| SSRIS And Serotonin Syndrome |
| Written by Fred McConnell | |
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Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter, or messenger chemical in the brain. It influence a variety of functions of the brain, including memory, cognition and mood. In the intestinal system and other parts of the body, it also plays other roles. Because serotonin has a large impact upon mood, antidepressants that regulate the levels of serotonin in the body are popular treatments for psychological disorders such as major depression and other mood disorders. Deficits of serotonin have been linked to depression and other psychological problems. SSRIs Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They're commonly used to treat depression, personality disorders, anxiety, insomnia and premature ejaculation. SSRIs have a high rate of effectiveness in treating these disorders, hence their popularity among doctors and patients. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors work to boost the amount of serotonin available in the brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin by neural cells in the brain. In the brain, messages pass between nerve cells by means of a chemical synapse, a minuscule gap between the two nerve cells. The presynaptic cell, which sends messages, releases neurotransmitters like serotonin into the synaptic gap. The other cell, or receptor, recognizes the neurotransmitters, and then sends the appropriate signal. Ten percent of the neurotransmitter chemicals are lost in the process, but the other 90 percent are reabsorbed. SSRIs inhibit this reuptake, keeping serotonin in the synaptic gap for a longer period of time, increasing stimulation of the receptor cells and thus improving mood. Serotonin syndrome Although only 2 percent of the body's serotonin is present in the brain, serotonin has an impact on almost every one of the brain's 40 million cells. Because of its widespread influence, deficits or excesses of serotonin in the brain can cause many problems. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life threatening condition that can occur when too much serotonin is present in the brain. The most common cause of serotonin syndrome is interactions between drugs that influence serotonin syndrome, like SSRIs. Some of the common symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
Treatments for serotonin syndrome include inducing vomiting or pumping the patient's stomach to rid the body of the serotonin-affecting drugs, measures to mitigate the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly the seizures and muscle rigidity that may accompany it, and drugs that block serotonin production. When serotonin syndrome happens, it generally occurs within one or two weeks of starting treatment with SSRIs or other antidepressants or when the dosage is changed. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when SSRIs or other antidepressants interact with other drugs. Patients taking SSRIs should be aware of the possibility of drug interactions. People taking SSRIs should especially avoid taking MAOIs, as these drugs have a high likelihood of interacting and causing serotonin syndrome. When taking SSRIs, you should let your primary health care provider know about this to avoid being prescribed other drugs that may interact with these antidepressants. Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors are by and large safe and effective drugs. They've improved the lives of millions of patients and have helped many people whose lives would have spiraled out of control due to depression and other psychological disturbances lead productive and reasonably happy lives. The chance of developing serotonin syndrome is small, but because of the severe consequences of this condition, it is imperative that patients taking these drugs and their health care providers be aware of the dangers and warning signs of this condition. Awareness and vigilance can prevent a potentially deadly reaction from these otherwise beneficial drugs. |
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