Acute & emergency · UKMLA & AKT
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) overdose
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) overdose — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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