Substance
Antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

[Other Names]
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Bupropion
Fluvoxamine

Pathology
CNS depression, excessive stimulation of serotonin receptors.

Symptoms
Serotonin syndrome: hypomania, confusion, myoclonus, diaphoresis, hyperreflexia, tremor, hyperthermia, agitation, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, ataxia, seizures, coma.

Emergency Measures
Maintenance of airway, breathing, and circulation; oral adminstration of activated charcoal to adsorb ingested drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Cooling measures for febrile patients, e.g., those with serotonin excess.

Comments
SSRIs are less likely than tricyclic antidepressants to cause airway compromise, cardiac dysrhythmias, coma, ICU admission, or death. Drugs (such as alcohol or sedatives) that are coingested with SSRIs may pose health risks.