Abstract
Serotonin syndrome is a state caused by high levels of serotonin. It is a condition which has been on the rise since drugs, which directly affect metabolism of serotonin, are used in the therapy of depressions.
The articles concerning serotonin syndrome were usually published in psychiatric journals. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are: euphoria, excitement, confusion and often restlessness, dizziness, shivering, sweating, tachycardia, hypertension, headache, myoclonus, clumsiness, cramps, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
The quantity and the quality of symptoms are different in particular cases. The serotonin syndrome used to be confused with drug allergy or with food allergy.
It can progress rapidly to a more serious and become fatal. Awareness in order to prevent this syndrome by the way of an adequate medication and diet is necessary.
The usual treatment of serotonin syndrome is only symptomatic. It is necessary to discontinue the offending medications and food (anything which could raise serotonin level like psychic energizers, tryptophan and its derivatives).
Treatment with cyproheptadin (8 - 30 mg per os) is recommended if the condition does not resolve on its own. In the case of failure the administration of cyproheptadine is followed by 50 to 100 mg of intramuscular chlorpromazin.