Delayed onset serotonin syndrome in the setting of polypharmacy

Abstract

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but well-known condition that can be life-threatening if not diagnosed early. Onset is usually within 4 to 13 h of starting the offending medication. We present a case of delayed onset of serotonin syndrome that presented after 48 h. Polypharmacy played a role in causing the onset of symptoms. Clinicians should keep a high index of suspicion for serotonin syndrome when dealing with elderly confused patients who take multiple medications even when the onset is delayed or atypical because the outcome can be disastrous.

Keywords

• serotonin
• polypharmacy