Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What causes serotonin syndrome?

Excessive caffeine intake

Mixing SSRIs with certain medications or substances

Serotonin syndrome is primarily caused by the excessive accumulation of serotonin in the brain, which can occur when serotonin levels are increased through various means. The most significant factor is the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with other medications or substances that also elevate serotonin levels. Common examples include mixing SSRIs with certain other antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tramadol, or recreational drugs such as MDMA.

This synergistic effect can lead to an overload of serotonin, resulting in the constellation of symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome, which may include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, and muscle rigidity. Understanding that this syndrome is typically rooted in drug interactions is crucial for prevention and effective management in clinical settings.

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Overuse of antipsychotic drugs alone

Vitamin deficiency

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