Serotonin toxicity: Implications for clinical practice

Introduction: Serotonin toxicity – or serotonin syndrome – is a potentially life threatening adverse reaction to the use of one or more serotonergic drugs. Patients presenting with low-level obscure symptoms may have pathophysiology rooted in adverse dopamine and serotonergic poly-pharmacy reactions involving illegal, over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs.

Aim: This paper presents an overview of serotonin toxicity, the criteria for diagnosing serotonin toxicity, and discusses management strategies.

Conclusion: Due to the increasing prevalence of serotonergic drugs, both legal and illicit, a high index of suspicion for serotonin toxicity across a broad patient demographic is recommended. We also recommend education and further research to both raise awareness and advance the clinical competence of health care providers.