Which symptom is associated with tachycardia in serotonin syndrome?

Which symptom is associated with tachycardia in serotonin syndrome?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Serotonin syndrome causes autonomic overactivity from excess serotonin, so an increased heart rate is a common feature as part of the sympathetic response. Tachycardia appears with this sympathetic surge and is often seen alongside hypertension and sweating. Hypotension, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia don’t fit the typical autonomic pattern of this syndrome—blood pressure is usually elevated, body temperature tends to be high, and glucose changes aren’t a defining sign. Therefore, tachycardia best fits the symptom profile of serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome causes autonomic overactivity from excess serotonin, so an increased heart rate is a common feature as part of the sympathetic response. Tachycardia appears with this sympathetic surge and is often seen alongside hypertension and sweating. Hypotension, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia don’t fit the typical autonomic pattern of this syndrome—blood pressure is usually elevated, body temperature tends to be high, and glucose changes aren’t a defining sign. Therefore, tachycardia best fits the symptom profile of serotonin syndrome.