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12:21
Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram
Published on: November 27, 2016
Antibiotic-induced serotonin syndrome.
Daniel G Miller1, Elise O Lovell
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 6, 2008
Summary
Serotonin syndrome (SS) is difficult to diagnose. This case highlights linezolid as a potential cause of SS when combined with other serotonergic drugs like lithium and venlafaxine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity.
- The diagnosis can be challenging due to varied clinical presentations and numerous serotonergic agents.
- New drugs, including antibiotics, are continually being evaluated for their risk of inducing SS.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman developed symptoms consistent with SS.
- The patient was on a regimen including lithium, venlafaxine, and imipramine.
- Linezolid, an antibiotic, was recently added to her medication list.
Findings:
- The addition of linezolid to existing serotonergic medications precipitated serotonin syndrome.
- This case underscores the risk of drug interactions leading to SS, even with antibiotics.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for SS when initiating linezolid in patients on other serotonergic drugs.
- Awareness of linezolid's potential contribution to SS is crucial for patient safety.
- Further research into the serotonergic effects of antibiotics like linezolid is warranted.
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