Neurológia pre prax 2/2024

Serotonin syndrome and pain therapy

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug-induced toxidrome associated with increased serotonergic activity in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical findings, which include mental state changes, autonomic instability, and hyperexcitability of CNS with neuromuscular abnormalities. Serotonin syndrome can arise usually by simultaneous administrations of 2 or more serotoninergic drugs, the combination including monoamine oxidase inhibitors is especially dangerous, but occurrence in monotherapy is also possible. This review describes pathophysiology and clinical manifestation of this syndrome and the drugs at risk, with a particular focus on drugs used in the treatment of chronic pain.

Keywords: serotonin syndrome, serotoninergic drugs, cytochrome P450, analgesics