Serotonin is produced by the body.It functions as a neurotransmitter, which is a substance that sends messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body.It's found in the brain, the stomach, and the platelets.Serotonin syndrome can be caused by drugs, drug interactions, or rarely by some supplements.Aggravation, confusion and disorientation, rapid heartbeat, chills, excessive sweating, and more are some of the common symptoms.If you believe you have the syndrome, you should learn how to treat it.
Step 1: Don't take the medication.
If you experience any of the milder symptoms listed, contact your doctor to discuss stopping the medication.Stop the medication if you can't get in touch with your doctor.Within one to three days, the effects of mild serotonin syndrome fade.You should tell your doctor that you stopped taking your medication.It's possible that your doctor wants to change you to a different medication.If you have been on the medicine for less than a few weeks, you should stop taking it.
Step 2: If you've been taking your medication for a while, contact your doctor.
If you have been on your medication for more than a few weeks, you should get in touch with your doctor.If you stop taking antidepressants suddenly, they have serious side effects.Your doctor needs to talk to you about other options so you know how to take your medication.
Step 3: Take anti-serotonin.
If your symptoms don't go away after a few days, you have been taking the medications that caused the serotonin syndrome for an extended period of time, or you are having any symptoms that are worrisome for severe Serotonin Syndrome.You need to get medical attention right away.Anti-serotonin medication can help treat the condition.These types of medications can be prescribed by a doctor.Within 24 hours, the symptoms of serotonin syndrome usually resolve.Your doctor can check on you to make sure you are getting better.cyproheptadine is an example of an anti-serotonin medication.
Step 4: If you experience severe symptoms, contact the emergency services.
If you experience any of the more severe symptoms listed, stop the medication and contact the emergency services.It is possible that you are facing a life-threatening condition.Severe symptoms can progress quickly.Severe symptoms include high temperature, convulsions, and unconsciousness.You might need hospital treatment for serious symptoms.To control heart rate and blood pressure, you may be given medication to block the action of serotonin.Oxygen therapy and IV fluids may be given to you.
Step 5: Any additional tests should be conducted.
There is no single lab test that can diagnose the syndrome.Drug withdrawal, overdose, and other disorders may need to be excluded from the diagnosis because it's mostly based on symptoms and the medications you're taking.If you want to exclude these other conditions, your physician or the hospital attendants may order tests.
Step 6: If you see symptoms of agitation, it's time to check.
Serotonin syndrome is an over-excitation of the nervous system, so the symptoms reflect this.You may feel restless or upset.You may experience an increase in heart rate and palpitations because of this.It is possible that you have increased blood pressure.
Step 7: Look for confusion or lack of coordination.
Confusion and disorientation is a symptom of serotonin syndrome.You can also experience clumsiness.It can be hard to walk, drive, or perform daily tasks with uncoordinated muscles.Your muscles could end up being too rigid.twitching muscles or muscle tics may be what you experience.
Step 8: You should watch for other bodily changes.
If you have a mental illness, you may experience sweating.If you don't sweat, you may experience a chill on your body.You could also experience headaches.
Step 9: Make sure to check for severe symptoms.
Serotonin syndrome has some symptoms that can indicate a serious reaction.If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately call the emergency services.There are a number of symptoms, including high fever Seizures, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and change in mental status.
Step 10: The symptoms can start within a few hours.
Within a few hours of taking a prescribed medication, an OTC medication or an herbal supplement, the symptoms of serotonin syndrome begin.When one or more of these substances are combined, these symptoms are even more common.Most of the time, a change in dose or start of a new drug causes a case of Serotonin Syndrome within six to 24 hours.If you experience any of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, call your physician, emergency services, or go to an emergency room right away, because it can be serious and life-threatening.
Step 11: You can learn about the causes of the syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome can be caused by any drug or substance that increases the amount of the brain chemical in the body.antidepressants are one of the drugs that can do this.If over-used intentionally or non-intentionally, this can happen.Combining medication from different classes can cause serotonin syndrome.They include drugs like fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.Serotonin and reuptake inhibitors are similar to the SSRIs and include drugs like trazodone, duloxetine, and venlafaxine.The MAOIs include antidepressants like isocarboxazid and phenelzine.Other antidepressants can include drugs like Bupropion and Tricyclic antidepressants.The class includes the triptans, carbamazepine, and valproic acid.Fentanyl, meperidine, and tramadol are some of the pain medications.The main drug in this category is Lithium.Granisetron (Kytril), metoclopramide (Reglan), droperidol (Inapsine), and ondansetron are some of the anti-nausea medications.Linezolid (Zyvox), which is an antibiotic, is included in this class.It is used to treat HIV/AIDS.There are OTC cough and cold medications with dextromethorphan.The group includes ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamines.St. John's wort is one of the herbal supplements in this group.
Step 12: Serotonin syndrome can be prevented.
Let your doctors know all the drugs and supplements you are taking so that they can prevent the syndrome.St John's wort can be used with prescription drugs.There are prescription drugs that can interact with each other.Taking medication from a doctor who doesn't have all the facts can cause problems.If your physician doesn't know that you're taking a drug that's been prescribed by another doctor, this will increase your risk for a mental illness.The amount of pills should be taken.Do not attempt to regulate your dose by yourself.
Step 13: Do you know who is at risk?
People who take multiple kinds of medications from the drug classes are at high risk for the condition.It happens when you increase the dose or start a new medication.If you take multiple medications from these classes, make sure to keep an eye on your symptoms, especially if you have just started a new medication.Serotonin syndrome can be dangerous and lethal in people with a history of heart disease.