088 Serotonin Syndrome - What you need to know!

Episode 88 – Serotonin Syndrome - What you need to know!   Serotonin Syndrome, also known as Serotonin Toxicity, is the most severe side effect of serotonergic medication and can potentially be fatal if not treated and managed. Therefore, understandably, many vets are very cautious when it comes to prescribing serotonergic agents and especially when combining serotonergic agents such as an SSRI and, for example, trazodone. ·         But, how frequent is this side effect in practice? ·         What are the signs you should be looking out for? ·         What can you teach your caregivers to do in terms of monitoring to screen for mild signs of Serotonin Syndrome? ·         What medications, aside from psychopharmaceutical medications, can cause Serotonin Syndrome? ·         What are the Differential Diagnoses for Serotonin Syndrome? ·         And how do you treat a pet with Serotonin Toxicity?   I talk about all this and more in this episode!   Here are the studies I mention in the episode: 1.      Indrawirawan, Y., & McAlees, T. (2014). Tramadol toxicity in a cat: Case report and literature review of serotonin syndrome. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 16(7), 572–578. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X14539088   2.      Pugh, C. M., Sweeney, J. T., Bloch, C. P., Lee, J. A., Johnson, J. A., & Hovda, L. R. (2013). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis in cats: 33 cases (2004-2010). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 23(5), 565–570. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12091   3.      Thomas, D. E., Lee, J. A., & Hovda, L. R. (2012). Retrospective evaluation of toxicosis from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: 313 dogs (2005-2010). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 22(6), 674–681. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-4431.2012.00805.x   If you'd like to learn more about Veterinary Psychopharmacology, then my PSYCHOACTIVE course is for you! Follow the link below to get access to PSYCHOACTIVE – PRACTICAL VETERINARY PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY Use SUMMER50 for a 50% Discount this summer 2025!   https://katrin-jahn.mykajabi.com/psychoactive   If you liked this episode of the show, The Pet Behaviour Chat, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!   Facebook Group: Join The Veterinary Behaviour Community on Facebook   You can CONNECT with me: Website: Visit my website Trinity Veterinary Behaviour Instagram: Follow Trinity Veterinary Behaviour on Instagram Trinity Veterinary Behaviour Facebook: Join us on Trinity Veterinary Behaviour's Facebook page Trinity Veterinary Behaviour YouTube: Subscribe to Trinity Veterinary Behaviour on YouTube LinkedIn Profile: Connect with me on LinkedIn   Thank you for tuning in!