Serotonin syndrome
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Mild symptoms while taking antidepressant
- Taking an antidepressant with narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-nausea medications
When to seek immediate medical care
See a doctor immediately if:
- Agitation, restlessness, anxiety, confusion
- Tense, twitching muscles, or teeth clenching
- Fever, sweating, or flushing
- Rapid heart rate or fast breathing
- Diarrhea
When to make a doctor's appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Mild symptoms while taking antidepressant
- Taking an antidepressant with narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-nausea medications
Description
Potentially dangerous symptoms that can occur when antidepressants are taken with other medicines that also raise serotonin levels.
Overview
Serotonin syndrome can result from taking medicines, illicit drugs or herbal supplements that increase serotonin levels. It may occur after starting a new medicine, increasing the dose of a medicine or combining medicines.
Symptoms
Minor serotonin syndrome symptoms can include confusion, rapid heart rate and sweating. Dangerous symptoms may include high fever and seizures. Symptoms may occur within hours of taking certain medicines.
Treatments
Treatment usually involves stopping the medicine that's causing the symptoms. Sometimes medicines may be needed to block serotonin. Dangerous symptoms may need to be treated in a hospital.
