Serotonin syndrome in a patient taking Lexapro and Flexeril: a case report.

Author(s): Day LT, Jeanmonod RK

Affiliation(s): Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12207, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-11, Am J Emerg Med., 26(9):1069.e1-3.

Publication type: Case Reports

The serotonin syndrome is a rare toxicological emergency increasingly seen in emergency practice, secondary to increased use of proserotinergic drugs. In this case report, the condition is described in a patient taking the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor Lexapro and the muscle-relaxant Flexeril. Based on this case, Cyclobenzaprine should be considered on the growing list of medications that can precipitate the serotonin syndrome. With the increasing prevalence of proserotinergic polypharmacy, this uncommon toxidrome should be considered by the alert emergency medicine physician.