Serotonin syndrome. A common but often unrecognized psychiatric condition.
This case illustrates that compliance with the basic principles of geriatric pharmacology (start low, go slow, and avoid polypharmacy) might have prevented a clinical syndrome that could have caused serious complications. Fortunately, serotonin syndrome was recognized early, the offending agents were discontinued, and supportive treatment was provided. The patient was ultimately treated with mirtazapine, an antidepressant not associated with serotonergic effects.
Lantz
M S
MS
Jewish Home and Hospital, New York, USA.
D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002065:Buspirone / Q000009:adverse effects; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014196:Trazodone / Q000009:adverse effects
D002065:Buspirone; D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D014196:Trazodone