International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Review Article

Identification and Prevention of Serotonin Syndrome

Mohammad Masud Iqbal^1*, Saabry Yusof Osmany², Mohamamd Tamzid Iqbal³

¹Central New York Psychiatric Center, Marcy, NY, USA

²Paragon Medical Center, Radlink PET and Cardiac Imaging, Singapore

³University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

*Corresponding Author:

Mohammad Masud Iqbal
E-mail: mmiqbal569@gmail.com

Serotonin Syndrome (SS) is a rare, but lethal, adverse drug reaction caused by excessive serotonin activity in the nervous system. Serotonin syndrome is more accurately described as serotonin toxicity and can be triggered by serotonergic agents either alone or in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It may occur after one standard therapeutic dose of a single agent, unintentional interactions between various medications, drug overdose, as well as recreational drug use. Symptoms present as alteration of mental status, abnormalities of neuromuscular tone, and autonomic hyperactivity. Although effects are usually mild and resolve with prompt recognition and supportive care, there exists a strong need for integration of these preventative measures in current clinical practice.

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