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Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is the clinical manifestation of excessive stimulation of serotonin receptors in the CNS.  This occurs when excess serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) accumulates in the CNS, secondary to a number of pharmacological mechanisms; inhibition of serotonin metabolism (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), prevention of serotonin re-uptake in nerve terminals (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), serotonin release or increased intake of serotonin precursors (tryptophan).

Resources:

References

  • Boyer EW, Shannon M. The serotonin syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine 2005; 352(11):1112-1120.
  • Dunkley EJ, Isbister GK, Sibbritt D et al. The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria: simple and accurate diagnostic decision rules for serotonin toxicity. Quarterly Journal of Medicine 2003; 96:635-642.
  • Isbister GK, Buckley NA, Whyte IM.  Serotonin toxicity: a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment.  Medical Journal of Australia 2007; 187(6):361-365.

Toxicology Handbook

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About Mike Cadogan

Emergency physician with a passion for medical informatics and medical education. Co-founder of HealthEngine, iMeducate, and the GMEP. He writes more eclectically on the web as @sandnsurf | + Mike Cadogan | Contact