Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin is a chemical that helps send signals within the nervous system. Serotonin syndrome usually occurs when you take an antidepressant called an SSRI or SSNRI with a type of migraine medicine called a triptan. Both medications release serotonin into the body. Other medications can cause serotonin syndrome as well (see Resources below). Too much serotonin can have serious side effects.

Digestive Symptoms

• Serotonin syndrome can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Cardiac Symptoms

• If you develop serotonin syndrome you may have a fast heartbeat or quick changes in blood pressure.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, hallucinations, clumsiness and twitching and shivering.

Serious Symptoms

• Severe serotonin syndrome symptoms include fever, seizures and an irregular heartbeat.

Risks

• If serious serotonin syndrome goes untreated, victims can lose consciousness and die.

Treatment

• Physicians use fluids, muscle relaxants and anti-serotonin production drugs to treat serotonin syndrome.