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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 3 2003
Serotonin syndrome
Medicines for depression alter the balance of chemicals in the brain. Some antidepressant medications increase a chemical called serotonin, however too much serotonin can cause side effects.
The side effects of serotonin are more likely if the patient is taking two medicines which increase serotonin. These medicines include some painkillers and some herbal medicines, like St John's wort, as well as antidepressants.
Too much serotonin causes confusion, sweating, unsteadiness, shaking and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually get better if the patient stops taking the medicines. More severe cases may require treatment in hospital and a few may be fatal.
