Acute & emergency · UKMLA & AKT
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) overdose
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- SSRIs block SERT → excess synaptic 5-HT → overstimulation of 5-HT1A (autonomic/motor) and 5-HT2A (neuromuscular, hyperthermia) receptors
- Severe serotonin syndrome is more often caused by combinations of serotonergic drugs than single-agent overdose - classic pairs: SSRI + MAOI, tramadol, linezolid, lithium, MDMA
- Hyperthermia is muscle-generated heat, not hypothalamic set-point change - antipyretics are ineffective; stopping muscle hyperactivity is key
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