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Sep 12, 2024 · If you have severe serotonin syndrome, you'll need intensive treatment in a hospital. Depending on your symptoms, you may receive the following treatments: Muscle relaxants. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium, Diastat) or lorazepam (Ativan), can help control agitation, seizures and muscle stiffness. Serotonin antagonists.
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Serotonin syndrome symptoms usually occur within several hours of taking a new drug or increasing the dose of a drug you're already taking.
Signs and symptoms include:
•Agitation or restlessness
•Insomnia
•Confusion
•Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
If you suspect you might have serotonin syndrome after starting a new drug or increasing the dose of a drug you're already taking, call your health care provider right away or go to the emergency room. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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Excessive accumulation of serotonin in the body creates the symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Typically, nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord produce serotonin that helps regulate attention, behavior and body temperature.
Other nerve cells in the body, primarily in the intestines, also produce serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in regulating the digestive process, blood flow and breathing.
Although it's possible that taking just one drug that increases serotonin levels can cause serotonin syndrome in some people, this condition occurs most often when people combine certain medications.
For example, serotonin syndrome may occur if you take an antidepressant with a migraine medication. It may also occur if you take an antidepressant with an opioid pain medication.
Another cause of serotonin syndrome is intentional overdose of antidepressant medications.
Some people are more likely to be affected by the drugs and supplements that cause serotonin syndrome than are others, but the condition can occur in anyone.
You're at increased risk of serotonin syndrome if:
•You recently started taking or increased the dose of a medication known to increase serotonin levels
•You take more than one drug known to increase serotonin levels
•You take herbal supplements known to increase serotonin levels
•You use an illicit drug known to increase serotonin levels
Serotonin syndrome generally doesn't cause any problems once serotonin levels are back to their original levels.
If left untreated, severe serotonin syndrome can lead to unconsciousness and death.
Taking more than one serotonin-related medication or increasing your dose of a serotonin-related medication increases your risk of serotonin syndrome. Know what medications you take and share a complete list of your medications with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you or a family member has experienced symptoms after taking a medication.
Also talk to your doctor about possible risks. Don't stop taking any medications on your own. If your doctor prescribes a new medication, make sure he or she knows about all the other medications you're taking, especially if you receive prescriptions from more than one doctor.
If you and your doctor decide the benefits of combining certain serotonin-level-affecting drugs outweigh the risks, be alert to the possibility of serotonin syndrome.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
May 24, 2017 · Coping with anxiety can be a challenge and often requires making lifestyle changes. There aren't any diet changes that can cure anxiety, but watching what you eat may help. Try these steps: Eat a breakfast that includes some protein. Eating protein at breakfast can help you feel fuller longer and help keep your blood sugar steady so that you ...
Feb 16, 2023 · Here are 7 foods that might help increase serotonin levels. 1. Eggs. The protein in eggs can significantly boost your blood plasma levels of tryptophan, according to 2015 research. Pro cooking tip ...
- The highest sources of tryptophan include eggs, salmon, cheese, pineapple, tofu, nuts and seeds, and turkey.
- Eating foods high in tryptophan may have an effect on your serotonin levels, but they must be paired with healthy carbohydrates in order to make an...
- If you're considering taking tryptophan supplements, consult a doctor for advice. Supplements may have side effects and should be taken with caution.
- Aside from eating foods high in tryptophan, exercise, light therapy, and a high fiber diet are all good ways to naturally boost your serotonin leve...
Jul 27, 2023 · Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can range from mild to life-threatening, Mayo Clinic states. An accurate diagnosis is important so that you can stop taking the medicines that are causing the ...
Jan 16, 2024 · Serotonin Syndrome: Signs of Too Much Serotonin . Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps stabilize mood, is often associated with feelings of happiness, and plays a role in sleep quality, memory, and sexual desire. However, too much serotonin can lead to harmful effects. These effects are known as serotonin syndrome.
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Apr 6, 2023 · High fever. Losing consciousness. Seizures. Sudden swings in your blood pressure and/or pulse. If you suspect you or a loved one is showing signs of serotonin syndrome, contact your doctor immediately. If your symptoms are getting worse or they're severe, head to the emergency room or call 911.
