You should contact your doctor to let her know that you have stopped taking your medication. Your doctor may want to change you to a different medication. You should only stop the medicine cold turkey if you have been on the medicine for less than a few weeks.
Your doctor needs to discuss with you other options so you will know how best to take any needed medications.
if treated promptly and appropriately, the symptoms of serotonin syndrome usually resolve within 24 hours. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your doctor can monitor your symptoms to ensure that you are getting better. One example of an anti-serotonin medication is cyproheptadine.
Severe symptoms include high fever, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness. You may require hospital treatment for serious symptoms. You may be administered medications to block the action of serotonin, to relax the muscles, and to control heart rate and blood pressure. You may also be given oxygen therapy and IV fluids, along with any other assistance in breathing.
To exclude these other conditions, your physician or the hospital attendants may order tests to check for the other disorders.
Your muscles may also end up feeling excessively rigid. You may also experience twitching muscles or muscle tics.
You may also experience diarrhea or headaches.
High fever Seizures An irregular heartbeat Unconsciousness High blood pressure Change in mental status
The majority of cases of serotonin syndrome happen within six to 24 hours of a change in dose or starting of a new drug. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Serotonin syndrome can be serious and life-threatening, so if you are taking any of the medications listed or have just started a new medication and experience any of the symptoms, call your physician, emergency services, or go to an emergency room right away.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are antidepressants and include drugs like citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These are a class of antidepressants similar to the SSRIs and include drugs like trazodone, duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): This group includes antidepressants like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil). Other antidepressants: These can include drugs like Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), and the Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Medications for migraines: This class includes the triptans (Axert, Amerge, Imitrex), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and valproic acid (Depakene). Pain medications: These include drugs like cyclobenzaprine (Amrix and Fexmid), fentanyl (Duragesic), meperidine (Demerol), and tramadol (Ultram). Mood stabilizers: The main drug in this category is Lithium (Lithobid). Anti-nausea medications: These include the drugs granisetron (Kytril), metoclopramide (Reglan), droperidol (Inapsine), and ondansetron (Zofran). Antibiotics and antiviral medications: This class includes Linezolid (Zyvox), which is an antibiotic and Ritonavir (Norvir). Ritonavir is an antiretroviral used to treat HIV/AIDS. OTC cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan: This group includes Delsym, Mucinex DM, and other OTC medications. Recreational drugs: This group includes LSD, Ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamines. Herbal supplements: St. John’s wort, ginseng, and nutmeg are in this group.
For example, if your physician doesn’t know that you are taking Lithium because it was prescribed by another physician, and prescribes you an SSRI, this will increase your risk for serotonin syndrome. Only take the amount of pills prescribed. Do not attempt to self-regulate your dose by taking more than directed by your doctor.
Serotonin syndrome can be dangerous and lethal, especially in the young, the old, or those with a history of heart disease.
