Question

A week after raising the dose of clomipramine, a patient treated for depression presents to the clinic with reports of change in mental status, fever, and hyperreflexxia. As the treating PMHNP, you know these symptoms are consistent with which of the following?

a. NMS
b. EPS
c. Hypertensive crisis
d. Serotonin syndrome

Answer 1

The symptoms described are consistent with serotonin syndrome, which can occur when there is an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system. Clomipramine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can cause serotonin syndrome when the dose is increased.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described, including change in mental status, fever, and hyperreflexia, are consistent with serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system. It can be caused by the use of certain medications, such as clomipramine, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). When the dose of clomipramine is increased, it can lead to an accumulation of serotonin, resulting in serotonin syndrome symptoms.