serotonin (5-ht), a mono-aminergic neurotransmitter is biochemically derived from tryptophan and is mainly found in gastrointestinal tract, platelets and central nervous system of animals. serotonin (5-ht) in coordination with hypothalamus plays an important role in the cns control of appetite, eating behavior, and energy balance and body weight. it has a special role in control of carbohydrate...

BACKGROUND Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening syndrome that is precipitated by the use of serotonergic drugs and overactivation of both the peripheral and central postsynaptic 5HT-1A and, most notably, 5HT-2A receptors. This syndrome consists of a combination of mental status changes, neuromuscular hyperactivity, and autonomic hyperactivity. Serotonin syndrome can occur via th...

1. Bernard L, Stern R, Lew D, Hoffmeyer P. Serotonin syndrome after concomitant treatment with linezolid and citalopram. Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36:1197. 2. Dunkley E, Isbister G, Sibbritt D, Dawson A, Whyte I. The Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria: a simple and accurate diagnostic decision rule for serotonin toxicity. Q J Med 2003; 96: 635–42. 3. Gillman PK. Serotonin syndrome: history and risk...

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome and the serotonin syndrome share many clinical features and may exist on a spectrum of the same disorder. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome, however, is an idiosyncratic drug reaction, whereas the serotonin syndrome is an effect of drug toxicity. Both syndromes present with varying degrees of mental status changes and autonomic instability. In general, patien...

OBJECTIVE Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can be caused by administration of agents that increase serotonergic activity in the brain. We report here on 2 stroke patients who presented with serotonin syndrome following administration of dopaminergic agents. CASE REPORT Two stroke patients were administered ropinirole (patient 1) and carbidopa/levodopa (patie...

BACKGROUND There has been a recent surge in the literature highlighting the association of fentanyl as precipitating serotonin syndrome in patients on a serotonergic agent. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to understand the incidence of serotonin syndrome in patients who receive fentanyl while on serotonergic agents. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective analysis was conducted from 2012 to ...

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with increased serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. It is classically associated with the simultaneous administration of two serotonergic agents, but it can occur after initiation of a single serotonergic drug or increasing the dose of a serotonergic drug in individuals who are particularly sensitive to se...

Previous pharmacological studies have implicated serotonergic brain systems in opiate withdrawal syndrome. Increased brain 5-HT release is associated with the development of physical dependence to morphine. Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluvoxamine and sertraline reduce the severity of naloxone precipitated opioid withdrawal syndrome. Other studies have shown that 5-HT system ...

Aims: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug interaction caused by excess serotonin concentration in the central nervous system and/or peripheral nervous system leading to cognitive, autonomic and somatic effects ranging from barely perceptible to fatal. A number of drugs and drug interactions cause serotonin syndrome, however, the exact mechanisms often remain elusive. Prese...

A case of venlafaxine-induced serotonin syndrome is described with relapse following the introduction of amitriptyline, despite a 2-week period between the discontinuation of one drug and the commencement of the other. Electroencephalography may play an important part in diagnosis. With the increasing use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, greater awareness of the serotonin syndrome i...