Anyone had serotonin syndrome? What causes it? How to prevent it?

@darlia I just had serotonin syndrome in Nov 25’ after a back surgery , my dr gave me a drug to go with my tramadol and didn’t check if they went together . Ended up with a wound vac in my back for a few weeks and getting infusions . Terrible month if my life with a high fever, confusion and major pain in scar area where I had surgery months before .

My psychiatrist always warns me about this anytime I start a new psych medication. I was sick from a reaction from Zofran last week - I asked the doctor if it might be serotonin sydrome. She said if it was serotonin syndrome, we would not be sitting there having a calm conversation.

@lylii Excellent post.

Ultimately it is your body.
The pharmacist will usually catch the prescriptions , and if asked they will check the over the counter drugs for interactions.

Looking at my meds @drug.com, I see the serotonin syndrome warning on several medication interactions, but I've never experienced it. It's confusing when so many list it as a possible interaction. My PCP and psychiatrist both know my medication list well, and have never expressed a concern. I think it's a good idea to have a medication review from time to time with a PCP and if appropriate, a psychiatrist. Pharmacists, as others have mentioned, are a good resource, as they tend to keep up on medications better than most doctors.

Jim

So good to find this website! Just want to pass along my recent experience with SSRI side effects. Five months ago I experienced high level anxiety even though I’ve been on Fluoxetine for 6-8 years. Approximately two weeks later my hands started trembling and I became weak, fatigued and lightheaded. My primary doctor ordered lab tests, which came back normal. Six weeks later I was able to get an appointment with a neurologist and my labs and visit were also ‘normal’. Shortly after my visits to the two physicians I was feeling worse and was becoming confused. I forgot to take my Fluoxetine meds for two days. On the third day, my symptoms seem to lessen a bit. I then researched Fluoxetine side effects and came across information regarding SSRI toxicity. Knowing that I should never immediately stop taking an SSRI, I talked to a psychiatrist about my symptoms and my theory regarding SSRI toxicity. She had never heard about this but checked while we were talking, and agreed with me. She said that I could quit Fluoxetine and should not have a problem, but I was to check back with her regarding depression blowback. Two health care professionals did not diagnose my symptoms as SSRI toxicity and it was news to the psychiatrist. I am feeling almost normal now and I am trying to get the word out about SSRI toxicity, specifically with seniors like me who are not metabolizing drugs as they had in the past. Any advice or kind comments would be appreciated!