Consumption of multiple serotonergic agents may increase the levels of serotonin which results in “serotonin storm”. This syndrome is popularly called as “serotonin syndrome” and is caused by the increased serotonin in the central nervous system (CNS). Serotonin syndrome was first seen in humans at early 1960’s. This syndrome is associated with high levels of serotonin that results from pharmacological activity, accidental interactions and excess dose of the drugs. Clinical manifestations of this syndrome are cognitive behavioural dysfunction, autonomic nervous system dysfunction and neuromuscular dysfunction. A detailed diagnostic criterion for this syndrome was first introduced by sternbach in 1991 and hunter 5HT toxicity scale was proposed by the hunter area toxicology service (HATS) in 2003. Usually drug induced serotonin syndrome is severe and can be resolved on its own as soon as the withdrawal of the drug. But sometimes it may be fatal too. According to food and drugs administration (FDA), cyproheptadine can be used to treat this syndrome. The serotonin syndrome can be prevented by providing awareness to all the health care professionals, modifying the prescribing patterns and also the extensive usage of pharmacogenomics principles.
Loading....