Review Question - QID 103781

The patient in this vignette is at risk for serotonin syndrome (SS), which can be seen with the co-adminitration of SSRIs (e.g. paroxetine) and MAOIs (e.g. phenelzine). Myoclonus is a common symptom found with this condition.

Serotonin syndrome is caused by an excess of serotonin, which can be induced by the concomitant inhibition of reuptake (SSRIs) and degradation (MAOIs). Other causative agents include the combination of SSRIs with merperidine, carbamazapine or dextromethorphan. The majority of cases of serotonin syndrome are not life-threatening and are treated by supportive care and stoppage of the causative agents.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: SS is associated with agitation, not sedation.
Answer 2: SS is associated with tachycardia, not bradycardia.
Answer 4: SS is associated with hyperreflexia, not hyporeflexia.
Answer 5: SS is associated with hyperthermia, not hypothermia.