Serotonin ( 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT) is a monoamine Neurotransmitter, which is a brain chemical
that helps to regulate mood and behaviour,and depression. But as a result of increase of serotonin in the
brain a dangerous drug reaction called serotonin syndrome can occur characterized by a triad of neuro
excitatory features, of altered mental status, neuromuscular hyperactivity, and autonomic instability. This
is a medical emergency and is almost exclusively associated with drug pre1scription acting at different sites,
most commonly including an MAOI and an SSRI. Diagnosis is purely clinical and there is no laboratory test
for diagnosing Serotonin syndrome ; and the clinician has to rely on patient history, clinical presentation,
symptom observation, medication history, physical examination, , and by ruling out other neurologic
disorders. Management, includes supportive measures, such as the control of agitation, autonomic instability,
and hyperthermia, and specific anti serotonergic therapies and therapies directed towards neuromuscular
excitability. Serotonin syndrome is preventable at the primary level, and increased awareness of this adverse
drug reaction can reduce the morbidity.
Key words: Keywords: Serotonin; Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors; Serotonin Syndrome
|
