What is serotonin syndrome and what causes it?

What is serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin - also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT - is a chemical that functions as a neurotransmitter to carry signals between nerve cells throughout your body. In the brain, serotonin helps to regulate mood and memory, but it also has other important roles such as aiding digestion.

Serotonin's effect on mood is why it's often a target of medications that are used to treat mental health conditions. For example, increasing serotonin levels is the purpose of the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, it is possible for serotonin levels to become too high - so-called serotonin syndrome.

"Serotonin is a chemical which is naturally produced in the body and is required for nerve cells and the brain to function," says Dr Natasha Bijlani - consultant psychiatrist at the Priory Hospital Roehampton London.

"Too much serotonin leads to the development of a set of potentially dangerous symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome usually occurs as a result of taking medications that cause high levels of serotonin to accumulate in the body," she explains. "Serotonin syndrome can be a life-threatening condition and should be regarded as a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment."

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What causes serotonin syndrome?

SSRI antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs for moderate to severe depression. They can be extremely effective, especially when used alongside other treatments like talking therapy.

However, serotonin syndrome can occur if someone overdoses on their antidepressants, or if they take different types of antidepressant medications at the same time.

"SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain and other parts of the body," explains Bijlani. "But if multiple SSRIs are prescribed at the same time or used in conjunction with other serotonin-enhancing medications or substances, then the risk of serotonin syndrome is enhanced."

Research has shown that various types of antidepressant, including SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), been linked to serotonin syndrome.

"Some cases can arise after a single dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It can also arise when the dose of a drug that acts on serotonin levels has increased or a new drug is added," she says. "Some dietary supplements and recreational drugs have also been associated with the development of serotonin syndrome."

Illicit drugs such as cocaine, LSD, amfetamines and ecstasy can affect serotonin levels. Triptan medications used to treat migraines, and herbal supplements such as St John’s wort, can also have an effect. On rare occasions, some over-the-counter cold medicines can also interact with antidepressants, which may risk increasing serotonin levels.

What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

"Serotonin syndrome symptoms develop within six hours of initial use, change in dose or following overdose," says Bijlani. "Initial serotonin syndrome symptoms are usually mild and include diarrhoea, shivering and feeling more anxious, agitated and restless. Serotonin syndrome symptoms also include insomnia, headaches, rigid muscles, mild fever and developing goosebumps."

Worsening serotonin syndrome symptoms lead to the development of increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, loss of muscle co-ordination and twitching, alongside heavy sweating and confusion.

"Signs of severe serotonin syndrome include high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat with unconsciousness and eventually possible death," says Bijlani.

How to avoid serotonin syndrome

Prescription medication such as SSRIs should always be taken at doses recommended by your doctor.

"People should be made aware of the possible risk of serotonin syndrome and what to do if they develop any of the signs and symptoms," says Bijlani. "One should never increase the dose of any medication, or take any additional medications or supplements, without talking to their doctor first."

If you are concerned you have serotonin syndrome, it's important to seek medical help as quickly as possible.

"Serotonin syndrome is regarded as a medical emergency. Serotonin syndrome symptoms can escalate quite rapidly and lead to dangerous consequences," says Bijlani. "Anyone who suspects they may be developing such symptoms should seek urgent medical assistance.

"Serotonin syndrome treatment involves monitoring for vital physical signs and stopping all medications that could be contributing to elevated serotonin levels," she adds. "It might involve managing agitation with suitable medication, reducing body temperature and the consideration of intensive-care treatment if severe serotonin syndrome has developed."