Syndrome #2
Four Potentially Fatal Syndromes Due to Psychotropic Drugs Requiring Emergency Medical Care:
Serotonin Syndrome(SS):
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s, such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro and Luvox) increase Serotonin, thereby relieving depression. Too much Serotonin in the body can cause Serotonin syndrome. This can occur with high doses of SSRI’s or the addition of another class of medication that also increases Serotonin.
Symptoms:
High fever, mental changes, muscle rigidity and cardio-vascular dysfunction occurring within 30 days of starting the medication or after a second neuroleptic or Lithium is added.
How to distinguish from NMS:
Most important - SSRI’S cause SS, while Neuroleptics (e.g., Haldol) cause NMS.
Management:
Prompt recognition. Stop the SSRI. Supportive Care. Klonopin, Cogentin, Ativan are used for rigidity. Anticonvulsants and serotonin receptor antagonist medication are also used.