serotonin syndrome

Last reviewed 02/2023

The 'Serotonin syndrome' consists of confusion, agitation, hyperreflexia, myoclonus, shivering, sweating, tremor, fever, diarrhoea and inco-ordination.

This has been described as a possible adverse effect common to all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (1). Also a possible cause may be the inadvertent consumption of a combination of venlafaxine and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (2).

Reference:

  • 1) Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance (2000), 26, 11-12.
  • 2) Prescribers' Journal (1999), 39 (4), 243-247.