What Is Serotonin?

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially dangerous condition where an individual experiences an inappropriate elevation of serotonin concentrations in their body due to taking certain medications. Serotonin syndrome is caused by serotonergic drugs or medications change the levels of serotonin in an individual's body. An individual who takes one or more of these medications can develop serotonin syndrome when their dosage is increased as well as when they intentionally or unintentionally overdose on the medication. An individual may develop serotonin syndrome when they take two different serotonergic medications simultaneously. Several medications have been implicated in causing this condition. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that include fluoxetine, paroxetine, and citalopram have been known to induce this condition, as have serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine, duloxetine, and desvenlafaxine. Other medications that can cause serotonin syndrome include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, and bupropion.

Continue reading to learn about the link between serotonin and depression next.