed to help see if any infections are present, and also to check the levels medication in the blood stream. Doctors will also likely look for signs of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and to see if the patient is using recreational drugs. CT scans, X-rays, blood tests and a lumbar puncture may all be used.
10. Treatment
In many cases, the only treatment necessary will be to stop using medication that may be causing the problems. The patient will often then recover within just a day or two. If your symptoms are more serious, however, then you might need to hospitalized so you can be observed more closely.
If your symptoms are serious enough then muscle relaxants may be prescribed, in addition to medication that will help limit the production of serotonin. Drugs that help to regulate the patient’s blood pressure may also be used, and intravenous drips might be used to help treat dehydration. Oxygen might be deemed necessary, and some patients might need to be placed on a ventilator.
