PRACTICE
Serotonin syndrome: clinical aspects, pathophysiology and treatment
Author information
- N.M. Mikheenkova
- Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology
- P.V. Ryvkin
- Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology
- S.N. Mosolov
- Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education
- Published
- June 30, 2022
- Pages
- 53-63
Abstract
Serotonin syndrome (SS) or serotonin toxicity is a serious drug-induced toxic condition associated with increasing serotoniergic activity both in peripheral and central nervous systems, and characterized by dose-dependent neuromuscular, autonomic and mental state abnormalities. In clinical practice SS is often induced by overdosing the therapeutic dosages of serotoninergic drugs, in particular antidepressants, or as a result of complex combination therapy. Due to an wide spreading use of antidepressants not only for depression, but also for the anxiety and other mental disorders, the risk and the prevalence of SS is progressively increasing. In most cases of SS is a life-threatening condition with severe complications. This literature review summurizes some new data on the prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria with other practical clinical issues, differential diagnosis with other toxidromas, treatment and prevention of SS, including drug interactions and potentially dangerous drug combinations.
Keywords
- serotonin syndrome, polypharmacy, drug interactions, antidepressants, psychoactive substances
How to Cite
References
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