SEROTONIN SYNDROME - A CLINICAL UPDATE

Serotonin syndrome is characterized by varied degrees of cognitive, au tonomic, and neuromuscular dysfunction and can only be produced by dru g therapy that increases central nervous system serotonin neurotransmi ssion. Information gained from a retrospective review of 127 cases of serotonin syndrome is presented. It is not uncommon for severe cases o f serotonin syndrome to be confused with neuroleptic malignant syndrom e. Treatment is mainly supportive, but specific pharmacologic therapy with serotonin antagonists may be potentially beneficial.