What is serotonergic syndrome?
serotonergic syndrome, also called serotonin or hyperserotonemia syndrome, is a condition that occurs when the patient uses two or more certain types of drugs simultaneously. These drugs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is naturally produced by the chemical used by the nervous system. Patients experiencing this health must seek emergency medical attention. Severe cases of serotonergic syndrome may be fatal if they do not treat them quickly.
Sometimes the symptoms of serotonergic syndrome may occur within minutes of drug use, or it may take several hours. These symptoms may include upset, rapid heart rhythm and widespread pupils, as well as goose wounds, trembling and sweating. The muscles may be involuntarily twitching and the patient may also experience confusion, headache and diarrhea. Patients with severe serotonergic syndrome can also lose consciousness, have seizures or suffer a high fever. If any of these symptoms occur after a certainty, the patiaNTI must immediately go to the emergency room, although the symptoms initially seem mild.
While serotonin is a substance that is naturally produced by the body, the body itself cannot produce enough of this chemical to lead to serotonergic syndrome. This condition may be caused by either too many medicines or by using an excessively high dose of one drug. There are many different drugs that can increase serotonin, such as antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and medicines for migraine and pain. Free -counter drugs and supplements can also increase serotonin such as cough, ginseng and Wort St. John's Wort. Some recreational drugs have the same effect, including cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy.
When the patient is suspected of having serotonergic syndrome, it is useful for him to disclose all drugs and has recently taken HE supplements. In order to exclude the possibility of Jother health conditions, the physician must perform a test of tests, including complete blood (CBC), blood test and toxicological screens. It is also likely to order tests to check the function of the liver, kidney and thyroid, as well as assessing the patient's electrolyte levels.
The treatment of serotonergic syndrome begins with the end of drugs that led to this condition. It is likely that the patient will remain in the hospital for several hours to observe and treatment for several hours. Cyproheptadine may be administered, a medicine that prevents the body from making more serotonin. Patients may also be prescribed drugs to control symptoms such as benzodiazepines.
If the patient is experiencing very serious muscle spasms, this could lead to muscle disintegration and kidney damage. In these potentially life -threatening cases, the doctor will temporarily cripple the patients. When he recovers, he will be associated with a respiratory machine. The severe occurrence of serotonergic syndrome may not be completely solved for several weeks while patients with a mild caseY will recover in about 24 hours.