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The cause of this may be
overdosing of medication that increases the amount of serotonin in the body. This may also be
due to mixing two or more some drugs. Substance abuse, such as ecstasy and LSD ("acid"), have
also been associated with serotonin syndrome. You can also develop this syndrome if you take
some medication for migraine together with some antidepressants called Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRLs) and selective/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
What we have written so far may
make you think that serotonin in not an acceptable substance in the body, on the contrary it is
very vital. It is essentially our feel-good hormone, which means if we have it in our bodies we
feel good and alive. But if it exceeds the acceptable levels, is becomes
detrimental.
Usually only 3 symptoms are
necessary to give an indication of the seretonin toxity or syndrome. These symptoms can appear
in a matter of minutes. Let us provide a brief list of some of the symptoms of serotonin
syndrome.
You may experience
restlessness, vomiting, in coordination, mental status changes (confusion or hypomania), tremor,
agitation, overactive reflexes, hallucinations, shivering, increased body temperature, fast
heart beat, rapid changes in blood pressure, diaphoresis, diarrhea, nausea and
fever.
Once the symptoms show up,
things can get worse before they become better especially if not treated quickly. Here is a fact
- untreated serotoinin syndrome can be deadly. But if treatment is administered well, the
symptoms can disappear in less than 24 hours.
There is still some on going
research meant to clearly understand and document the syndrome and how to cure it. This means
that as yet, there is still not conclusive best method to reverse the symptoms. Some simply stop
taking the medication that increases the serotonin levels. Note however, that it is important to
talk to your doctor before making any decisions about your prescribed
medication.
About serotonin
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