Seratonin syndrome

Seratonin syndrome is also known as Hyperserotonemia or Serotonergic syndrome. Seratonin syndrome is a potentially life threatening disease arising from a fatal drug reaction that causes the human body to have too much concentration of serotonin than what is required. In the case of serotonin syndrome the serotonin, which is a chemical produced by the nerve cells of the human body is present in much higher levels leading to a life threatening fatal condition.

Seratonin syndrome occurs mostly in such conditions when two drugs that affect the body’s level of serotonin are taken concomitantly, i.e. at the same time leading to the serotonin syndrome. As a result of taking these drugs together, too much serotonin gets released or remains in the brain area of the human body.

The FDA has recently instructed all manufacturers of drugs which have the possibility of causing the serotonin syndrome to include warning labels on their products that inform the consumers of these drugs about the potential risk of seratonin syndrome. It is better to consult your doctor with regards to administering these drugs which have the possibility of causing the serotonin syndrome.

The seratonin syndrome is also caused by older antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as well as meperidine (Demerol, a painkiller) or dextromethorphan which is a cough medicine.

Some drugs such as the LSD and ecstasy have also been observed to have been associated with seratonin syndrome.

The diagnosis of the seratonin syndrome is usually made by the doctors by making you answer a few questions about your medical history. This also includes enquiring about the types of drugs you take.

This is to be noted that in order to be diagnosed with the seratonin syndrome, you must have at least three of the serotonin syndrome symptoms. In addition it must also be proved that you have taken one or more drugs that have led to the level of serotonin in your body to increase to a dangerously higher level. Prior to the diagnosis of the seratonin syndrome, all other possible causes are ruled out, including the possible infections, intoxications, metabolic and hormone problems as well as drug withdrawal.