Serotonin Syndrome Due to Overdose Intake of SSRI

Abstract

Sertraline is a selective serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (1). This group of drugs reversibly blocks reuptake of 5-HT in the synaptic range (1). It is effective in the treatment of sertraline depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating and personality disorders. It is widely reported that sertraline is efficacious and well-tolerated (2). Fluvoxamine acts as an antiobsessional and antidepressant by selectively affecting the presynaptic gaps (3). Like Fluvoxamine and sertralin, paroxetine is also an SSRI. The therapeutic index of SSRIs is considerably wide. Mortality brought about by SSRIs only is rare (4). Our case is a 25-year-old female patient who attempted suicide by ingesting an overdose of her prescription medications: 60 units of 100-mg Faver (Fluvoxamine), 20 of 50-mg Setral (Setraline), and 10 of 20-mg Paxil (Paroxetine). Case Report