Serotonin syndrome – MCQ

All of the following statements about serotonin syndrome are true, except:
A. lt is not an idiosyncratic reaction
B. Can be caused by SSRI
C. Dantrolene is the drug of choice
D. Associated with hyperthermia and hypertension

Correct answer : C. Dantrolene is the drug of choice

• Dantrolene is the drug of choice for malignant hyperthermia
• Serotonin syndrome is a dose related phenomenon and is not idiosyncratic
• It is treated with benzodiazepines, muscle relaxation, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation
• Dantrolene can be used in severe serotonin syndrome with malignant hyperthermia
• Drug of choice in mild / moderate serotonin syndrome – cyproheptadine – an antihistaminic with antiserotonergic action