Serotonin syndrome: pills, thrills and shoulder aches

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 20:2013:bcr2012008314. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-008314.

Abstract

This case demonstrates an acute presentation of unwitnessed seizure causing typical injuries. Progress in hospital was complicated by worsening autonomic disturbance and agitation, typical for serotonin syndrome, suspected in light of recent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant initiation. Supportive care required treatment in the intensive care unit setting but full recovery ensued. This case not only reminds clinicians of the potential pitfalls in assessing postictal injured patients, but also that serotonin syndrome requires a high-index of diagnostic suspicion given the range of presenting features. Management ranges from simple withdrawal of the offending agent to specific therapies such as a cyproheptadine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Citalopram / poisoning
  • Citalopram / therapeutic use
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / poisoning*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Serotonin Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Serotonin Syndrome / complications
  • Serotonin Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Shoulder Dislocation / diagnosis
  • Shoulder Dislocation / etiology*
  • Shoulder Pain / diagnosis
  • Shoulder Pain / etiology*
  • Spinal Puncture
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Citalopram