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Carisoprodol intoxications and serotonergic features
Jørgen G Bramness1, Jørg Mørland, Hanne Kristin Sørlid
1Division of Forensic Toxicology and Drug Abuse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. jorgen.bramness@labmed.uio.no
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|March 1, 2005
Summary
Carisoprodol intoxication symptoms differ from its metabolite, meprobamate. This study suggests carisoprodol may cause serotonin syndrome due to increased central nervous system serotonin levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Meprobamate, a carisoprodol metabolite, exerts effects via the GABAergic system.
- Carisoprodol's intoxication signs are not fully explained by GABAergic interactions.
Observation:
- This study presents four cases of carisoprodol intoxication.
- Emphasis was placed on the presence of serotonergic signs and symptoms in these cases.
Findings:
- All four cases met diagnostic criteria for serotonin syndrome.
- These findings suggest elevated central nervous system serotonin contributes to carisoprodol intoxication symptoms.
Implications:
- Carisoprodol's potential to induce serotonin syndrome requires clinical consideration.
- Clinicians should consider carisoprodol in intoxications presenting with serotonergic symptoms, especially when routine screening is negative.