Investigations
1st investigations to order
clinical diagnosis
Test
Diagnosis of serotonin toxicity is primarily clinical, and diagnostic tests are rarely required unless other differential diagnoses are being considered.
Result
features of serotonin toxicity
Investigations to consider
FBC
Test
Performed in patients with suspected infection.
Result
may be normal, may show leukocytosis if infection is present
creatine phosphokinase
Test
Performed in patients who present with clonus to assess for rhabdomyolysis and to exclude other causes.
Result
may be elevated
ECG
Test
An ECG may be performed in patients with suspected serotonin toxicity because some agents also cause cardiac toxicity (QT prolongation), importantly citalopram and escitalopram.
Result
may show tachycardia
blood cultures
Test
Considered to help exclude central nervous system infection as a cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Result
normal
lumbar puncture
Test
Considered to help exclude central nervous system infection as a cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Result
normal
CT or MRI head
Test
Considered to help exclude central nervous system infection as a cause of the patient’s symptoms.
Result
normal
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer