Serotonin syndrome is caused when the body gets accumulated with high dosage of serotonin. It will increase the level of serotonin when you add a new drug or add dosage of the old drug. Using certain illegal drugs can also cause increase in level of serotonin. This is a chemical responsible for better communication of brain cells with each other and with the nervous system.
If the serotonin level becomes too low it can cause depression and if the doses is very high it can cause dangerous consequences and symptoms that can become fatal. Too much of serotonin in the body can cause rigidity of the muscles, high fever and even seizures. All these symptoms are collectively known as serotonin reuptake syndrome.
Symptoms
Some of the below symptoms can occur after several hours of taking increased level of serotonin drug. Confusion of thoughts, profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat, palpitation, increased blood pressure, twitching of muscles, dilated pupils, shivering, goose bumps and diarrhea. Sometimes symptoms can become serious causing heavy seizures, irregular heartbeat and unconsciousness.
Serotonin Syndrome Causes
If the normal level of the serotonin in your body increases to an alarmingly high level, it can cause the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin is responsible for conducting nerve impulses from the brain and spinal cord and in the regulation of attention, concentration and body temperature. In addition serotonin also takes part in digestion process and regulating blood flow in certain areas. Serotonin level can increase if you take more drugs that contain serotonin or when you use combination of certain medications. Antidepressant drugs should never be taken with headache medicines. Certain types of illegal drugs and dietary supplements can also contain serotonin causing increase in level.