What are some symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs due to an excess of serotonin in the brain, often as a result of taking certain medications, particularly those that influence serotonin levels. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome can vary in severity and often present rapidly after the increase in serotonin levels.

Agitation and muscle twitches are key symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Agitation can manifest as restlessness, irritability, and feelings of unease, while muscle twitches—also known as myoclonus—reflect hyperactivity of the neuromuscular system due to excessive serotonin activity. These symptoms indicate a hyper-excitable state, which is a hallmark of serotonin syndrome. Other symptoms might include changes in mental status, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and more.

In contrast, symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, headache, nausea, coughing, and sneezing are more common to other medical conditions and do not provide the specific indicators needed for diagnosing serotonin syndrome. Coughing and sneezing, for instance, are typically associated with respiratory infections or allergies, rather than a neurological condition like serotonin syndrome. Thus, recognizing the specific symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome, such as agitation and muscle twitches, is crucial