Serotonin is probably the most common target of treatments for fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS). We're frequently prescribed medications that raise serotonin levels, and many of the common supplements we take also boost serotonin.
Because of this, we're all at risk for a rare problem called serotonin syndrome. This condition is a consequence of having too much serotonin in your brain, and while it's easy to treat it can be hard to identify, and if it goes untreated serotonin syndrome can be deadly.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It has different jobs in different areas of your brain and body, but its functions include regulating the sleep/wake cycle and processing pain signals.
Studies show that many cases of FMS & ME/CFS are associated with low serotonin levels. The major symptoms of low serotonin include:
- Fatigue in spite of adequate rest
- Disturbed sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Hot flushes and temperature changes
- Headaches
- Changes in libido
- Depression
- Irritability
Serotonin Syndrome
While low serotonin levels can cause a lot of problems, high levels are bad, too. When they're dangerously high, it becomes serotonin syndrome. Typically, this condition is the result of taking 2 or more serotonin-boosting substances at the same time. It happens fast -- usually within 1 day of starting a new drug or supplement.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Difficulty controlling your muscles
- Rapid breathing
- Changes in pulse rate or rhythm
- Fever
- Headache
- Rigid muscles
For more symptoms, substances that can contribute to serotonin syndrome, how it's treated, and other disorders linked with use or discontinuation of serotonin-boosting drugs, read:
If you suspect serotonin syndrome, it's important that you get medical help right away, and make sure the doctor you see knows about your new medications or supplements -- serotonin syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed, and the bias many health-care workers have against those of us with FMS and ME/CFS could cause them to write off your symptoms as part of the "issues" they think we have.
For more information about serotonin's role, low serotonin, and different ways to increase your levels, see:
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Would rigid muscles be foot crampin where your toes curl funny and you cant control it?
Vicky,
Good question! The foot cramping you describe would be more of a muscle spasm. Rigid muscles are just hard and stiff for long periods of time.
I had ssyndrome several years ago after a surgery that was supposed to be 1 1/2 turned into a 5 hr. Was taking prozac &trazondone. I aked Baylor if they were sure. yes. NO! I became paranoid, confused to where I thought i had alzheimers &parkinsonsor MS. Went to internist..referred me to a psych. No! Saw ob 5months later..needed surgery.NO!Told her what happened.took about 5 months to get over it and lost a job. she said u have s syn. no info on aolbut had a book that I had. can be Fatal. Docters need to be responsible for cross referencing. Trazadone u needto be offseveralmonths(3)Drs don’t know how it reacts w/ anes. I am still angrythat i have had to research this,talk w,toxicolgist,but Glad to be alive. MY mother inNC had ssynd i believe for 5 years. she had been on aricept.lexapro,trazadone&ultram. i had to callher& tellher that you can’t mix ssriw/ ultram.you have had ss 5y not alzheimers. She died 16months ago. She had stopped the lex to serquel. Trazondone and seroquel can dehydrateyou then u clot and she died. pleaase research and make yur Dr listen or go elsewhere.
Autumn, I am so sorry about your mother. Another
thought for the future: Perhaps your pharmacist
can back you up with your Dr. in a case like this.
Drs. can be stubborn butts sometimes. It is so
painful to have to be the ones to pay for their ignorance. Again, I am very sorry for your loss. Mary
I was on Ultram and trazodone several years ago. When I upped dosage of trazodone as prescribed it almost killed me. I felt like I was falling off skyscraper and could not breathe. I induced vomiting or I would be dead. I continued to have so much pressure on side of head I thought I was going to have a stroke. I went to ER and he sent me back to rheumatologist. To make a long story short that was last medication she would prescribe for me so I was wasting my time with her. It is easy to blame the doctors regarding meds but the real fault lies into drug companies who lie about side effects or duration of clinical trials just to get drug approved by FDA. They do not care about people’s reaction just the big bucks and by time unlisted side effects emerge and lawsuits start they have already made big bucks from it so it is no big deal. We are victims from all angles and have to document everything in regards to new medication and report it to a rare physician who actually cares about their patients.