Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction when there is significantly higher than normal level of serotonin in the body. Mild cases may not have fever, but heart beats very fast. Physical examination will find some autonomic symptoms, such as chills, sweating or enlarged eye pupils. Severe patients may have severe hypertension and rapid heartbeat. It may deteriorate suddenly resulting in shock. In life-threatening cases, excessive muscle activity can make the core temperature exceeding 41.1C. No matter the condition, using benzodiazepine drugs to control agitation is necessary. If body temperature is very high, non-depolarizing drugs should be used to induce muscle paralysis, followed by endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.
How is Serotonin syndrome treated in practice?