Serotonin Syndrome in Pregnancy

Nurs Womens Health. 2015 Aug-Sep;19(4):345-9. doi: 10.1111/1751-486X.12220.

Abstract

Millions of people take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression and anxiety, so nurses and other clinicians need to be aware of the potential for serotonin toxicity and serotonin syndrome. These conditions can occur when women taking SSRIs are given additional medications in the labor and birth or postpartum settings. Symptoms can have an acute onset and can include delirium, fever and hypertension. Understanding the mechanism and symptoms of serotonin syndrome can lead to timely treatment of this unusual condition.

Keywords: SSRI; pregnancy; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; serotonin syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Serotonin Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Serotonin Syndrome / therapy*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors