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Serotonin Syndrome Research Paper

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PROGNOSIS • The prognosis of serotonin syndrome is favorable if the physician avoids multidrug regimens and discontinues any serotonergic agent before starting another 20 • Once treatment is instituted, the syndrome typically resolves within 24 hours, but confusion can last for days, and death has been reported. 8 • The potential for relapse and recurrence is fair and follows the clinical course of the primary disease (e.g., recurring periods of depression) • Prompt recognition, withdrawal of precipitating agents, and treatment may prevent complications. 20 SCREENING AND PREVENTION PREVENTION 1 • Patients must be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome whenever a serotonergic drug is prescribed ○ The most likely time that …show more content…

○ Avoidance of these interactions is practical in most instances by substitution or alternative treatments ○ May require a 2 week washout of associated drug combinations 20 SYNOPSIS KEY POINTS • Serotonin syndrome presents as anxiety, confusion, autonomic instability and severely elevated body temperature (i.e., T>105.9°F) • Confirmation of serotonin syndrome diagnosis is made by serum toxicology (i.e., elevated levels of serum serotonin) • Comorbid conditions of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar affective disorder may accompany serotonin syndrome as primary diseases • Treatment is directed toward symptomatic and supportive care (e.g., benzodiazepines for restlessness, paralyzing agents for body temperature regulation) • Rhabdomyolysis is a nephrotoxic complication that may result from muscle breakdown following severe hyperthermia • Prognosis depends on etiology but most cases show improvement, if not resolution, within a day or two URGENT ACTION • Aggressive cooling is of utmost importance for hyperthermic patients (e.g., cooling blanket, cool intravenous fluids) • Admission consultation with a medical toxicologist, experienced clinical pharmacologist, or regional poison control

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