Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Turkel, S. B. Articles by Wincor, M. Z. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Turkel, S. B. Articles by Wincor, M. Z. Other Neuroscience

Possible Serotonin Syndrome in Association With 5-HT₃ Antagonist Agents

Received May 5, 2000; revised July 11, 2000; accepted September 26, 2000. From University of Southern California Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, Los Angeles, California; University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Turkel Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard #82, Los Angeles, California 90027; e-mail: sbturkel{at}hsc.usc.edu

The serotonin syndrome results when serotonergic activity increases to abnormally high levels. It occurs with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), opioids, and other serotonergic agents when the serotonin system has been modulated by another serotonergic agent or compromised by illness. Although the symptoms are quite variable, the syndrome is characterized by a triad of altered mental status, neuromuscular abnormalities, and autonomic dysfunction. The authors report the probable occurrence of the serotonin syndrome with serotonin receptor subtype 3 (5-HT₃) antagonist therapy when used to control nausea associated with chemotherapy in two seriously ill children. The first case involves combined use with mirtazapine and the second with fentanyl. These agents may pose a potential risk when used in such combination in seriously ill patients.

Key Words: Serotonin • Serotonin Syndrome

This article has been cited by other articles:

				N Jackson, J Doherty, and S Coulter Neuropsychiatric complications of commonly used palliative care drugs Postgrad. Med. J., March 1, 2008; 84(989): 121 - 126. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. W. Boyer and M. Shannon The Serotonin Syndrome N. Engl. J. Med., March 17, 2005; 352(11): 1112 - 1120. [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. S. DUGGAL and J. FETCHKO Serotonin Syndrome and Atypical Antipsychotics Am J Psychiatry, April 1, 2002; 159(4): 672 - 673. [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2001 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us