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Some drugs, like LSD, ecstacy, and many anti-depressants, act by raising the levels of the brain transmitter serotonin. Taking two or more of these drugs at the same time can cause the so-called 'serotonin syndrome' - jumpiness and agitation, high temperatures, muscle rigidity, confusion, and fits. A relatively new term has emerged recently. It's the serotonin syndrome, and no, it's not the title of another anti-psychiatry self-help book. The serotonin syndrome is real and often occurs by accident when medications or herbs that affect this brain transmitter are taken at the same time. The symptoms range from jumpiness and agitation, feeling warm and perspiring to more serious problems like very high temperatures, some muscle rigidity, confusion, fits and rarely, death. The problem usually arises when someone inadvertently takes two medications together, both of which affect serotonin in the brain. Most anti-depressants do it, as does St John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression. Older fashioned anti-depressants can be quite potent serotonin drugs and there are a couple of painkillers - pethidine and tramadol - which do it. And then there are the illicit drugs like Ecstasy and LSD. If you get into strife, then it can be treated - usually by stopping the medications and watching you. But the best thing is to prevent the serotonin syndrome in the first place by ensuring, with your doctor, that if you're on one serotonin medication, you don't take another accidentally.
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