Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.When you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as quitting any of the current medications or supplements you take. Be aware of any pre-appointment steps you need to take.Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and to know what to expect from your doctor. If your symptoms aren't severe, you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Preparing for your appointmentīecause serotonin syndrome can be a life-threatening condition, seek emergency treatment if you have worsening or severe symptoms. These medications remain in your system longer than do other medications that can cause serotonin syndrome. However, symptoms of serotonin syndrome caused by some antidepressants could take several weeks to go away completely.
Milder forms of serotonin syndrome usually go away within 24 to 72 hours of stopping medications that increase serotonin, and by taking medications to block the effects of serotonin already in your system if they're needed. You may need this treatment if you have a high fever. A breathing tube and machine and medication to paralyze your muscles.If your blood pressure is too low, your doctor may give you phenylephrine (Vazculep) or epinephrine (Adrenalin, Epipen, others).
These may include esmolol (Brevibloc) or nitroprusside (Nitropress) to reduce a high heart rate or high blood pressure. Breathing oxygen through a mask helps maintain normal oxygen levels in your blood, and IV fluids are used to treat dehydration and fever.ĭrugs that control heart rate and blood pressure. If other treatments aren't working, medications such as cyproheptadine can help by blocking serotonin production. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium, Diastat) or lorazepam (Ativan), can help control agitation, seizures and muscle stiffness. If you have severe serotonin syndrome, you'll need intensive treatment in a hospital.ĭepending on your symptoms, you may receive the following treatments:.Your doctor may have you stay in the hospital for several hours to make sure your symptoms are improving. If you have symptoms that concern your doctor, you may need to go to the hospital.If your symptoms are minor, a visit to the doctor and stopping the medication causing the problem may be enough.Treatment of serotonin syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Damage associated with illegal drug use.An overdose of illegal drugs, antidepressant medications or other medications that increase serotonin levels.A serious reaction to certain medications, such as some anesthetics, antipsychotic drugs and other agents known to produce these severe reactions.Minor symptoms can be caused by several conditions, while moderate and severe symptoms similar to those of serotonin syndrome could be caused by: Check body functions that may be affected by serotonin syndromeĪ number of conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of serotonin syndrome.Measure levels of any drugs you're using.
To make sure your symptoms are caused by serotonin syndrome and not due to another cause, your doctor may use tests to: