Recognition and treatment of serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome is an increasingly common adverse drug reaction, which can be life-threatening.1 Despite the common use of medications with direct or indirect serotonergic effects, many physicians are not aware of the presentation and management of serotonin excess.2 This is particularly true of less severe presentations of serotonin syndrome, which still contribute to patient morbidity.3 Family physicians need to be more aware of serotonin syndrome. This case report explains the syndrome’s pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Physicians are encouraged to consider the possibility of serotonin syndrome in patients who use serotonergic medications and present with autonomic changes, mental status changes, and neurological hyperexcitability.