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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Prism on July 6, 2004, at 8:46:49
Has anyone experienced serotonin syndrome???
Did you stop your medication? I am SOOOO tired of goinig to the doctor (who right now is not very helpful) Excuse me, Iam
Frustrated and confused that is why I have turned to this site. My first thread was side effects from celexa after a year. Any advice?
Posted by linkadge on July 6, 2004, at 9:13:59
In reply to serotonin syndrome, posted by Prism on July 6, 2004, at 8:46:49
I reduced the dose first to see if any of the thinhgs I was experiencing were reduced.
I have to tell you, that some of the side effects such as nausia and shivvering can be recurrant side effects of SSRI use.
Linkadge
Posted by crazychickuk on July 6, 2004, at 9:44:39
In reply to serotonin syndrome, posted by Prism on July 6, 2004, at 8:46:49
If u think u have ss get to the doc if they dont help then get to another doctor...
Posted by JohnDoenut on July 7, 2004, at 13:26:07
In reply to serotonin syndrome, posted by Prism on July 6, 2004, at 8:46:49
What is seratonin syndrome?
Posted by lilj on July 7, 2004, at 20:20:56
In reply to Re: serotonin syndrome, posted by JohnDoenut on July 7, 2004, at 13:26:07
I have the same question, what is it? I've heard so many people discussing it on this site, but I have no idea what it is...
Posted by Buckeye Fan on July 8, 2004, at 8:45:53
In reply to Re: serotonin syndrome, posted by lilj on July 7, 2004, at 20:20:56
THE SEROTONIN SYNDROME
"The serotonin syndrome is a hypersotonergic state which is a very dangerous and a potentially fatal side effect of serotonergic enhancing drugs which can have multiple psychiatric and non-psychiatric symptoms. It is a condition which has been on the rise since the 1960's when we began using more and more drugs which directly affect serotonin.
This is a toxic condition which requires heightened clinical awareness in order to prevent, recognize, and treat the condition promptly. Promptness is vital because, as we just mentioned, the serotonin syndrome can be fatal and death from this side effect can come very rapidly.
This syndrome is a toxic hyperserotonergic state whose rate of incidence is unknown, but is on the rise. The suspected cause of that increase is the introduction of the new selective serotonergic enhancing agents in clinical practice - the SSRIs.
This disorder, brought on by excessive levels of serotonin, is difficult to distinguish from the neuroleptic malignant syndrome because the symptoms are so similar. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a serious condition brought on by the use of the neuroleptic drugs."The symptoms of the serotonin syndrome are: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of the reflexes, rapid muscle contraction and relaxation in the ankle causing abnormal movements of the foot, clumsiness, restlessness, feeling drunk and dizzy, muscle contraction and relaxation in the jaw, sweating, intoxication, muscle twitching, rigidity, high body temperature, mental status changes were frequent (including confusion and hypomania - a "happy drunk" state), shivering, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and death. (The Serotonin Syndrome, AM J PSYCHIATRY, June 1991)
"The serotonin syndrome is generally caused by a combination of two or more drugs, one of which is often a selective sertonergic medication. The drugs which we know most frequently contribute to this condition are the combining of MAOIs with Prozac (this should also include the other SSRIs) or other drugs that have a powerful effect upon serotonin, ie, clomipramine (Anafranil), trazadone (Deseryl), etc. The combination of lithium with these selective serotonergic agents has been implicated in enhancing the serotonin syndrome. The tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, MAOIs, SSRIs, ECT (electric shock treatment), tryptophan, and the serotonin agonists (fenfluramine) all enhance serotonin neurotransmission and can contribute to this syndrome. Anything which will raise the level of serotonin can bring on this hyperserotonergic condition. The optimal treatment for the serotonin syndrome is discontinuation of the offending medication or medications, offer supportive measures, and wait for the symptoms to resolve. If the offending medication is discontinued, the condition will often resolve on its own within a 24 hour period. If the medication is not discontinued the condition can progress rapidly to a more serious state and become fatal. It should be apparent that the greater the enhancement of serotonin levels, the greater the chances of producing the serotonin syndrome. Therefore it is recommended that Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Serzone, etc. not be used concurrently with each other or any other serotonergic drugs and that these serious adverse reactions should be expected with these combinations (Callahan, 1993). (PROZAC: PANACEA OR PANDORA?, p. 88)"
This is the end of the thread.
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