Identifying Serotonin Syndrome in the ICU: Case Report

Abstract

An 18-year-old female who presented with altered level of consciousness, myoclonus, and hemodynamic instability was admitted to the intensive care unit with suspected serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is an under-recognized disorder that can cause altered levels of consciousness, neuromuscular and autonomic dysfunction, and even death. Increasing critical care nurses’ and multidisciplinary team members’ awareness of serotonin syndrome will lead to more timely identification, avoidance of the use of synergistic medications, intervention, and outcomes for critically ill patients.