Serotonin syndrome

Neurology. 1995 Feb;45(2):219-23. doi: 10.1212/wnl.45.2.219.

Abstract

We describe a patient treated with trazodone, isocarboxazid, and methylphenidate hydrochloride who developed confusion, agitation, poor concentration, rigidity, myoclonus, involuntary movements, orthostatic hypotension, and hyperreflexia. CK was normal, and the syndrome resolved spontaneously over 12 hours. The serotonin syndrome occurs following the use of serotomimetic agents (serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, tryptophan, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, dextromethorphan, meperidine, S-adenosylmethionine) alone or in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It is characterized by various combinations of myoclonus, rigidity, hyperreflexia, shivering, confusion, agitation, restlessness, coma, autonomic instability, low-grade fever, nausea, diarrhea, diaphoresis, flushing, and rarely, rhabdomyolysis and death.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Isocarboxazid / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Syndrome
  • Trazodone / adverse effects*
  • Trazodone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Methylphenidate
  • Serotonin
  • Isocarboxazid
  • Trazodone