What it means
A potentially life-threatening reaction, most often when drugs that raise serotonin are combined or the dose is raised, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorsuh-LEK-tiv sair-uh-TOH-nin ree-UP-tayk in-HIB-ih-terA type of antidepressant that raises serotonin levels between nerve cells by slowing its reuptake.Full entry s with MAO inhibitors, triptans, tramadol, linezolid or St. John's wort. It usually starts within hours of the change. Findings include agitation or confusion, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, fever, tremor, muscle twitching and overactive reflexes, and diarrhea.
For the nurse
Stop the drugs that raise serotonin and report at once. Check vital signs and temperature closely, and expect cooling and drugs to calm the muscle activity. Teach clients on antidepressants not to add over-the-counter or herbal products without asking.
At a glance
| Spanish | síndrome serotoninérgico |
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Related terms
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
herbal
Made from plants; herbal supplements are plant products taken for health, sold without a prescription.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
A type of antidepressant that raises serotonin levels between nerve cells by slowing its reuptake.